Policy in the works on roadside monuments

Discussion

August 6, 2010

Jeff Waters Suwannee Democrat The Suwannee Democrat Fri Aug 06, 2010, 03:47 PM EDT

Live Oak — Suwannee County Commissioners have tasked the County Coordinator and county attorney with finding possible solutions to the problem of roadside monuments on county rights-of-way.

The move follows an incident in which a roadside memorial to a Suwannee teen who died in a crash on 89th Road was removed by a homeowner near the monument.

The grandmother of the victim, Gretta Barker, appeared before the commissioners last month seeking help.

Travis Turner died Aug. 5, 2007 from injuries he sustained in a July 29 crash on 89th Road. The driver of the vehicle was arrested and charged with having no valid driver’s license in a crash involving serious injury/death. Courtney Newton, of Dallas, Ga., was ordered by a Suwannee County judge to have a marker, or monument, be placed at the site of Turner’s death. Newton complied with the order and paid for a monument.

The homeowner near where the monument was placed told the Democrat previously that she accidentally knocked the monument down while mowing. Barker has carried the monument around in her van since retrieving it on June 19.

Commissioner Douglas Udell said County Coordinator Joe Gerrity and County Attorney Hal Airth will look into crafting a policy on roadside monuments. He said the matter should be resolved quickly so Barker can move on with her life.

“This is very serious to her,” Udell said. “I want to see it erected. This is a message for people to drive careful and be safe.”

The issue is scheduled to be heard at the Aug. 17 commission meeting, which begins at 4 p.m. at City Hall.

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