Second hit-and-run crash on University Parkway leaves pedestrian dead, FHP says

A Sarasota man on a bicycle was killed hit and killed by a vehicle on Sunday, the second fatal hit-and-run crash on University Parkway this weekend.

Florida Highway Patrol said in a news release that it happened about 11:30 p.m. Sunday near the Carolina Street intersection, not far from Highway 301, on University, which is the dividing line between Manatee and Sarasota counties.

An unknown vehicle was in the outside westbound lane of University, approaching Carolina. A man on a bicycle with a wheel barrow in tow was also traveling west on University, “partially in the bicycle and outside lane,” FHP said.

The vehicle hit the wheel barrow and fled the crash. The 58-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Anyone with information is asked to call FHP at 239-938-1800 or anonymously contact Manatee County Crime Stoppers at 866-634-8477.

The first crash happened at 8:20 p.m. Friday when a 65-year-old Sarasota man on a bicycle was hit crossing University on North Tuttle Avenue.

A third pedestrian also was hit and killed in Sarasota over the weekend. Just after 7 p.m. Saturday, FHP said, a car driving north on U.S. 41 / North Tamiami Trail hit a 67-year-old Sarasota man trying to cross near Collins Road.

This story was originally published February 21, 2022 at 11:32 AM.