Motorcyclist struck on U.S. 98

Stanka Smedley, 30, of Gulf Breeze was charged for making an improper/unsafe U-turn after hitting a motorcyclist on Oct. 11 at the intersection of U.S. Highway 98 and Sea Lark Lane.

A Florida Highway Patrol incident report stated that Smedley’s SUV was facing westbound in the left turn lane of U.S. 98 and was stopped at the intersection of Sea Lark Lane.

A motorcyclist, driven by Roland Moreau, 57, of Gulf Breeze, was traveling eastbound in the outside lane of U.S. 98 approaching Sea Lark Lane.  

According to FHP, Smedley failed to see the motorcycle and began to make a U-turn to go back eastward. Moreau changed lanes onto the inside lane and at the same time, Smedley entered into the inside lane to complete the U-turn.

Moreau veered to the left toward the median and struck the SUV in the left rear. The motorcycle traveled into the median where it overturned onto its right side and came to rest facing north. The SUV came to a final rest partially in the median and partially on the inside eastbound lane of U.S. 98.

Moreau was transported to Baptist Hospital in Pensacola for minor injuries. Smedley did not suffer any injuries, according to the report. Damage to the SUV was estimated at $1,500 while the motorcycle damage was estimated at about $500.