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Stuart Today
By the People, for the People
Florida Sheriff Urges Faster Widening of 'Death-Funnel' Highway
State Road 710 north of Indiantown has seen 31 fatal crashes in the last 10 years, killing 29 people in Martin County.
Mar. 27, 2026 at 9:04am
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Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek is calling on state transportation officials to accelerate the widening of State Road 710 north of Indiantown, which he has described as a "death-funnel" due to the high number of fatal crashes on the two-lane highway with narrow shoulders.
Why it matters
The stretch of State Road 710 north of Indiantown has been the site of numerous fatal crashes over the past decade, with three people killed on average each year. The narrow highway and lack of room for drivers to evade accidents has made this a dangerous section of road that needs to be addressed.
The details
According to Sheriff Budensiek, no deaths have occurred on State Road 710 south of Indiantown since a widening project was completed there in 2017. However, the 33.7-mile stretch of the highway north of Indiantown in Martin and Okeechobee counties has seen 31 fatal crashes in the last 10 years, resulting in 29 deaths in Martin County alone. Budensiek has shared statistics, photos, and video with Martin County commissioners, urging them to advocate for a speedier widening project. While design work is underway, the Florida Department of Transportation needs to acquire land, which could take up to two years, and construction may not start until 2030 or 2031.
- In the last 10 years, 31 fatal crashes have occurred on 33.7 miles of State Road 710 in Martin and Okeechobee counties.
- Three people have been killed on average each year on State Road 710 north of Indiantown for the past 10 years.
- No deaths have occurred on State Road 710 south of Indiantown since a widening project was completed there in 2017.
- Design work for the widening project on State Road 710 north of Indiantown is underway, but the Florida Department of Transportation needs to acquire land, which could take up to two years.
- Construction on the widening project may start in 2030, but it may be 2031 before work begins in Martin County.
The players
John Budensiek
The Martin County Sheriff who is urging state officials to accelerate the widening of State Road 710 north of Indiantown.
Florida Department of Transportation
The state agency responsible for the widening project on State Road 710 north of Indiantown, which is currently in the design phase but delayed due to the need to acquire land.
What they’re saying
“State Road 710 north of Indiantown is a "death-funnel,”
— John Budensiek, Martin County Sheriff
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.
