TAMPA, Fla. — A community in Ybor City is rallying behind a beloved bartender.
Robert Kirkland was struck by a driver who drove off Saturday night on North 15th Avenue and South Ybor Frontage Road near the La Segunda Bakery. Since the crash, friends and loved ones have raised thousands of dollars to pay for his medical expenses.
"I was knocked out of my shoes," Kirkland said. "I'm just really thankful for the people that love me."
Kirkland said he was skateboarding his way to work when a driver struck him just before 9 p.m. Loved ones said Kirkland remained unconscious on the ground for minutes until another friend found him.
"All I remember is seeing that there's a stop sign, and there's a car coming down, but I can go, you know? There's a stop sign," Kirkland said.
Kirkland said the driver appeared to be far before he was knocked out.
Speaking less than 24 hours since being released from Tampa General Hospital, loved ones said they admire Kirkland for his warmth and personality. As a bartender at the Reservoir Bar and an active member of the local skateboarding community, friends said Kirkland didn't deserve what happened to him.
"He's a good dude. He takes care of everybody," said friend Marley Bando. "He's got love."
As someone who's humble and doesn't like to ask for help, friend Stellah Williams said it was important for friends to put together a GoFundMe.
"He literally will do anything for anyone," Williams said. "I don't think very many people in this community, if any, can say anything negative about how he is as a human."
Kirkland said his face remains numb after one of his nerves got skewed. He said he'll be out of work for some time as he recovers. Medics had to perform surgery on the left side of his face.
Kirkland's father, who is also named Robert, said he drove from the panhandle to help his son upon getting the call.
"He's got a good heart and he pretty much raised himself from 16 years old," Kirkland's father said.
As of Thursday evening, the community has raised nearly $17,000 for Kirkland's medical expenses through GoFundMe.
Despite the impact the crash has had on Kirkland, he said he's grateful for all the support he has received from friends and time with his father.
"I kind of got lost a little bit for a long time, just thinking other things are more important," he said.
Police describe the suspected vehicle as being a silver car, possibly a Kia Optima. The driver was described as a tall, skinny male approximately 20 to 30 years of age wearing a gray sweater or hoodie.
If you'd like to donate to the GoFundMe friends had set up, visit this link.