I-75 Warrior

Strapping Engines

2006-07-09T12:16:00.000-07:00

At right, this motorist shows another popular trend among drivers on Interstate 75 in Southwest Florida. Instead of buying vehicles with bigger motors, some drivers are just strapping on huge truck engines to the back of their pickups. This offers them superior speed and horsepower, and gives them an edge in rush-hour traffic.

It also allows them to drive on the shoulder area where it's illegal for other drivers.

One for the Road on I-75

2006-05-07T05:44:00.000-07:00

In an effort to whet drivers' whistles, the Florida Department of Transportation has taken some unusual steps. Drivers can now visit a number of roadside vendors who offer a startling array of refreshments. The heat in Southwest Florida is often unbearable, so measures such as these should help decrease the number of dehydration cases.

Thank you FDOT!

Sign Instructs on Proper Highway Crossing

2006-04-17T06:08:00.000-07:00

This sign along the southern end of Interstate 75 cautions pedestrians that there is a proper way to cross the highway. The sign shows a man with his head down running hard, along with a woman grasping a child's wrist so forcefully that the youngster becomes airborne.

The sign was installed after the Florida legislature determined that many pedestrians were unschooled in the best way to get across four lanes of traffic without incident.

Hopefully, people crossing will take heed: Run very fast in packs of three, keep your head down, and women and children nearer to on-coming traffic. Children should be lightweight and wear tight-fitting clothes to allow for better aerodynamics.

Thank you legislators!

Pre-Positioned Ambulances Make a Difference on I-75

2006-04-13T13:44:00.000-07:00

Local emergency services officials have decided recently to pre-position ambulances in strategic locations along Interstate 75 in anticipation of the numerous accidents that are a daily occurrence on this fine stretch of road.

The strategy has paid off, as I-75 continues to be an accident-prone road.

Thank you EMS!

Debris Removal Guy On I-75

2006-04-12T05:41:00.000-07:00

This Good Samaritan is frequently seen lumbering along I-75 picking up household goods that fall off peoples' vehicles throughout the week. Bicycles and furniture top the list.

The roadside rubble is becoming increasingly common throughout Florida as residents continue to flee The Sunshine State prior to hurricane season, which begins June 1.

Thank you Mr. Picker-Upper!

Church Near Interstate 75

2006-04-11T12:46:00.000-07:00

New Law Allows VIPs Shoulder Driving

2006-04-10T10:34:00.000-07:00

Florida highway officials recently passed legislation that allows some drivers to make the emergency shoulder area their very own private lane.

Dubbed "Operation Soft Shoulder," drivers must be Very Important People, and must verify that their time is much more valuable than your Average I-75 Warrior.

This lane is available only during rush hours.

Street Sweepers Scour I-75

2006-04-07T06:04:00.000-07:00

A little known fact about Interstate 75 is that street sweepers like this one parade up and down the pavement all day scouring the asphalt, lifting filth and grime, making Southwest Florida's major north-south route just that much nicer to drive on.

After all, a clean roadway is a happy roadway.

Thank you street sweepers!

Interstate 75 Doubles as Aircraft Runway

2006-04-06T10:43:00.000-07:00

As evidenced by the many lengthy skid marks, I-75 is a secondary runway and landing site for many of the smaller aircraft that are unable to get into Southwest Florida International Airport.

By the way, I bet you didn't know there is an airport named Skid Marks. It's in Willow, Alaska.

Back Your Bags, Honey, We're Going to Florida!

2006-04-05T09:23:00.000-07:00

Spending time enjoying Florida's outdoors is the natural thing to do. Just pack up your summer outdoor recreation gear, pile it into your Nissan Titan, and head out to find yourself a nice little hangout spot in the wetlands. The boat on top is a nice touch. Who needs a boat trailer, anyway?

And don't forget to hitch yourself a trailer on the back of your truck, and then cram that with everything else that doesn't fit up front.

Now that's what I call Florida fun!

FLORIDA FISHING