HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES STAFF ANALYSIS
BILL #: CS/HB 315 Transportation Facility Designations
SPONSOR(S): Commerce Committee, Williamson
TIED BILLS: IDEN./SIM. BILLS:
REFERENCE ACTION ANALYST STAFF DIRECTOR or
BUDGET/POLICY CHIEF
1) Tourism, Infrastructure & Energy Subcommittee 16 Y, 0 N Walsh Keating
2) Infrastructure & Tourism Appropriations 13 Y, 0 N Hicks Davis
Subcommittee
3) Commerce Committee 22 Y, 0 N, As CS Walsh Hamon
SUMMARY ANALYSIS
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 change the official names of the facilities. The Department of Transportation (DOT) erects
markers for each designation, but may not do so until the appropriate city or county commission passes a
resolution in support of the designation.
The bill creates 20 designations for various transportation facilities across the state and directs DOT 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 above designations. The cost can be absorbed within DOT’s existing
resources.
The bill has an effective date of July 1, 2022.
This docum ent does not reflect the intent or official position of the bill sponsor or House of Representatives .
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DATE: 2/24/2022
 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 change the official names of the designated 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
Current law sets standards for the naming of state buildings and other facilities. The law provides that,
unless specifically provided otherwise by law, state buildings, roads, bridges, parks, recreational
complexes, and other similar facilities may not be named for a living person.2
Road Markers
The Department of Transportation (DOT) must place a marker at each terminus or intersection of a
designated road, bridge, or other transportation facility and erect other markers it deems appropriate for
the facility.3 Road markers may not be erected until the appropriate city or county commission passes a
resolution in support of a particular designation. Additionally, if a designated facility extends through
multiple cities or counties, a resolution must be passed by each affected local government before the
road markers can be erected by DOT.4
Effect of the Bill
The bill requires DOT to erect suitable markers for each of the following designations.
Reverend Murray Hamilton, Sr., Highway
Under the bill, that portion of U.S. 90 between Canal Street and Stewart Street in Santa Rosa County is
designated as “Reverend Murray Hamilton, Sr., Highway.”
Reverend Murray Hamilton, Sr., served in the United States Navy and worked for Monsanto/Solutia for
37 years. His life's work revolved around building the community, and he was influential in developing
many programs and organizations in Milton, Florida. Reverend Hamilton passed away on January 25,
2021.5
Ira Mae Wells-Bruce Memorial Highway
The bill designates that portion of S.R. 87 between E. Bay Boulevard and U.S. 98 in Santa Rosa
County as “Ira Mae Wells-Bruce Memorial Highway.”
Ira Mae Wells-Bruce was Santa Rosa County’s first female commissioner and presided over numerous
business and civic organizations. Additionally, Ms. Bruce was co-broker/owner of Century 21 Island
View Realty.6 Ms. Bruce passed away on December 1, 2020.7
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 Email from Sydney Fowler, Legislative Aide, Office of Representative Jayer Williamson, House Bill 315, (Oct. 27, 2021).
6 South Santa Rosa News (@SouthSRNews), Facebook (Dec. 1, 2020, 3:22 PM),
https://www.facebook.com/1619922901599897/posts/santa-rosa-countys-first-female-county-commissioner-has-passed-
away-it-is-with-i/2817435305181978/ (last visited Feb. 19, 2022).
7 Celebration of life to be held for Ira Mae Bruce, Navarre Press (May 1, 2021), https://navarrepress.com/celebration -of-
life-to-be-held-for-ira-mae-bruce/ (last visited Feb. 19, 2022).
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 Deputy Sheriff Donta Manuel and Deputy Sheriff Jonathan Wallace Highway
The bill designates that portion of S.R. 715, also known as Bacom Point Road, between W. Morgan
Road and S.W. 14th Street in Palm Beach County as “Deputy Sheriff Donta Manuel and Deputy Sheriff
Jonathan Wallace Highway.”
On November 28, 2007, while attempting to remove stop sticks that were deployed as part of an effort
to slow a stolen vehicle, Deputy Donta Manuel and Deputy Jonathan Wallace were struck and killed by
a patrol car pursuing the stolen vehicle.8 Deputy Manuel was 33 years old and had served with the
Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office for 13 years.9 Deputy Wallace was 23 years old and had served
with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office for 1 year and 6 months. 10
Virginia Creighton Bridge
Under the bill, bridge number 100850 on S.R. 60/Courtney Campbell Causeway over Old Tampa Bay
in Hillsborough County is designated as “Virginia Creighton Bridge.”
Virginia (Ginger) Creighton worked in the field of wetland science and was key to developing the
Courtney Campbell Causeway – Old Tampa Bay Water Quality Improvement Project that provided
environmental credit for other DOT projects in the Tampa Bay Area.11 Ms. Creighton passed away on
May 29, 2020.12
Arturo Diaz Artiles Plaza
The bill designates the intersection of S.W. 23rd Avenue and S.W. 8th Street in Miami-Dade County as
"Arturo Diaz Artiles Plaza.”
Arturo Diaz Artiles was a Cuban exile, who immigrated to the City of Miami in 1962. In 1965, he opened
the Santa Clara Pharmacy at the corner of Southwest 23rd Avenue and Southwest 8th Street in Miami.
Mr. Artiles also received the United Way of Miami-Dade County Gold award for 30 years of service to
his community, the Latin Real Estate Organization Board of Directors Award, and the City of Miami’s
Certification of Appreciation. Mr. Artiles was a founding member of the Latin Chamber of Commerce,
and the Miami-Dade County Commission declared February 25th as Arturo “Arturito” Diaz Artiles Day
and presented him with a key to the county.13
Sergeant First Class Michael C. Aten Memorial Highway
Under the bill, that portion of S.R. 19 between C.R. 48 and Lane Park Cutoff Road in Lake County is
designated as "Sergeant First Class Michael C. Aten Memorial Highway."
Sergeant First Class Michael C. “Soldier Mike” Aten served in the U.S. Army, became an Army Ranger,
and served his county for 26 years. During his service, Sergeant Aten earned numerous military
awards, among them, the Bronze Star while serving in Iraq; the Army Commendation Medal with
Combat “V,” denoting battlefield valor; the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; and the Global War on
Terrorism Service Medal. Sergeant Aten passed away after a motorcycle accident on January 3,
2020.14
8 Officer Down Memorial Page, Deputy Sheriff Donta J. Manuel, https://www.odmp.org/officer/ 19071-deputy-sheriff-donta-
j-manuel (last visited Feb. 19, 2022).
9 Id.
10 Officer Down Memorial Page, Deputy Sheriff Jonathan D. Wallace, https://www.odmp.org/officer/ 19072-deputy-sheriff-
jonathan-d-wallace (last visited Feb. 19, 2022).
11 Virginia (Ginger) Creighton Death Notice from the Florida Department of Transportation.
12 Virginia A. “Ginger” Creighton, Legacy.com, https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/staugustine/name/ virginia-creighton-
obituary?id=8236801 (last visited Feb. 19, 2022).
13 Miami-Dade Legislative Item File Number: 211394, Miami-Dade County,
https://www.miamidade.gov/govaction/matter. asp?matter=211394& file=true& fileAnalysis=fals e&yearFolder=Y2021 (last
visited Feb. 19, 2022);
14 Daily Commercial, Taps for Sgt. 1st Class “Soldier Mik e” Aten, January 11, 2020,
https://www.dailycommercial.com/story/news/local/2020/01/11/taps -for-sgt-lst-class-soldier-mike-aten/1918137007/ (last
visited Feb. 19, 2022).
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 Warren Alvarez Memorial Bridge
The bill designates bridge number 720684 on I-95 over the Trout River in Duval County as "Warren
Alvarez Memorial Bridge.”
Former two-term Jacksonville City Council member Warren Alvarez was a native and lifelong resident
of Jacksonville’s Northside and lived all of his life on his family’s dairy farm. Mr. Alvarez was active in
agricultural and civic organizations and activities, serving on many boards, commissions, and
organizations at the county and state levels. Known for his advocacy for his constituents, Mr. Alvarez
worked successfully to have Interstate 95 widened as it crosses the Trout River Bridge. Mr. Alvarez
passed away on March 6, 2021, at the age of 86.15
Deputy William J. Gentry, Jr., Highway
Under the bill, that portion of U.S. 98 between Haywood Taylor Boulevard and Lakeview Boulevard in
Highlands County is designated as “Deputy William J. Gentry, Jr., Highway.”
Deputy William J. Gentry, Jr., served with the Highlands County Sherriff’s Office for 13 years in various
capacities, including time on patrol, the K-9 Unit, the Special Investigations Unit, and as a field training
deputy.16 On May 6, 2019, Deputy Gentry and the deputy he was training responded to an animal
abuse call in Highlands County. Deputy Gentry attempted to make contact with the suspect, who
opened fire on Deputy Gentry. On May 7, 2019, Deputy Gentry succumbed to his injuries at the age of
40.17
Sergeant Eric John Twisdale Memorial Interchange
The bill designates the interchange at S.R. 23/First Coast Expressway and Henley Road in Clay
County as “Sergeant Eric John Twisdale Memorial Interchange.”
Sergeant Eric John Twisdale served with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office in various capacities for 22
years and previously served with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. 18 Sergeant Twisdale received the
Sheriff’s Office’s Lifesaving Award in 2014 after he saved someone from drowning, and he was
recognized as Deputy of the Year in 2015 for “displaying exceptional valor.” 19 Sergeant Twisdale
passed away on August 19, 2020, after contracting COVID-19 due to a presumed exposure at the Clay
County Sheriff’s Office.20
Pio Ieraci Memorial Drive
The bill designates that portion of S.R. A1A between the northern terminus and southern terminus of
Galt Ocean Drive in Broward County as “Pio Ieraci Memorial Drive.”
After moving to Florida over 30 years ago, Pio Richard Ieraci became an active community leader in
the Fort Lauderdale Community. Throughout Mr. Ieraci’s time in Florida, he served as a member of the
City of Fort Lauderdale Education Advisory Board, Chairman of South Florida Business Advisors, Inc.,
Chairman of the Broward Beach Coalition, President of the Galt Mile Community Association, and
President of the Galt Ocean Club Condominium Association. Mr. Ieraci passed away on December 20,
2020, and is survived by his wife and two children.21
15 The Florida Times-Union, Warren Alvarez, https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/timesunion/name/warren -alvarez-
obituary?id=6685153 (last visited Feb. 19, 2022).
16 Legacy.Com, William J Gentry, Jr., https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/william-gentry-jr-obituary?pid=188976004
(last visited Feb. 19, 2022).
17 Officer Down Memorial Page, Deputy Sheriff William Jack son Gentry, Jr., https://www.odmp.org/officer/23672-deputy-
sheriff-william-jackson-gentry-jr (last visited Feb. 19, 2022).
18 Officer Down Memorial Page, Sergeant Eric John Twisdale, https://www.odmp.org/officer/24909-sergeant-eric-john-
twisdale (last visited Feb. 19, 2022).
19 Dan Scanlan, Remebered as ‘a cop’s cop,’ Clay County sergeant laid to rest after COVID-19 death, jacksonville.com
(Sept. 24, 2020), https://www.jacksonville.com/story/news/crime/2020/09/24/sgt-eric-twisdale-remembered-cops-cop-
funeral/3515087001/ (last visited Feb. 19, 2022).
20 Officer Down Memorial Page, supra note 18.
21 Dignity Memorial, Pio Richard Ieraci, https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/fort-lauderdale-fl/pio-ieraci-9961464
(last visited Feb. 19, 2022).
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 Sgt. George Lee Taylor, Sr., Memorial Highway
The bill designates that portion of S.R. 520/W. King Street between S.R. 501/Clearlake Road and S.R.
519/Fiske Boulevard in Brevard County as “Sgt. George Lee Taylor, Sr., Memorial Highway.”
Sgt. George Lee Taylor, Sr., served in the United States Army from 1967 to 1971. After returning from
war, Sgt. Taylor founded National Veterans Homeless Support, which is estimated to have helped
reduce the homeless veteran population in Brevard County by 90 percent. Sgt. Taylor passed away on
May 17, 2020.22
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Memorial Highway
The bill designates that portion of S.R. 519/Fiske Boulevard between Rosa L. Jones Drive and I-95 in
Brevard County as “Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Memorial Highway.”
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was a civil rights leader and the youngest man to have received the Nobel
Peace Prize. Dr. King traveled over six million miles and spoke over twenty-five hundred times, with his
most well-known speech being the famous “I Have a Dream” address. On the evening of April 4, 1968,
Dr. King was assassinated.23
Anthony Reznik Boulevard
The bill designates that portion of S.R. 826/Sunny Isles Boulevard between N.E. 35th Avenue and S.R.
A1A in Miami-Dade County as "Anthony Reznik Boulevard."
Anthony Reznik was an 11-year-old boy from South Florida who was struck by a car while legally
crossing the street in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida. After his death, Anthony’s family decided to donate
his organs to help others. Anthony is survived by his parents and sister. 24
Cheryl H. Cates Memorial Bridge
Under the bill, the Cow Key Channel Bridge located at mile marker 4.1 on Overseas Highway in
Monroe County is designated as "Cheryl H. Cates Memorial Bridge."
Cheryl H. Cates was a long-time resident of Key West and an active member of the community. Mrs.
Cates served as The First Lady of Key West for 9 years, and she was involved in many organizations
and spearheaded numerous fundraisers for people and causes in her community. Mrs. Cates passed
away on December 2, 2020, and is survived by her husband, daughters, and grandchildren. 25
Soul of Miami Avenue
The bill designates that portion of N.W. 12th Avenue/John Henry Peavy Jr. Avenue between N.W. 62nd
Street and N.W. 71st Street in Miami-Dade County as “Soul of Miami Avenue.”
Liberty City is one of Miami’s most significant historically black neighborhoods. Liberty City played a
significant role in Miami’s unique black history. Some celebrities from Liberty City include rappers Trina
and Trick Daddy, NBA player Udonis Haslem with the Miami Heat since 2003, and NFL players Chad
22 Legacy, George Taylor Sr., https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/floridatoday/name/george-t aylor-obituary?id=8577009
(last visited Feb. 19, 2022).
23 The Nobel Prize, Martin Luther King Jr., https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/peace/1964/king/biographical/ (last visited
Feb. 19, 2022).
24 Gina Benitez & Brandon Beyer, Family donates organs of 11-year-old boy struck , declared brain dead in Sunny Isles
Beach, 7 News Miami (Feb. 25, 2021), https://wsvn.com/news/local/family-donates -organs-of-11-year-old-boy-struck-
declared-brain-dead-in-sunny-isles-beach/ (last visited Feb. 19, 2022).
25 Keys Weekly, Obituary: In Loving Memory of Cheryl Cates, Dec. 11, 2020, https://keysweekly.com/42/obituary-in-
loving-memory-of-c heryl-cates/ (last visited Feb. 19, 2022).
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 “Ochocinco” Johnson and Willis McGahee.26 The City of Miami passed a resolution allowing for the
creation of the Liberty City Soul District.27
Veterans Honor Highway
The bill designates that portion of S.R. 100 in Clay County between the Bradford County line and the
Putnam County line as “Veterans Honor Highway.”
The bill honors Florida veterans by designating the described section of road. More than 1.5 millio