Mulberry, FL : Mulberry woman struck, killed walking near Highway 60 in Polk County on early Sunday, August 17, 2014

A 45-year-old Mulberry woman died early Sunday after she was hit by a car while walking along Highway 60 in Polk County. Julie Ann Melvin was pronounced dead at the scene just after 3 am. According to a Polk County Sheriff's Office report Renee Lynn Costanza was traveling west in her 2010 Toyota Corolla approaching the intersection of 5th Ave. NW in Mulberry when she struck the pedestrian. The report states Melvin was standing in a travel lane when she was struck. Costanza, a 24-year-old Tampa resident, attempted to brake to avoid hitting the woman but was unsuccessful. After impact she looked for a safe place to turn around and went back to look for the victim. Costanza called 9-1-1 and emergency service personnel and Polk deputies were dispatched to the scene. The roadway was closed for approximately four hours while investigators collected data and spoke with witnesses. Costanza and a passenger in her vehicle were not injured. Alcohol and speed are not believed to have played a factor in the crash. No charges have been filed as the investigation continues. Source : Mulberry woman struck, killed walking near Highway 60