BRADENTON, Fla. — Law enforcement will be on high alert Wednesday evening, seeking out impaired drivers on what’s become known as “Drinksgiving” or “Black-Out Wednesday.”
The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is considered one of the heaviest drinking days of the year and busiest travel days.
Leesa Holmes of Bradenton knows the consequences of those who choose to drink and drive all too well. On Nov. 2nd, Leesa's daughter Sara Holmes was driving home from work when she was hit and killed by a drunk driver.
"She was so full of life, so full of life," Leesa said. "She had a laugh that was contagious. She was the type of person the world needs more of."
Leesa said Sara's superpower was making those around her feel loved and understood.
"It’s not like she did anything spectacular, it’s that she was spectacular as a person, how she made people feel," she said.
Sara and her two young daughters had been living with Leesa in Bradenton before the crash. Today, that home is filled with photos of Sara and bouquets from a recent celebration of life, reminders of a loved one they'll never see again.
"Her daughters were robbed of their mom. I was robbed of my daughter. Her dad was robbed of his daughter," Leesa said through tears.
On the evening of the crash, Sara was driving home from a waitressing shift with her boyfriend. At the intersection of 43rd and Cortez Blvd, a driver ran a red light and crashed into her car. She was less than half a mile from home.
"Whenever Sara was coming home she always texted me. 'Do you need anything? Do we need anything?' I so wished I would have said we needed something," Lessa said.
Bradenton Police said the other driver, 25-year-old Cesar Navarrete had been speeding aggressively. He was traveling so fast that he allegedly split Sara's car in two on impact.
Moreover, his blood alcohol level was more than three times the legal limit.
"If anybody thinks it’s ok to drink and drive, it’s not, it’s not worth it. I wouldn’t wish this pain that I feel on anybody," Leesa said.
Leesa urges everyone to never drink and drive, or allow others to drink and drive.
"It’s very selfish. If you can afford to drink, you can afford an Uber or a Lyft," she said. "It is not worth it. It is not worth it to cause such anguish and pain to a family."
Navarrete faces charges of DUI manslaughter and driving with a suspended license. He was denied bond.
Bradenton Police is still seeking out additional witnesses to the crash that killed Sara. If you saw anything, you're urged to contact them.
Leesa Holmes is now caring for Sara's two young daughters. If you'd like to help support them through this challenging time, click here to be redirected to their fundraising page.
Starting Wednesday, AAA launched its seasonal “Tow-To-Go” program aimed at curbing impaired driving. You can get a local ride for one person and their vehicle to a safe location within a 10-mile radius.
The number is: (855) 2-tow-2-go or (855) 286-9246
It is free and available to AAA members and non-members.