HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES STAFF ANALYSIS
BILL #: CS/CS/HB 389 Transportation Facility Designations
SPONSOR(S): Infrastructure Strategies Committee, Transportation & Modals Subcommittee, Roach
TIED BILLS: IDEN./SIM. BILLS:
REFERENCE ACTION ANALYST STAFF DIRECTOR or
BUDGET/POLICY CHIEF
1) Transportation & Modals Subcommittee 16 Y, 0 N, As CS Walker Hinshelwood
2) Infrastructure & Tourism Appropriations 11 Y, 0 N Hicks Davis
Subcommittee
3) Infrastructure Strategies Committee 23 Y, 0 N, As CS Walker Harrington
SUMMARY ANALYSIS
State law authorizes legislative designations of transportation facilities, such as bridges, interchanges, or
portions of roads, for honorary or memorial purposes or to distinguish a particular facility. Legislative
designations do not change the official names of the facilities and do not require local governments and private
entities to change street signs, mailing addresses, or 911 emergency telephone system listings to account for
the designations. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) may not erect markers for each
designation unless the appropriate city or county commission enacts a resolution supporting the designation.
The bill creates 13 designations for various transportation facilities across the state and directs FDOT to erect
suitable markers for each designation.
The bill will have an insignificant negative fiscal impact to the State Transportation Trust Fund associated with
erecting suitable markers for the designations. The cost can be absorbed within FDOT’s existing resources.
The bill provides an effective date of July 1, 2024.
This docum ent does not reflect the intent or official position of the bill sponsor or House of Representatives .
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FULL ANALYSIS
I. SUBSTANTIVE ANALYSIS
A. EFFECT OF PROPOSED CHANGES:
Present Situation
Transportation Facility Designations
Under current law, the Legislature may designate a transportation facility, such as a bridge,
interchange, or portion of a road, for honorary or memorial purposes or to distinguish a particular
facility. Legislative designations do not officially change the existing names of the facilities and do not
require local governments or private entities to change street signs, mailing addresses, or 911
emergency telephone-number system listings to account for the designations.1
Regarding the naming of state buildings and other facilities, state law provides that except as
specifically provided by law, state buildings, roads, bridges, parks, recreational complexes, and other
similar facilities may not be named for a living person.2
Transportation Facility Markers
When the Legislature establishes road or bridge designations, the Florida Department of Transportation
(FDOT) is required to place a marker at each terminus or intersection of the highway segment or bridge
designated and may erect other markers it deems appropriate for the designated transportation facility. 3
Markers may not be erected until the appropriate city or county commission passes a resolution in
support of the particular designation. Additionally, if the designated facility is located in multiple cities or
counties, each affected local government must pass a resolution in support of the designation before
FDOT can install the markers.4
Effect of the Bill
The bill requires FDOT to erect suitable markers for each of the following designations:
Deputy Sheriff Christopher Taylor
The bill designates that portion of I-75 between U.S. 17/Duncan Road and Harbor View Road in
Charlotte County as “Deputy Sheriff Christopher Taylor Memorial Highway.”
On November 22, 2022, 23-year-old Deputy Sheriff Christopher Taylor was struck by a drunk driver
while conducting a traffic stop on I-75 near mile marker 163 in Punta Gorda. Deputy Sheriff Taylor
served with the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office for 15 months. 5
Army Specialist Nicholas Panipinto
The bill designates that portion of U.S. 19 between Palm View Road and Terra Ceia Road in Manatee
County as “Army Specialist Nicholas Panipinto Memorial Highway.”
On November 6, 2019, United States Army Specialist Nicholas Panipinto died during training in Seoul,
South Korea.6 Panipinto was assigned to Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd
Brigade, 1st Calvary Division out of Fort Hood, Texas.7
1 S. 334.071(1), F.S.
2 S. 267.062(1), F.S.
3 S. 334.071(2), F.S.
4 S. 334.071(3), F.S.
5 Officer Down Memorial Page, Deputy Sheriff Christopher Taylor, https://www.odmp.org/officer/26469-deputy-sheriff-
christopher-taylor (last visited Feb. 9, 2024).
6 My Fallen Soldiers, Panipinto, Nicholas, https://myfallensoldiers.com/2019/11/06/panipinto -nicholasarmy-specialist/ (last
visited Feb. 9, 2024).
7 Brown and Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory, Nicholas C. Panipinto Obituary,
https://www.brownandsonsfuneral.com/obituary/nicholas -panipint o (last visited Feb. 9, 2024).
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Dylan Roberts
The bill designates the mid-block crossing and pedestrian hybrid beacon on that portion of East
University Avenue/S.R. 26 between Northeast 26th Terrace and Southeast 26th Terrace in Alachua
County as “Dylan Roberts Memorial Crosswalk”.
On October 27, 2021, four-year-old Dylan Roberts was struck by a car while he was crossing University
Avenue to return home from Fred Cone Park. To honor his memory, a crosswalk was installed across
East University Avenue between Northeast 26th Terrace and Southeast 26th Terrace in Alachua
County.8
AWF3 Mohammed “Mo” Haitham
The bill designates those portions of the Gandy Bridge on U.S. 92 located within the geographical
boundaries of Hillsborough and Pinellas counties as “AWF3 Mohammed 'Mo' Haitham Memorial Way.”
On December 6, 2019, AWF3 Mohammed “Mo” Haitham was the victim of an active shooter at the
Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Florida. AWF3 Haitham has been described as a hero for his actions in
connection with the incident. AWF3 Haitham was scheduled to complete his flight crew training the
same month that he passed away.9
Deputy Sheriff George Pfeil
The bill designates that portion of S.R. 434 between S.R. 400 and Ronald Reagan Boulevard in
Seminole County as “Deputy Sheriff George Pfeil Memorial Highway.”
Deputy Sheriff Pfeil was a retired New York City police officer who served as a reserve deputy sheriff
after moving to Florida. On December 29, 1977, Deputy Sheriff George Pfeil was shot and killed when
he interrupted an armed robbery at a local pharmacy.10
Deputy Sheriff Robert Moore
The bill designates that portion of U.S. 17-92 between 1st Street and 25th Street in Seminole County
as “Deputy Sheriff Robert Moore Memorial Highway.”
Deputy Sheriff Moore served with the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office for eight months. On June 9,
1975, Deputy Sheriff Moore died of smoke inhalation while rescuing inmates during a fire at the
Seminole County Jail.11
Deputy Sheriff James Cleveland Jacobs
The bill designates that portion of C.R. 419 between Snow Hill Road and the Orange County line in
Seminole County as “Deputy Sheriff James Cleveland Jacobs Memorial Highway.”
Deputy Sheriff James Cleveland Jacobs served with the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office for two years.
On September 14, 1922, Deputy Sheriff Jacobs was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man for
theft.12
Abe Resnick
8 Seth Johnson, Gainesville Commission honors Chief Jones, remembers Dylan Roberts , Mainstreet Daily News (Oct. 19,
2023), https://www.mainstreetdailynews.com/govt-politics/gaines ville-commission-honors -tony-jones -remembers-dylan-
roberts (last visited Feb. 9, 2024).
9 The United States Navy Memorial, Mohammed Sameh “Mo” Haitham, https://navylog.navymemorial.org/haitham-
mohammed (last visited Feb. 29, 2024).
10 Officer Down Memorial, Reserve Deputy George A. Pfeil, Reserve Deputy George A. Pfeil, Seminole County Sheriff's
Office, Florida (odmp.org) (last visited Feb. 9, 2024).
11 Officer Down Memorial, Deputy Sheriff Robert 0. Moore, Jr., Deputy Sheriff Robert O. Moore, Jr., Seminole County
Sheriff's Office, Florida (odmp.org) (last visited Feb. 9, 2024).
12Officer Down Memorial Page, Deputy Sheriff James Cleveland Jacobs, https://www.odmp.org/officer/7012-deputy-
sheriff-james-cleveland-jacobs (last visited Feb. 9, 2024).
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The bill designates that portion of Bay Avenue between West 25th Street and West 27th Street in
Sunset Islands, Miami-Dade County as "Abe Resnick Drive."
Abe Resnick, a Holocaust survivor, lived in Miami-Dade County from 1960 until his death on
September 3, 1998. Abe Resnick was the first Hispanic Commissioner of the City of Miami Beach,
serving four terms from 1985 to 1993. Resnick also served as Vice Mayor of the City. 13
Pastor Rick Blackwood
The bill designates that portion of S.W. 168th Street between U.S. 1 and S.W. 89th Avenue in Miami-
Dade County as “Pastor Rick Blackwood Street.”
Reverend Dr. Rick Blackwood passed away on August 4, 2023. He served as lead pastor of Christ
Fellowship Church in South Florida for 23 years.14
Gus Kopelousos
The bill designates that portion of S.R. 16 between C.R. 225 and Rifle Range Road in Clay County as
“Gus Kopelousos Memorial Highway.”
Constantinos “Gus” Kopelousos of Starke, Florida, passed away on May 22, 2023, at the age of 85. 15
Mr. Kopelousos, raised by Greek immigrant parents, graduated from the University of Tampa and
subsequently took over the family business, the Garden Restaurant. 16
Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida
The bill designates that portion of S.R. 997/Krome Avenue/ W. 177th Avenue between S.W. 8th Street
and the entrance to the Miccosukee Casino & Resort in Miami-Dade County as “MICCO WAY.”
The Miccosukee Indians were originally part of the Creek Nation, and then migrated to Florida before it
became part of the United States. On January 11, 1962, the U.S. Secretary of the Interior approved the
Miccosukee Constitution and the Tribe was officially recognized as the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of
Florida.17
The Miccosukee have over 600 tribal members and three reservation areas in Florida, including the
Tamiami Trail Reservation area. The Miccosukee have made significant social, political, and economic
contributions to Miami-Dade County.18
Major John Leroy Haynes
The bill designates that portion of S.R. 59 between U.S. 90 and U.S. 27 in Leon and Jefferson Counties
as “Major John Leroy Haynes Memorial Highway.”
Major John Leroy Haynes completed 30 years of military service in the United States Marine Corps,
followed by almost 50 years of volunteer service to veterans and their families. Major Haynes received
numerous military and civilian awards, including the Purple Heart, the Navy and Marine Corps
Achievement Medal with Gold Star and Combat “V”, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal,
induction into the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame in 2013, and the Governor’s Medal of Merit in 2017.
13 City of Miami-Dade, Miami-Dade Legislative Item, File Number 990435,
https://www.miamidade.gov/govaction/matter. asp?matter=990425& file= false&yearFolder=Y1999 (last visited Feb. 9,
2024).
14 Miami Herald, Rev. Dr. Rick Black wood, https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/herald/name/rick -blackwood-
obituary?id=52928579, (last visited Feb. 9, 2024).
15 Echovita, Constantinos “Gus” Kopelousos, https://www.echovita.com/us/obituaries/fl/stark e/constantinos -k opelousos-
16448155 (last visited Feb. 9, 2024).
16 The Florida Times-Union, Constantinos Kopelousos, https://www.jack sonville.com/obituaries/pfla0495884 (last visited
Feb. 9, 2024).
17 Miccosukee Casino & Resort, History of the Miccosuk ee Tribe, https://miccosuk ee.com/miccosukee-tribe-history/ (last
visited Feb. 9, 2024).
18 Letter from Juan Fernandez-Barquin, Clerk of the Court and Comptroller, Miami-Dade County, Resolution No. R-116-23
of Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners, (Dec. 12, 2023).
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Even in his last year of life, he continued participation in 11 military service organizations and remained
active assisting veterans and military widows in obtaining their disability benefits. His work also
included visiting the gravesites of fallen heroes with a group of retired veteran friends. Major Haynes
passed away on November 14, 2023 at age 93.19
E.C. Summerlin Family Bridge
The bill designates the new S.R. A1A North Causeway Bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway in St.
Lucie County as “E.C. Summerlin Family Bridge.” This designation replaces the “D.H. ‘Banty’ Saunders
Bridge” designation.20
The Summerlin name has been connected with Florida since 1770, when members of the family came
from England and Scotland and settled on the St. Mary's River in the border between the British colony
of Georgia and the Spanish colony of Florida. In 1888, Edward Cabell Summerlin and his wife,
Pollyanna, arrived near St. Lucie Village. Edward Cabell Summerlin and his wife had 14 children. More
than 250 people of varying degrees of kinship to E.C. Summerlin have spread over the Treasure Coast
and the state.21
B. SECTION DIRECTORY:
Section 1: Creates honorary transportation facility designations; directs FDOT to erect suitable
markers.
Section 2: Amends Sections 1 and 2 of chapter 65-781, Laws of Florida.
Section 3: Provides an effective date of July 1, 2024.
II. FISCAL ANALYSIS & ECONOMIC IMPACT STATEMENT
A. FISCAL IMPACT ON STATE GOVERNMENT:
1. Revenues:
None.
2. Expenditures:
FDOT estimates a cost of $1,800 per designation for the appropriate markers, which provides for
two signs per designation at $900 per sign.22 Therefore, the bill has an estimated negative fiscal
impact of $23,400 to the State Transportation Trust Fund. This cost can be absorbed within existing
FDOT resources.23
B. FISCAL IMPACT ON LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
1. Revenues:
None.
2. Expenditures:
None.
19 Tallahassee Democrat, Major John L. Haynes, (Nov. 18, 2023), https://www.tallahassee.com/obituaries/psar0631025
(last visited Feb. 15, 2024).
20 Ch. 65-781, Laws of Fla.
21 Treasure Coast Palm, Summerlins celebrate their Treasure Coast Legacy,
https://archive.tcpalm.com/news/summerlins-celebrate-t heir-treasure-coast-legacy-ep-400832953-347895831.html (last
visited Feb. 9, 2024).
22 Email from Jack Rogers, Legislative Affairs Director, Department of Transportation, FW: road designation sign costs,
(Oct. 10, 2023).
23 Id.
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C. DIRECT ECONOMIC IMPACT ON PRIVATE SECTOR:
None.
D. FISCAL COMMENTS:
None.
III. COMMENTS
A. CONSTITUTIONAL ISSUES:
1. Applicability of Municipality/County Mandates Provision:
Not applicable. This bill does not appear to affect county or municipal governments.
2. Other:
None.
B. RULE-MAKING AUTHORITY:
None.
C. DRAFTING ISSUES OR OTHER COMMENTS:
None.
IV. AMENDMENTS/COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE CHANGES
On January 25, 2024, the Transportation & Modals Subcommittee considered one amendment, which was
adopted, and reported the bill favorably as a committee substitute. The amendment changed the road
designation from “Officer Christopher Taylor Highway” to “Deputy Sheriff Christopher Taylor Memorial
Highway.”
On February 15, 2024, the Infrastructure Strategies Committee considered a Proposed Committee
Substitute (PCS) with one amendment, which was adopted, and reported the bill favorably as a committee
substitute. In addition to the Deputy Sheriff Christopher Taylor Memorial Highway, which was already in
the bill, the PCS creates the following transportation facility designations:
Army Specialist Nicholas Panipinto Memorial Highway;
Dylan Roberts Memorial Crosswalk;
AWF3 Mohammed 'Mo' Haitham Memorial Way;
Deputy Sheriff George Pfeil Memorial Highway;
Deputy Sheriff Robert Moore Memorial Highway;
Deputy Sheriff James Cleveland Jacobs Memorial Highway;
Pastor Rick Blackwood Street;
Gus Kopelousos Memorial Highway;
MICCO WAY;
Major John Leroy Haynes Memorial Highway; and
E.C. Summerlin Family Bridge
The analysis is drafted to the committee substitute as approved by the Infrastructure Strategies
Committee.
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