Starting Monday, a new law will take effect in Florida that targets the issue of illegal street racing.
The legislation, formerly referred to as House Bill 7005, imposes harsher penalties on repeat offenders.
Sheriff John Mina has raised concerns about the prevalence of street racing in Orange County.
According to his statement, in 2023, there were over 1,000 citations given, more than 150 arrests made, and numerous vehicles seized in relation to street racing.
Those who commit multiple offenses will face more severe consequences under the state’s recently implemented law.
Committing the same offense for a second time, which used to be considered a misdemeanor, is now considered a felony and could lead to a prison sentence.
A man was bitten by a shark at Fernandina Beach and has been taken to the hospital in critical condition.
Moreover, the recently passed law increases the penalty for initial offenders, effectively doubling it from $1,000 to $2,000.
Mina is optimistic that the tougher penalties will deter potential offenders and ultimately lead to a safer community.
