The Florida Senate
BILL ANALYSIS AND FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
(This document is based on the provisions contained in the legislation as of the latest date listed below.)
Prepared By: The Professional Staff of the Committee on Fiscal Policy
BILL: CS/CS/CS/SB 868
INTRODUCER: Fiscal Policy Committee; Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and
Economic Development; Transportation Committee; and Senator Boyd
SUBJECT: Transportation Facility Designations
DATE: February 26, 2024 REVISED:
ANALYST STAFF DIRECTOR REFERENCE ACTION
1. Johnson Vickers TR Fav/CS
2. Nortelus Jerrett ATD Fav/CS
3. Johnson Yeatman FP Fav/CS
Please see Section IX. for Additional Information:
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE - Substantial Changes
I. Summary:
CS/CS/CS/SB 868 creates the following honorary transportation facility designations and directs
the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to erect suitable markers for:
Army Specialist Nicholas Panipinto Memorial Highway in Manatee County.
Dylan Roberts Memorial Crosswalk in Alachua County.
AWF3 Mohammed ‘Mo’ Haitham Memorial Way in Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties.
Deputy Sheriff Christopher Taylor Memorial Highway in Charlotte County.
Deputy Sheriff George Pfeil Memorial Highway in Seminole County.
Deputy Sheriff Robert Moore Memorial Highway in Seminole County.
Deputy Sheriff James Cleveland Jacobs Memorial Highway in Seminole County.
Henry Dean Road in St. Johns County.
Abe Resnick Drive in Miami-Dade County.
Pastor Rick Blackwood Street in Miami-Dade County.
Gus Kopelousos Memorial Highway in Clay County.
MICCO Way in Miami-Dade County.
Major John Leroy Haynes Memorial Highway in Leon and Jefferson Counties
Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Highway in various north Florida counties.
Randy Roberts Memorial Highway in Polk County.
Carol Jenkins Barnett Memorial Highway in Polk County.
BILL: CS/CS/CS/SB 868 Page 2
The bill also redesignates a bridge in St. Lucie County as the E.C. Summerlin Family Bridge.
The bill has an insignificant, negative fiscal impact on state government. See Section V., Fiscal
Impact Statement.
The bill takes effect July 1, 2024.
II. Present Situation:
Section 334.071, F.S., provides that legislative designations of transportation facilities are for
honorary or memorial purposes or to distinguish a particular facility. Such designations are not to
be construed as requiring any action by local governments or private parties regarding the
changing of any street signs, mailing addresses, or 911 emergency telephone number system
listings, unless the legislation specifically provides for such changes.1
When the Legislature establishes road or bridge designations, the FDOT is required to place
markers only at the termini specified for each highway segment or bridge designated by the law
creating the designation and to erect any other markers it deems appropriate for the
transportation facility.2
The FDOT may not erect the markers for honorary road or bridge designations unless the
affected city or county commission enacts a resolution supporting the designation. When the
designated road or bridge segment is located in more than one city or county, each affected local
government must pass resolutions supporting the designations before the installation of the
markers.3
III. Effect of Proposed Changes:
The bill creates an undesignated section of Florida law creating honorary designations of
transportation facilities.
Subsection 1 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, 20-year old Army Specialist Nicholas Panipinto was killed when, in a
training accident, his Bradley fighting vehicle rolled over 4 He graduated from Manatee High
School in 2017 and joined the US Army in January 2018, as an Infantryman. Nicholas was
awarded the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on
Terrorism Medal, Army Service Ribbon and received the Expert Marksmanship Badge.5
1
Section 334.071(1), F.S.
2
Section 334.071(2), F.S.
3
Section 334.071(3), F.S.
4
My Fallen Soldiers, Panipinto Nicholas, https://myfallensoldiers.com/2019/11/06/panipinto-nicholasarmy-specialist/, (last
visited February 2, 2024).
5
Nicholas C. Panipinto Obituary, https://www.brownandsonsfuneral.com/obituary/nicholas-panipinto (last visited February
2, 2024).
BILL: CS/CS/CS/SB 868 Page 3
Subsection 2 designates the mid-block crossing and pedestrian hybrid beacon on that portion of
E. University Avenue/S.R. 26 between N.E. 26th Terrace and S.E. 26th Terrace in Alachua
County as “Dylan Roberts Memorial Crosswalk.”
On October 27, 2021, four-year old Dylan Roberts was tragically killed when hit by a car while
crossing East University Avenue in Gainesville.6 The FDOT has installed a pedestrian crosswalk
at the site of Dylan’s death.7
Subsection 3 designates those portions of the Gandy Bridge on U.S. 92 located within of
Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties as “AWF3 Mohammed “Mo” Haitham Memorial Way.”
On December 6, 2019, Airman Mohammed “Mo” Haitham was the victim of an active shooter at
the Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida. He has been widely recognized as a hero for his
actions in connection with the incident. Airman Haitham was a 2018 graduate of Lakewood High
School in St. Petersburg.8
Subsection 4 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 fatally struck by an
impaired motorist while conducting a traffic stop on I-75. Deputy Sheriff Taylor joined the
Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office in August 2021 and was officially sworn in on February 14,
2022.9
Subsection 5 designates that portion of S.R. 434 between S.R. 400 and Ronald Reagan Blvd. in
Seminole County as “Deputy Sheriff George Pfeil Memorial Highway.”
On December 29, 1977, Deputy Sheriff George Pfeil was mortally wounded when he interrupted
an armed robbery at a pharmacy in Longwood. Deputy Sheriff Pfeil was a retired New York City
police officer who served as a reserve deputy sheriff after moving to Florida.10
Subsection 6 designates that portion of U.S. 17-92 between 1st Street and 25th Street in
Seminole County as “Deputy Sheriff Robert Moore Memorial Highway.”
On June 9, 1975, Deputy Sheriff Robert Moore succumbed to smoke inhalation and intense heat
exposure while rescuing inmates during a fire at the Seminole County Jail. Deputy Sheriff Moore
6
Aaron Adelson, Mother of 4-year old hit and killed pleas for pedestrian safety, November 10, 2021,
https://mycbs4.com/news/local/mother-of-4-year-old-hit-and-killed-pleas-pedestrian-safety (last visited February 2, 2024).
7
Seth Johnson, Gainesville unveils new road sign in honor of Dylan Roberts, October 27, 2023,
https://www.mainstreetdailynews.com/news/gainesville-road-sign-dylan-roberts (last visited February 2, 2023).
8
The United States Navy Memorial, Mohammed Sameh "Mo" Haitham, https://navylog.navymemorial.org/haitham-
mohammed (last visited February 2, 2024).
9
Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Christopher Taylor tragically killed in the line of duty,
https://ccsoblog.org/2022/11/23/deputy-christopher-taylor-tragically-killed-in-the-line-of-duty/ (last visited February 2,
2024).
10
Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, In Memoriam, https://www.seminolesheriff.org/page.aspx?id=18 (last visited February
2, 2024).
BILL: CS/CS/CS/SB 868 Page 4
had successfully brought several inmates to safety before heroically re-entering the burning jail,
in yet another attempt to save trapped inmates.11
Subsection 7 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.”
On September 14, 1922, Deputy Sheriff James Cleveland Jacobs was shot and killed while
attempting to arrest a man for theft. Deputy Sheriff Jacobs located the man at a nearby home,
where the suspect opened fire, striking Deputy Sheriff Jacobs. Deputy Sheriff Jacobs was
transported to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.12
Subsection 8 designates that portion of Guana River Road between South Ponte Verde
Boulevard and the Guana River Research Reserve in St. Johns County as “Henry Dean Road.”
Henry Dean, a long-time resident of St. Johns County, served as Executive Director of the St.
Johns River Water Management District for 17 years and the South Florida Water Management
District for four years. Since 2016, he has served on the St. Johns County Commission.13
Subsection 9 designates that portion of Bay Avenue between West 25th Street and West 27th
Street in Sunset Islands in Miami Dade County as “Abe Resnick Drive.”
Abe Resnick was a Holocaust survivor who was born in Lithuania. In 1960, he moved to Miami-
Dade County, and from 1985 to 1993 served on the Miami Beach City Commission. He helped
develop the Holocaust Memorial in Miami Beach. Mr. Resnick passed away on September 3,
1998.14
Subsection 10 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 served as lead pastor of Christ Fellowship Church in South
Florida for 23 years. Pastor Blackwood passed away on August 4, 2023.15
Subsection 11 designates that portion of S.R. 16 between C.R. 225 and Rifle Range Road in
Clay County as “Gus Kopelousos Memorial Highway.”
11
Id.
12
Id.
13
St. Johns County, Board of County Commissioners, About Commissioner Dean, https://www.sjcfl.us/bcc-district-5/ (last
visited February 13, 2024).
14
Miami-Dade County Legislative Item File No. 990425, Codesignating Dade Boulevard as Abe Resnick Boulevard.
Adopted March 4, 1999. https://www.miamidade.gov/govaction/matter.asp?matter=990425&file=false&yearFolder=Y1999
(last visited February 13, 2024). Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach, https://holocaustmemorialmiamibeach.org/about/history/
(last visited February 13, 2024).
15
Miami Herald, Rev. Dr. Rick Blackwood, https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/herald/name/rick-blackwood-
obituary?id=52928579, (last visited February. 21, 2024).
BILL: CS/CS/CS/SB 868 Page 5
Constantinos “Gus” Kopelousos of Starke, Florida, was raised by Greek immigrant parents,
graduated from the University of Tampa, and subsequently took over the family business, the
Garden Restaurant.16 Mr. Kopelousos passed away on May 22, 2023.17
Subsection 12 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.18 The Miccosukee currently have over 600 tribal
members and three reservation areas in Florida, including the Tamiami Trail Reservation area.19
Subsection 13 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”, induction into the
Florida Veterans Hall of Fame in 2013, and the Governor’s Medal of Merit in 2017. Major
Haynes passed away on November 14, 2023.20
Subsection 14 designates that portion of I-10 between the Alabama state line and I-75 is
designated as “Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Highway.”
The Tuskegee Airmen were the first African American military aviators in the United States
armed forces. During their years of operation, from 1940 to 1946, 996 pilots were trained at
Tuskegee Army Air Field. Approximately 445 were deployed overseas and 150 lost their lives
during that period. Sixty-six pilots were killed in action or accidents and 32 were captured and
held as prisoners of war.21
Subsection 15 designates that portion of S.R. 570/Polk Parkway between mile marker 3.5 and
mile marker 2.5 in Polk County is designated as “Randy Roberts Memorial Highway.”
16
The Florida Times-Union, Constantinos Kopelousos, https://www.jacksonville.com/obituaries/pfla0495884 (last visited
February 21, 2024).
17
Echovita, Constantinos “Gus” Kopelousos, https://www.echovita.com/us/obituaries/fl/starke/constantinos-kopelousos-
16448155 (last visited February 21, 2024).
18
Miccosukee Casino & Resort, History of the Miccosukee Tribe, https://miccosukee.com/miccosukee-tribe-history/ (last
visited February 21, 2024).
19
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, (December 12, 2023).
20
Tallahassee Democrat, Major John L. Haynes, (November 18, 2023), https://www.tallahassee.com/obituaries/psar0631025
(last visited Feb. 15, 2024).
21
The Tuskegee Airmen on BlackPast.Org, https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/tuskegee-airmen-blackpast-
org/#:~:text=The%20Tuskegee%20Airmen%20were%20the,their%20lives%20during%20that%20period. (last visited
February 21, 2024).
BILL: CS/CS/CS/SB 868 Page 6
Randy Roberts, a lifelong Floridian, served as the Director of Government Affairs for Publix
Supermarkets. The Randy Roberts Foundation was established as a way of celebrating Randy’s
life The foundation was established to help young men and women who care about their
community and who want to make an impact. Mr. Roberts passed away on February 27, 2009.22
Subsection 16 designates that portion of S.R. 35/George Jenkins Boulevard between Kathleen
Road and North Sloan Avenue in Polk County is designated as “Carol Jenkins Barnett Memorial
Highway.”
Carol Jenkins Barnett was born and raised in Lakeland, Florida. She began with Publix in 1972
as a cashier at Grove Park Shopping Center in Lakeland and later worked in Publix’s corporate
marketing research and development department. In 1983, she joined the foundation’s board of
directors (which would later become Publix Super Markets Charities) which instilled in her a
passion for the needs of the communities Publix serves. She was involved in generously giving
back to nonprofit organizations including United Way, Florida Partnership for School Readiness,
and Family Fundamentals, as well as countless others. Ms. Barnett passed away on Dec. 7,
2021.23
The bill amends Ch. 65-781, Laws of Fla., to designate 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.24
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 live in
the Treasure Coast and across state.25
The bill directs the FDOT to erect suitable markers for each of the above honorary designations.
The bill takes effect July 1, 2024.
IV. Constitutional Issues:
A. Municipality/County Mandates Restrictions:
None.
B. Public Records/Open Meetings Issues:
None.
22
Randy Roberts Foundation, https://www.randyrobertsfoundation.org/about-us (last visited February 21, 2024).
23
The Children’s Movement of Florida, Carol Jenkins Barnett, Board Member Emerita (Deceased),
https://www.childrensmovementflorida.org/about/people/carol-jenkins-barnett (last visited February 21, 2024).
24
Ch. 65-781, Laws of Fla.
25
Treasure Coa