CLEARWATER — Several palm trees and tree branches were left scattered on U.S. 19 near Drew Street at about 5 p.m. Friday, slowing down rush hour traffic, according to Clearwater police.
A tree service truck hauling palm tree cuttings on a trailer blew a tire while driving north on U.S. 19, police said, and crashed into a divider wall. Leaves and branches were scattered over the highway and a light pole was knocked over.
No one was injured in the incident, but traffic delays were expected in both directions. One southbound lane and two northbound lanes were reported open at about 7 p.m., police said. But delays are expected throughout the evening.
Contact Paige Fry at pfry@tampabay.com. Follow @paigexfry.