FHP investigates fatal crash on Lakewood Ranch Boulevard

The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a one-vehicle crash along Lakewood Ranch Boulevard this morning that resulted in the deaths of two people and closed north and southbound traffic on a section of the roadway until 1:15 p.m.

The Florida Highway Patrol website reports officers were dispatched to 6488 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, at Clubhouse Drive, at 5:16 a.m. A deputy from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office said a vehicle traveling southbound on Lakewood Ranch Bouelvard from State Road 70 was driving more than 80 mph in 35 mph zone and crashed into a tree after failing to negotiate a small curve in the road. 

FHP blocked off vehicular traffic from about Parkside Place to Clubhouse Drive following the accident. 

From community sidewalks, which also were blocked off closer to the scene of the accident, pedestrians could see debris, including a lone tire, a remnant that looked like a front bumper and the main body of the vehicle, crumbled and collapsed.