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Hendry County adopts 'Move Over for Ken' resolution and urges stronger state penalties
Summary
The board adopted a resolution supporting the Move Over for Ken campaign, urging more funding for awareness and legislative changes to Florida statute 316.126 after a local tow operator, Ken Spassato, was killed while assisting a motorist.
The Hendry County Board of County Commissioners on May 27 adopted a resolution supporting the Move Over for Ken campaign and urged the Florida Legislature and state agencies to increase outreach and strengthen penalties under Florida’s Move Over law.
The resolution cites Florida statute 316.126 and statistics cited in the resolution from the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles for February 2024: more than 17,000 citations statewide for move-over violations and 205 crashes attributed to failures to obey the law, resulting in 17 serious injuries and one fatality.
The resolution, read into the record, calls for increased state funding for an enhanced awareness campaign (billboards and social media) and urges the legislature to amend Fla. Stat. §316.126 ‘‘to strengthen penalties for violators in situations where individuals are seriously injured or death occurs.’’ It also directs the clerk to send a copy of the adopted resolution to the governor and the county legislative delegation.
A family member of Ken Spassato addressed the commission during public comment, describing Spassato’s April 14 death while working as a tow operator in Highlands County and urging commissioners to help push state action. ‘‘Ken did everything right, but it wasn’t enough,’’ the family member said. She urged a statewide publicity and legislative push, including an annual Move Over awareness day and stiffer criminal penalties for repeat or injury-causing violations.
Commissioners voiced support and reported coordination with statewide groups. Commissioner Mitchell Wills and others said they would pursue support through the Florida Association of Counties and the county’s legislative contacts.
The resolution was adopted by the board; the text on the record directs county staff to transmit it to Governor Ron DeSantis and the county’s legislative delegation.
