After 2 fatalities, what's next for Florida’s Brightline high-speed rail service?

By: Lisa Broadt, Treasure Coast Newspapers

BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. — Jeffrey D. King and Melissa Lavell were struck and killed by Brightline trains six days and less than a half-mile apart.

Their deaths have sparked fierce debate about who is to blame — Brightline opponents argue the passenger railroad must take responsibility, while supporters point out that King and Lavell were trespassing. The deaths have also reignited questions about safety.

When Brightline begins full Miami-to-Orlando passenger service, possibly by 2020, pedestrians who cross the tracks daily to work, shop and go to school will be endangered, opponents have long said…