EUSTIS, Fla. — A longtime Lake County business owner says he believes a road project will hurt his pharmacy.

What You Need To Know

  • Bay Pharmacy’s George Warren Jr. is speaking out against an FDOT project on SR-19 in Eustis

  • Warren says a plan to add bulb-outs will take away much needed curbside service parking spots

  • FDOT says they have worked with business owners to address concerns

  • City of Eustis supports the project, which aims to make it safer for pedestrians and drivers

George Warren Jr. says the plan for State Road 19 will hurt Bay Pharmacy in downtown Eustis.

“I’ve used the word business homicide, and I think they’re committing it with us,” he said.

Construction is underway on an FDOT pedestrian and driving safety project on State Road-19.

In Eustis, State Road 19, a key north-south route in Lake County, splits into Bay Street and Grove Street.

“I feel betrayed. We’ve been here 63 years, right? And we’re more than just pharmacy in downtown. We’re like an anchor,” said Warren.

Besides resurfacing — to make it safer for pedestrians to walk through downtown — and to slow down drivers, raised crosswalks and flashing beacons will also get added.

And in front of Warren’s pharmacy, bulb-outs, or curb extensions will be built.

“So when it curves around, I’ll be three parking places down,” he said.

Parking is not always easy to come by in downtown Eustis. The spaces used for the bulb-out serve as curbside service for Bay Pharmacy.

Without them, Warren worries it will drive patients away from his store.

“I don’t think they really took into account the buildings that are here, and what we do, so nobody asked me about it,” he said.

FDOT has installed bulb-outs at other spots in Lake County, including on State Road 50 in Groveland.

During their presentation to Eustis, FDOT officials say these curb extensions “help to define on-street parking areas, improve sight distance and help to encourage safer driver speeds.”

FDOT spokesman Tim Freed says they tried to work with local business owners to address concerns.

“In this case, adjustments were made to the design near Bay Pharmacy to allow for three parallel parking spaces in front of the business,” said Freed. “Additionally, the southern bulb-out near the business was reduced to provide additional space for vehicle maneuverability in and out of the parking area.”

Warren also blames the city of Eustis and its leaders.

“I feel like they’re just not listening,” said Warren.

Jamie Lanford, spokesperson for the city of Eustis, says the city is fully supportive of the effort.

“Once completed, the updates will make downtown Eustis safer to walk, safer to drive, and more inviting for both residents and visitors,” said Lanford. “We believe this project will ultimately strengthen the vibrancy of our community and support continued growth and economic development.”

The road work should wrap up by the end of the year.