In advance of the 2015 launch of All Aboard Florida’s high speed rail service between Orlando and Miami, the City appointed an ad hoc High Speed Rail Commission to look into establishing quiet zones at crossings within the city.  All Aboard Florida’s bullet trains are expected to speed through Vero Beach at up to 110 mph. some 30 plus times a day.

Upgrading the seven railroad crossing within the city to allow for “quiet zones” will cost an estimated $3 million.  The ad hoc committee, chaired by former councilman Ken Daige, is joining other cities along the Miami to Orlando route in seeking state assistance to cover the cost of upgrading crossings.

News this week that Florida Power & Light’s negotiations with the Orlando Utilities Commission and the Florida Municipal Power Agency have not resulted in agreement on progress power purchase agreements has many proponents of the sale discouraged. Clearly, without flexible thinking and a renewed commitment to see the power sale through, Vero Beach may be facing yet another kind of potential train wreck.