CLEARWATER, FL (THECOUNT) — Elbert Gilbert, 60, of Clearwater, died Wednesday night after being struck in a hit-and-run crash on Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard, according to the Clearwater Police Department.
The incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. when Gilbert was crossing the street in a marked crosswalk. Officers reported that a vehicle, possibly a red 2020s Ford Mustang with front-end damage, hit Gilbert and fled the scene without stopping.
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Gilbert was immediately transported to a local hospital as a trauma alert with life-threatening injuries. Despite emergency treatment, he was pronounced dead later that evening.
The Clearwater Police Department is actively investigating the crash and is asking anyone with information regarding the identity of the driver or the vehicle involved to contact them at 727-562-4242. Authorities have not released further details regarding potential suspects at this time.
Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard is one of Clearwater’s main thoroughfares, running east-west from the Pinellas Bayway in the west to U.S. Highway 19 in the east. The roadway is heavily traveled by commuters, commercial vehicles, and local residents. Traffic safety concerns along the corridor include multiple intersections, crosswalks, and high vehicle volumes, particularly during evening hours. The crash occurred near the central section of the boulevard, which connects to key residential neighborhoods and business areas in Clearwater.
Clearwater is part of Pinellas County and has a population of approximately 120,000 residents. The city is a hub for both local and tourist traffic due to its proximity to Clearwater Beach and Interstate 275, which links the Tampa Bay region. Pedestrian safety along major city streets has been a longstanding concern for law enforcement and city planners, particularly during nighttime hours.
Hit-and-run crashes are taken seriously by Clearwater authorities. Florida law classifies leaving the scene of a crash resulting in death as a felony offense, with severe criminal penalties for those identified and apprehended. Officers often rely on eyewitness reports, traffic cameras, and vehicle evidence left at the scene to identify suspects in these cases.
Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard has been the site of multiple serious traffic incidents over the years, and the Clearwater Police Department regularly enforces speed limits and traffic regulations along the corridor to prevent accidents. Local authorities encourage residents and drivers to exercise caution, particularly in areas with marked pedestrian crosswalks.
Emergency response to this crash involved multiple Clearwater Police units and paramedics from the local fire department. The rapid response allowed Gilbert to be transported to the hospital quickly, but the injuries sustained were fatal.
The investigation remains ongoing. Police have requested the public’s assistance in identifying the driver and any witnesses who may have seen the vehicle prior to or after the collision. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Clearwater Police Department immediately at 727-562-4242.
Authorities confirmed that at this time, there are no additional injuries or vehicles involved. The focus of the investigation is solely on the hit-and-run driver and vehicle description provided by responding officers.
Pedestrian safety is a major priority in Clearwater, and officials continue to urge residents and visitors to use caution when walking along or crossing busy streets, particularly in high-traffic zones such as Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard. Crosswalk safety improvements, roadway lighting, and public awareness campaigns have been implemented in recent years to reduce fatalities and serious injuries in the city.
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