Florida
Florida ‘super speeders’ may face stiffer penalties
New bill targets Florida ‘super speeders’
Florida lawmakers are considering a bill that would stiffen penalties for so-called “super speeders:” those who drive at least 50 mph over the speed limit or are clocked driving 100 mph or faster. FOX 13’s Kailey Tracy reports.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida lawmakers want to pump the brakes on drivers exceeding the speed limit.
A new bill looks to increase the penalties for so-called super speeders. House Bill 351 defines super speeders as anyone driving 50 mph or more over the speed limit or driving 100 mph. Representative Susan Plasencia introduced the bill.
Why you should care:
The first offense could land you in jail for up to 90 days, or a fine of $500, or both. The second time, you could go to jail for up to six months, pay a fine of at least $5,000, or face both jail time and the fine.
You’ll also get your license suspended for one year.
READ: Accused driver offered plea deal for DUI crash that killed 19-year-old motorcyclist
In Orange County in January, deputies cited 101 drivers for going 100 miles per hour or more. In January of last year, they cited 29. Orange County Sheriff John Mina is a big supporter of the bill and says one of his priorities this year is to push for a law to increase penalties for super speeders.
What they’re saying:
“We put these signs out all the time that say, ‘Hey, you know, drive like your kids live here,’” Sheriff Mina said. “And if you’re going that fast in a residential area, that’s what I as a parent and that’s where most residents are concerned, you know, you’re going to hit a kid. You’re going to hit a dog. You’re going to you’re going to kill somewhere,” Sheriff Mina said.
What’s next:
The bill is currently in the Criminal Justice Subcommittee. If the bill is passed and the governor signs it into law, it will go into effect July 1.
The Source: This story was written with information gathered by FOX 13’s Kailey Tracy.
STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA:
South Florida is experiencing a prolonged stretch of wet weather as deep tropical moisture combines with a stalled frontal boundary across the region.
The result has been frequent showers, thunderstorms, periods of heavy rainfall, and localized flooding concerns from Broward to Miami-Dade and throughout the Keys.
The atmosphere is loaded with moisture, allowing storms to produce intense downpours in a short amount of time.
Some neighborhoods have already seen several inches of rain, with additional rounds of showers and thunderstorms expected through the end of the week.
Flood-prone streets and poor drainage areas remain especially vulnerable during the heaviest rainfall.
While the rain is helping ease drought conditions, it is also increasing the risk of flash flooding and travel delays.
South Florida is two weeks into its rainy season, when abundant heat and humidity combine to generate daily rounds of showers and thunderstorms.
Heavy rainfall, frequent lightning, and gusty winds are common features of this time of year.
The good news? Drier air will gradually filter into parts of the region heading into the weekend, allowing rain chances to slightly decrease. Until then, keep the umbrella handy and be prepared for sudden tropical downpours.
NEWS
A man is in custody after deputies said he tried to kidnap a woman at a Wawa near Winter park. Per investigators, Matthew Seaberg approached the victim from behind, picked her up by the waist, and threw her into his truck.
-
Detroit, MI12 minutes agoFired Detroit TV anchor Taryn Asher files sex discrimination lawsuit against old station, claims new GM protected men
-
San Francisco, CA22 minutes agoSan Francisco family devastated as they face nearly 90% rent increase
-
Dallas, TX27 minutes agoWings’ top pick Azzi Fudd hosts clinic as Cash App donates to Dallas nonprofit
-
Miami, FL34 minutes agoPatients left scrambling for care after Miami-Dade woman accused of operating an unlicensed surgery recovery center
-
Boston, MA36 minutes agoClover plans to reopen some locations after sudden closure, thanks to an anonymous investor
-
Denver, CO41 minutes agoNew report finds Denver metro home buyers and sellers experiencing ‘unattainability fatigue’
-
Seattle, WA49 minutes agoSeattle mayor grilled over public safety, affordability, CCTV
-
San Diego, CA51 minutes agoAutomated license plate readers and public surveillance cameras are coming to Imperial Beach
