BROOKSVILLE, Fla. — Dangerous and deadly — street racing is a problem the Tampa Bay area and other parts of Florida have faced for years and now, it's getting renewed attention from state lawmakers in Tallahassee.
Proposed bills are hoping to curb street racing with stricter penalties for drivers who participate and those who watch. It would build on current legislation that passed in 2022.
A Hernando County mother said she is supportive of more changes after she lost her son to a street racing crash one year ago.
"It's been hard. Believe me," Francis Simpson said.
Simpson lost her 13-year-old son Ethan Martin in January 2023. Without Simpson's knowledge, St. Pete police said his father brought his son to an illegal street racing event, where a man on a motorcycle struck him at more than 100 mph.
Criminal charges were dropped for his father while the accused motorcyclist, Carlos Fernandez, is awaiting trial. He is scheduled back in court Wednesday morning.
"It's breaking my heart," Simpson said of illegal street racing events still taking place. "It's like my son died and nobody [cared]."
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A proposed bill by Sen. Jason Pizzo, D-Miami, could force violators to lose their licenses for one year or longer with repeated violations.
Pizzo expressed at a committee meeting last week that the bill aims to deter drivers from taking part in the crime, especially teenagers and young adults.
Violators may have to pay a fine of up to $7,500 based on the number of violations, which could lead from misdemeanors to felonies. A first offense could cost up to $2,000.
The proposed bill would also enact harsher penalties for those blocking or interfering with emergency vehicles and gives a clearer definition of a "coordinated street takeover."
A similar bill by Republican lawmakers at the House is also moving through the Legislature. Both bills have one more committee stop before it goes for a vote.
Spectators may also have to pay $400 instead of the current $65.
Simpson hopes the steeper legislation will save lives but believes harsher penalties may be necessary to deter more drivers and watchers from taking part in the dangerous activities.
She warns the impact from the few minutes of joy can last a lifetime.
"You don't want to lose a brother, sister, nephew," Simpson said. "I miss him every day. It's not good."
If the bills are passed and signed by the governor, the new rules are expected to take effect in July.