Vice Mayor John McGovern addressed the community of Wellington in a recent meeting, emphasizing the urgent need for improved roadway safety and hurricane preparedness. He highlighted the alarming statistics surrounding roadway crashes, stating that even one crash is too many. Through the Vision 0 initiative, Wellington aims to eliminate severe traffic injuries and fatalities by encouraging community input on safety measures via the website wellingtonvisionzero.com.

As hurricane season approaches, McGovern urged residents to prepare for potential storms, referencing NOAA's forecast of 17 to 25 named storms this year. He advised the community to stock up on essential supplies and develop evacuation plans, particularly for vulnerable family members.

The meeting also marked the return to school, with McGovern and other council members stressing the importance of safety during this transition. Councilwoman Amanda Silvestri reminded parents to avoid distractions while driving and to be patient as families adjust to new school routines. Councilwoman Tanya Siskind encouraged the use of Wellington's multipurpose pathways for students traveling to school and urged parents to familiarize themselves with golf cart safety guidelines.

In addition to safety discussions, the meeting introduced Wellington's new senior transportation service, Freebee, which offers free shuttle rides for residents aged 55 and older. This service aims to enhance the quality of life for seniors by providing convenient transportation to essential destinations.

The meeting concluded with a call for community engagement in safety initiatives, reinforcing the message that collective efforts are crucial for ensuring a safe environment for all residents, especially children returning to school.