Golf Course Safety Concerns in Pembroke Pines
Residents are pushing for increased safety measures following a serious incident involving a golf ball injury.
Incident Overview
In an alarming incident earlier this month, James Grimes, a resident of Park Place in Pembroke Pines, suffered a serious injury caused by a golf ball. Just five days after moving into the community at the age of 66, Grimes was walking his dog when he was struck in the eye, rendering him unconscious.
“The ball literally knocked me out,” Grimes recounted. When he regained consciousness, he discovered blood on his hands, an alarming sign of the injury.
Community Concerns
This incident highlights ongoing safety concerns expressed by residents living adjacent to the city-owned golf course. Many residents have reported previous incidents of property damage due to stray golf balls.
- Florence Hirsch, a long-time resident, noted damage to her car windows shortly after moving in.
- Residents like Robert Heath have also experienced similar issues, with windshields shattered by stray balls.
- Marcia Storm narrowly escaped an injury when a golf ball nearly hit her head as she walked outside.
- Nancy Taylor reflected on the potential severity of the situation, stating, “I see what it did to my windshield, so I can imagine what it would do to my skull.”
Call for Action
As community concerns intensified, Grimes addressed Pembroke Pines city commissioners, urging them to implement safety measures to protect residents. He emphasized, “If you can possibly find a way to correct that problem or find a solution to that problem, you may save some lives.”
The city’s mayor, Angelo Castillo, acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, stating, “We all feel terrible about it. It’s a freak accident. It’s a beautiful golf course that they enjoy. We just have to make it a little safer.”
Future Measures
In light of the recent incident, Mayor Castillo committed to accelerate plans for enhanced safety measures, which include the installation of additional netting around the golf course. Though a specific timeline has yet to be established, the city will cover the installation costs.
Grimes expressed gratitude for the city’s willingness to take action, saying, “I know myself and the community will thank you for those actions. And that’s all we were asking for: a place to be safe in our own community.”
