Florida’s Motorcycle Safety Coalition Gets Updated On e-Bike Regulations

You only have to look at today’s mobile phones and the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) in both workplaces and schools to understand how quickly our technology is evolving. 

That’s why the advent of electric bicycles, aka “e-bikes,” has become an important “should I or shouldn’t I?” issue for the parents of teens and even pre-teens clamoring for ebikes this holiday season. These motorized bicycles also are a hot topic for insurance companies now dealing with a rise in accidents for riders of all ages on these e-bikes, as well as for the Florida Motorcycle Safety Coalition (FMSC), which included a seminar about electric bicycles at its quarterly meeting held Nov. 13-14 at the Hyatt Place Tampa-Wesley Chapel hotel on the north side of S.R. 56. 

Yes, there is clearly a growing concern about e-bikes and the regulations governing them — everything from properly defining what an e-bike is to discussing possible legislation to address these problems, especially with under-age, unlicensed drivers. All of these concerns were at least discussed, if not completely addressed, during the session at the FMSC meeting. 

An electric bike, or “e-bike,” is defined in Florida Statutes Chapter 316 as, “A bicycle or tricycle equipped with fully operable pedals, a seat or saddle for the use of the rider, and an electric motor of less than 750 watts which meets the requirements of one of the following three classifications: 

(a) ‘Class 1 electric bicycle’ means an electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the electric bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour. 

(b) ‘Class 2 electric bicycle’ means an electric bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the electric bicycle and that ceases to provide assistance when the electric bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour. 

(c)‘Class 3 electric bicycle’ means an electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the electric bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour.” 

These speed limit requirements and the presence of pedals on e-bikes are what keep them classified as bicycles rather than another type of motor vehicle. The problem with these definitions is that, as more and more new e-bikes continue to enter the market that are able to exceed the 28 mph limit set by the Florida Statutes, a legal limbo arises as to how these faster e-bikes should be classified. 

In order to be considered a “street legal” electric motorcycle, the e-bike must have safety features like turn signals, headlights, brake lights, and be registered and license-tagged. Vehicles exceeding the electric bike definition, but that do not have these features, might only be considered for “off-road use,” like how gasoline powered dirt bikes have been classified for many years. 

E-Bikes vs. Mopeds vs. Motorcycles 
This $555 (on Amazon.com) CTVVXXC-brand “Electric Bike,” which has dual 3000-watt motors and can reach speeds of 47 mph, would be considered to be an “electric motorcycle” by the State of Florida if proposed House Bill 243 becomes law. Unlicensed drivers could then be ticketed just for operating this “e-bike.” 

When an e-bike is capable of reaching speeds of up to 29-30 mph, it enters a legal gray zone in which it is closer to a “moped” — if it meets statutory requirements. 

The Florida statutory definition of a moped is, “any vehicle with pedals to permit propulsion by human power, having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than three wheels, with a motor rated not in excess of 2 brake horsepower and not capable of propelling the vehicle at a speed greater than 30 miles per hour on level ground and with a power-drive system that functions directly or automatically without clutching or shifting gears by the operator after the drive system is engaged. If an internal combustion engine is used, the displacement may not exceed 50 cubic centimeters.” 

But if an e-bike or moped is able to reach speeds in excess of 30 mph, it can be classified as an unregistered motor vehicle or a motorcycle. 

“So, if you have an e-bike that is doing 40 miles an hour, it really classifies as a motor bike,” said Bill Milton, the chief counsel for the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) and co-speaker for the state’s “e-bike definition, HB243, SB382, and More Panel,” at the FMSC meeting on Nov. 13. “There’s nothing else that classifies it. It would be a motor vehicle because a bicyclist, even on a human power bicycle, is still a vehicle.” 

The consensus of the presentation was that, as of right now in Florida, any e-bike exceeding the 28 mph defined limit may fall under motor-vehicle law, creating uncertainty and confusion for not only the law enforcement community, but also for the parents of the young, often unlicensed children begging them to buy an e-bike. Attendees at the FMSC meeting discussed how law enforcement is trying to deal with e-bikes statewide, including Pasco County, which had a flyer distributed at the FMSC meeting (top photo). 

“I’ve talked to a few law enforcement officers in Wildwood and they have a small department, but they’re out there with lasers and they’re clocking [the e-bikes],” said one attendee. “I asked [one officer], ‘are you making the correct charge? Are you writing them up?’ and he said, ‘we’re going to write them up, and we’re going to let the judge decide.’” 

Meanwhile, the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office has created a safety flyer reminding people that some e-bikes are considered motorcycles by Florida State Statute and must follow the same rules as traditional motorcycles including: having proper registration and license plate, have a Class E (non-commercial) license, obey traffic laws, must wear a helmet (unless over 21 years old) and are prohibited from driving on sidewalks. Also required for these higher-speed e-bikes are “MOTORCYCLE ALSO” or “MOTORCYCLE ONLY” license endorsements. 

The flyer also warns that, “These vehicles can reach dangerous speeds, and when driven in an unsafe manner, can impact the safety of the rider and others.” 

Young e-bike riders in Florida are not required to have a drivers license because e-bikes that can not exceed 28 mph have the same legal rights as traditional bicycles. This means young e-bike riders can still use sidewalks and bike lanes, unless local law restricts such actions. The state also does not enforce a statewide minimum age restriction on who can ride an e-bike, meaning that anyone is allowed to ride them, regardless of their age. 

New E-Bike Bill Proposed 
Unlicensed riders under age 18 must wear a helmet when operating an e-bike, even those that reach speeds of 28 mph or less. 
(Photo source: istockphoto.com) 

As concerns among Florida citizens grow about the possible dangers e-bikes pose to streets, lawmakers are now proposing a solution to address the problem. 

House Bill 243, sponsored by State Representatives Yvette Benarroch (R-Collier County), Kim Kendall (R-St. John’s County) and Omar Blanco (R-Miami), addresses Florida’s rising e-bike concerns by modifying the state’s current definition of e-bikes. 

If passed, this bill will update the current list of definitions for e-bikes and motorcycles. 

Under this proposed bill for the 2026 Legislative Session, e-bikes that exceed 28 miles per hour will no longer be defined as such and will fall under the new definition of “electric motorcycle.” The proposed definition defines “electric motorcycles” as “any motorcycle powered by an electric motor of 750 watts or more that is capable of a speed greater than 28 miles per hour.” 

Additionally, the bill will modify the existing definition of a motorcycle by including “electric motorcycle and an autocycle” into it. 

For e-bikes, the new bill adds an amendment to Section 316.068 of the Florida Statutes regarding crash reports, stating that when describing the vehicle in a crash they must, “include whether the crash involved a motorized scooter, an electric bicycle, or an electric motorcycle.” 

For education about e-bike safety, the bill adds that on the examination people take to obtain a Class E (non-commercial) driver’s license exams are required to have, “At least five of the 25 questions addressing bicycle and pedestrian safety must specifically cover safe electric bicycle and motorized scooter operation for all road users.” 

On the manufacturing side of e-bikes, the bill also will require manufacturers and distributors to affix a permanently visible label to each e-bike that states the classification number, top speed and motor wattage. The bill adds that owners of e-bikes are not allowed to add modifications to increase speed, and that, “Any person who knowingly modifies an electric bicycle as provided in this subsection commits a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable by a fine of $100. Any person who commits a second or subsequent violation of this subsection within 3 years after a previous violation commits a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable by a fine of $250.” 

Regarding who may operate or rent a Class 3 e-bike, the bill states that the individual must have a valid learner’s or driver’s license and must have it in their possession at all times. A person who is caught without a license will get a verbal warning and, if the individual is still not compliant, they may be charged with a noncriminal traffic infraction. 

It is important to note that while HB243 offers clearer information on e-bike definitions and safety, it is still currently just a bill and has not yet been passed into law. For current e-bike riders and parents of young riders, it is crucial to stay informed about the latest laws and ensure that all state regulations and safety guidelines are followed. 

About Insurance 
Although the least expensive e-bikes we found on the websites of local bicycle shops ranged from about $1,200 to more than $10,000, we found this T5-Pro folding e-bike on Amazon.com, which has a 560-watt motor and can reach assisted speeds of only 24 mph, was on sale for only $168.99 (regular price: $199.99). 

Because of the increase in the number of e-bikes on the road, both single-vehicle accidents and collisions with other vehicles and pedestrians involving e-bikes are definitely on the rise. 

In fact, according to a Google search, the number of e-bike injuries doubled every year between 2017-22 and 2024 (the most recent year with data) shows, “a continued surge in injuries, especially among children and adolescents, including fractures, head trauma [and others].” 

As such, people are starting to invest in insurance for their e-bikes, although Manny Saldana, the owner of Crown Insurance Group says that the only carrier he knows for sure is writing e-bike policies is Progressive. I went on Progressive.com and found that at my age, with a clean driving record the past three years, insurance for an e-bike that can’t go faster than 28 mph was $202 per year, which would give me $10,000/person or $20,000/accident in bodily injury and $10,000 in property liability coverage, plus $2,500 medical coverage (for me) and more. 

“We have seen a large influx of claims involving e-bikes over the past year,” Saldana told me. “The biggest problem seems to be that even if the e-bike rider is using the sidewalk, vehicles coming out of a side road are looking for other vehicles coming from the street as they cross or try to make a turn, not an e-bike coming from the sidewalk. Especially with inexperienced, unlicensed e-bike riders, it’s becoming a pretty big issue.” 

For more info about current e-bike definitions and safety regulations, visit Leg.State.FL.US or RideSmartFlorida.com (the latter is the state’s official website for all motorcycle-related resources). 

Crash Fatality Numbers Discussed At State Coalition’s Motorcycle Safety Meeting

On Oct. 30, at around 10 a.m., a tragic, fatal motorcycle crash occurred on I-75 in Wesley Chapel, resulting in the rider’s death: 

“Vehicle 1, a Kawasaki motorcycle, operated by a 17-year-old male from Land O’Lakes, was traveling southbound on I-75 in the outside lane. Vehicle 2, a tractor-trailer, driven by a 65-year-old Crystal River man, was traveling southbound on I-75 in the center lane,” the crash report from the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) said. “North of CR-54, the motorcyclist changed lanes and collided with the passenger side of the tractor-trailer. The motorcyclist overturned and was struck by the under-carriage of the tractor-trailer. The motorcyclist suffered fatal injuries at the scene of the crash.” 

Unfortunately for those who live in and near Wesley Chapel, especially those who regularly travel I-75 and I-275, the news of tragic and fatal crashes involving motorcycles are not uncommon, a concern highlighted at the most recent Florida Motorcycle Safety Coalition (FMSC)’s quarterly meeting, held Nov. 13-14 at the Hyatt Place Hotel Tampa-Wesley Chapel on the north side of S.R. 56. 

Dr. Chanyoung Lee (photo), the program director of motorcycle injury prevention and senior research associate at the Center for Urban Transportation Research (aka CUTR) in the College of Engineering at the University of South Florida, shared some of the data he has gathered from fatal motorcycle crashes that shows everything from the awge groups most likely to be involved in a fatal crash to the other factors (speeding, helmet use, intoxication, who was deemed at fault by law enforcement, etc.). 

Dr Lee’s fatal motorcycle crash findings were based on data gathered during the 36 months between April 2022 and March 2025. 

When it comes to particular age groups, Dr. Lee said, motorcycle riders between the ages of 26-30 accounted for the most significant number of fatal motorcycle deaths in Florida during that three-year period, at 237, followed closely by 21-25-year-olds at 236. Nearly half of the motorcycle fatalities in Florida involved riders younger than age 35, and around 85% of the fatal riders were below age 60. When comparing the data to the same three-year period from a decade prior (2012-14), fatality rates in some age groups have gotten much higher. In 2012-14, the number of fatalities for people ages 71-75 was 19, but Dr Lee’s recent data shows that number increased by more than 100%, to 41. 

Additionally, the types of motorcycles recovered from these fatal crashes varied significantly by age group. As you might expect, young motorcyclists, ages 20-30, tend to opt for high-speed, maneuverable bikes, like sports bikes, while older bikers (ages 40+) tend to ride touring motorcycles or cruisers. 

Dr. Lee’s data on the behavioral risk factors — intoxication, lack of helmet use and speeding (graphic below) — in fatal crashes shed light on the risky behavioral patterns certain age groups have. For improper helmet use, riders aged 16-25 have the lowest rate of non-helmet use fatalities, at around 20%. From there, the percentage steadily increases throughout adulthood and peaks with riders aged 61-65 at around 70%. Perhaps somewhat surprisingly, when it comes to impairment fatalities on motorcycles, riders aged 16-20 had the lowest percentage, at roughly 10%. The intoxication fatality rates increase with age and peaks for riders ages 46-50, at more than 40% of the motorcycle fatalities. 

Less surprising is that younger riders between the ages of 16-20 had the highest rate of speeding-related fatalities, at more than 30%. The percentage steadily decreases as the rider’s age increases. 

Fault analysis in these motorcycle accidents also revealed age-related patterns. Riders under age 30 were statistically more prone to being found at fault by law enforcement, with 50-62% of single- and multi-vehicle accidents credited to the motorcyclist. Riders between ages 31-40 have a higher probability of another vehicle being at fault in a crash, at between 44-45%. Data regarding the at-fault driver stabilizes among riders ages 41-65, with roughly 54-62% of fatal crashes being their own fault and 30-45% caused by another vehicle. 

“So, the interesting portion that you can compare is, if you’re getting a multi-vehicle crash of one age group versus another, it’s quite different,” Dr. Lee said. Younger guys, when they get involved in a crash with a car (or truck, etc.), they are more likely to be at fault.” 

“When you compare that with someone over age 55 involved in a crash with another driver, the [other vehicle] driver is more likely to be at fault.” 

Ultimately, Dr Lee’s findings indicate that while there are motorcycle safety concerns for all age groups on the road, young riders are still statistically far more likely to be involved in a fatal motorcycle crash than their older counterparts 

While Dr Lee did not mention what is being done to prevent these percentages from rising — as the more recent three-year period definitely showed an increase overall in motorcycle fatalities over ten years ago — it’s clear that addressing the high risk for young motorcyclists is the first step in reducing fatalities and improving overall traffic safety. 

The FMSC, per their mandate, will use this data to better target their efforts to improve motorcycle safety to reduce crashes, injuries and deaths. But of course, there is little anyone can do about distracted and/or intoxicated drivers, speeding and other risky behaviors by both motorcyclists and drivers of other vehicles.

Can Anything Be Done About Wesley Chapel’s Traffic Fatalities?

Trying To Get A Handle On Distracted Drivers, Speeding, Heavy Traffic, Motorcycles, E-Bikes & More 

A Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) car on the scene of an accident on I-75 that killed a 17-year-old motorcyclist on Oct. 30, (Photo source: Florida Highway Patrol)

 There’s no doubt that, in addition to car washes, storage facilities, chain (and especially, chicken) restaurants, one of the things Wesley Chapel residents complain about the most is traffic. In an area that is growing as quickly as Wesley Chapel, increased traffic, unfortunately, also means a significant increase in traffic accidents and, by extension, traffic fatalities, especially on highways. 

I personally still don’t think there’s as much traffic here as there was when I lived in (and near) New York City but that was, admittedly, nearly 40 years ago when the only “mobile” phones were those attached by a phone cord to your car — and not everybody actually had one of them. 

The Wesley Chapel area today seems to possess the “perfect storm” combination of everyone having mobile phones and lots of traffic that includes many new people who only recently moved into the area. These newcomers, usually from out of state, don’t yet know our roads and have limited experience with the exits off our interstate highways that get backed up, sometimes for miles, even when no accident has taken place in the area. 

People in the online community groups in our area often express their frustration and aggravation with the traffic, especially every time there is an accident with serious injuries and/or fatalities. 

And, it is because of that ever-increasing number of those serious accidents — especially on I-75 between the Bruce B. Downs Blvd. Exit #270 (New Tampa) and Overpass Rd. in Wesley Chapel — that I decided to look into the number of serious accidents in our area recently and what, if anything, can be done, to improve the situation. 

The other impetus for this story was that our writer Joel Provenzano is a member of the Florida Motorcycle Safety Coalition (FMSC), which just happened to be having its quarterly meeting at the Hyatt Place hotel at I-75 and S.R. 56 almost exactly two weeks after a 17-year-old motorcyclist from Land O’Lakes was killed in a crash on I-75. 

On pages 4-11 of this issue, we look at the serious crashes that have taken place since Mar. 29 of this year, as well as the data the FMSC received specifically about motorcycle crashes, plus the newest safety hazard on our local roads — e-bikes. 

I have never met Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) Sgt. and public affairs officer for FHP Troop C Steve Gaskins (photo), but I kind of feel like I know him. Sgt. Gaskins is the guy who sends us the press releases regarding major traffic accidents that have happened not only in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel, but all around Pasco, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Polk and Citrus counties. 

I don’t envy Sgt. Gaskins. His job is to report some of the most heinous occurrences in our distribution areas and he is very good at it. But, it has to be hard for him to see the carnage that he reports to the media every day and not be somewhat affected by it. 

I also have never spoken with Sgt. Gaskins, but I did exchange emails with him recently regarding the accidents that have taken place on our major roadways — I-75 between Overpass Rd. & Bruce B. Downs Blvd., I-275 between Bearss Ave. & S.R. 56, plus S.R.s 54 & 56 themselves. 

Here are some of my questions and the answers I received from him: 

1) Why are there no lights on I-275 between Bearss Ave. and S.R. 56? Lights on the interstate are typically installed near exit/ entrance ramps. 

2) How many accidents on these stretches of our two main interstate highways have taken place because of people trying to bypass traffic on the highway shoulders and/ or weaving in & out of traffic? Reckless drivers cause crashes; the specific number would be hard to establish as crash reports would indicate improper lane changes or passing only. 

3) How many local accidents involve motorcycles/electric bicycles (I know that the latter aren’t on interstates, but do ride on S.R.s 56, 54, Overpass Rd., Bruce B. Downs Blvd., etc.)? For these records, please email FHPRecords@flhsmv.gov. (Also, see our stories about motorcycles and e-bikes on pgs. 8-11.) 

4) What are the actual rules about e-bikes and golf carts on roadways? When do e-bikes become motorcycles and who is really allowed to drive them on roadways? These rules and regulations vary by jurisdiction. 

5) What can be done to help alleviate at least some of this issue? I would gladly have the Neighborhood News sponsor a public meeting to discuss traffic and highway safety & I would love it if FHP could have someone attend that meeting. The FHP routinely issues safe travel posts and the FDOT (Florida Dept. of Transportation) posts safe travel messages on their highway message boards. 

6) What can be done to increase funding in order to increase FHP and Pasco/Hillsborough County law enforcement presence in our communities? These are legislative and county funding concerns. 

I have no doubts that speeding, driving under the influence and reckless driving are all major contributing factors to crashes not only in our area, but across the country. I also am confident that the ever-rising trend of distracted driving — especially texting and looking at your mobile phone while driving — is on the rise as a cause of many major accidents. 

In fact, even though Sgt. Gaskins didn’t have specific stats for the areas he covers, or more specifically for New Tampa and Wesley Chapel, Florida Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles’ “Florida Crash Dashboard” shows that between Jan. 1 & Nov. 14 of this year, there have been 311,864 total crashes on all of Florida’s roadways, including 2,231 fatal crashes and 134,245 injury crashes. Of those were 78,418 hit & run crashes (with 16,610 hit & run injuries) and 7,557 crashes involving motorcycles, resulting in 469 motorcycle fatalities. 

For all of Pasco County over that same time period, there have been 5,866 crashes, including 68 with fatalities and 3,173 with injuries, as well as 1,107 hit & run crashes with one fatality and 385 injuries, plus 200 crashes involving motorcycles with 19 fatalities. 

But, here in our area, another factor clearly seems to be the traffic itself. When it’s at a standstill, whether because of rubbernecking an accident or just high volume during rush hours, people seem to be taking more risks. I can’t tell you how many times Jannah and I have seen people moving at high speed — 50-60 mph or more — on the shoulder of I-75 leading up to the S.R. 54 exit — when the two lanes of traffic heading to that exit aren’t moving at all. 

Since we all also have GPS on our phones and/or in our cars, I’m guessing that people who see stopped traffic a few miles ahead of them on GPS will speed up and take more risks to get off an exit early or bypass right-exiting traffic at one interstate exit to try to make up time by getting off at the next exit instead. 

If you look at the 19 major accidents Sgt. Gaskins reported to us on page 6 (just since Mar. 29 of this year, or in less than eight months), you’ll see that many of them include language like “darted out,” “was operating in a reckless manner” and “lost control.” 

I know we all are busy and have families or loved ones we need to get home to, but there have just been too many times that these accidents have been caused by reckless and/or distracted drivers. It also would be nice if more people would use their turn signals — especially when changing lanes — and would look to see if it’s actually clear before doing so. 

If we don’t all slow down and keep our eyes on the road, it’s clear that more of us will be listed in Sgt. Gaskins’ incident reports. 

Have a safe, healthy and joyous holiday season, Wesley Chapel. 

Recent Wesley Chapel & New Tampa Vehicle Crash Reports From Florida Highway Patrol 


Editor’s note – Not all of these crashes took place in Wesley Chapel or New Tampa. Some just involve people who live in our distribution areas. Please note that we’re not showing these reports to be insensitive, as we know that many of them involve the loved ones of people who read this publication. This listing is included to show just how many of these major accidents there have been in our area, just since March 29 of this year. Please also note that the photos on this page were provided to us by Florida Highway Patrol. — GN

Nov. 7 — A two-year-old male child from Dade City, reportedly walking northbound along the outside shoulder with his father, darted out into the path of and was struck by a Dodge Ram pickup, driven by a 20-year-old Dade City man. Airlifted to an area hospital, the child later expired from injuries suffered during the crash. The driver and an 18-year-old Wesley Chapel woman traveling as a passenger in the truck were not injured. 

Oct. 30 — A Kawasaki motorcycle, operated by a 17-year-old male from Land O Lakes, was traveling southbound on I-75 in the outside lane. A tractor-trailer, driven by a 65-year-old Crystal River man, was traveling southbound on I-75 in the center lane. North of CR-54, the motorcyclist changed lanes and collided with the passenger side of the tractor-trailer. The motorcyclist overturned and was struck by the under-carriage of the tractor-trailer. The motorcyclist suffered fatal injuries at the scene. 

Oct. 15 — Five vehicles were traveling southbound on I-75, south of SR-54. Vehicle 1 was slowing or stopped in the center lane without lights activated awaiting to change lanes. As Veh. 2 approached Veh. 1, the driver moved to the outside lane to avoid a crash, resulting in all five vehicles colliding (photo above), resulting in non-life-threatening injuries to all, with one being transported to an area hospital. 

Oct. 7 — Veh. 1, a BMW sedan, driven by an 18-year-old Wesley Chapel man, was traveling southbound on I-75 near the 269 Milepost in the inside lane. The driver was operating in a reckless manner and lost control of the vehicle which traveled into the outside center lane. The sedan traveled under the trailer towed by Veh. 2, an Amazon tractor-trailer, operated by a 49-year-old St. Cloud man which was also traveling southbound in the outside center lane. The impact caused the tractor-trailer to jackknife and travel to final rest in the center median with the sedan pinned under the trailer (photo right). No injuries were reported during the incident to either driver, or to two 18-year-old Wesley Chapel men traveling as passengers in Veh. 1. 

Sept. 30 —Veh. 1, a Nissan Rogue, driven by a 38-year-old Lakeland woman, was traveling at a very slow speed northbound on I-75 in the outside lane. Veh. 2, a Mitsubishi Mirage, driven by a 67-year-old St. Petersburg man, was traveling northbound on I-75 in the outside lane behind Veh. 1. Veh. 3, a tractor-trailer, driven by a 43-year-old Loganville, GA, man, was traveling northbound on I-75 in the inside center lane. Veh. 2 overtook and collided with Veh. 1 which traveled to the outside shoulder and collided with a barrier wall while Veh. 2 rotated & entered the path of Veh. 3. As a result, Veh. 3 collided with Veh. 2. Both Driver 1 & 2 suffered serious injuries and were transported to area hospitals where Driver 2 later expired from injuries suffered during the collisions. Driver 3 was not injured. 

Sept. 29 —Veh. 1, a moped, operated by a 55-year-old Zephyrhills man, was traveling eastbound on SR 54. A pedestrian, a 55-year-old Zephyrhills man, was walking eastbound ahead of Vehicle 1. East of Lamar Rd., the moped overtook and struck the pedestrian. Upon impact, the pedestrian fell to the ground, as the rider was ejected from the moped. Veh. 2, a Chevy Silverado, driven by an unknown female, was traveling eastbound on SR 54 and collided with the moped operator, who suffered fatal injuries at the scene of the crash. Following the crash, the female driver fled the scene. Veh. 2 is described as an older model black Chevrolet pickup truck, 2000 model year, driven by a white female approximately 30–40 years of age. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call *FHP (*347) or Crime Stoppers at **TIPS. 

Sept. 19 — Veh. 1, a Harley Davidson motorcycle, operated by a 34-year-old Bushnell man, was traveling southbound on I-275, north of Bearss Ave., near the 56 Milepost. Veh. 2, a Nissan Rogue, driven by a 40-year-old Tampa woman, was traveling southbound on I-275 ahead of Veh. 1. Veh. 1 overtook and collided with Veh. 2 while changing lanes. Upon impact, the motorcyclist traveled to final rest along the inside shoulder while the motorcycle traveled into the path of and was struck by Veh. 3, a Toyota RAV4, driven by a 62-year-old New Port Richey man, which was also traveling southbound on I-275. Driver 1 suffered fatal injuries at the scene of the crash. Drivers 2 & 3 suffered no injuries during the collisions. 

Sept. 6 — Veh. 1, a Dodge Charger, driven by a 25-year-old Tampa man, was traveling southbound on I-75 at approximately 100 MPH with bald tires. Near the 268 Milepost, the driver lost control on a wet roadway, rotated & departed the highway. The vehicle traveled to the outside shoulder, struck an embankment, became airborne, and struck several trees before coming to final rest. Also traveling in the vehicle was a 24-year-old Riverview man and 25-year-old Land O Lakes man. All three occupants suffered serious injuries and were transported to area hospitals for medical care. 

Aug. 6 — Veh. 1, a Honda Civic, driven by a 40-year-old Sanford man, was traveling westbound on SR 56, east of Shops Lane, a 34-year-old Sanford man who had been involved in a minor crash just prior to this incident walked into the path of and was struck by Veh. 1. Transported to an area hospital, the pedestrian later expired from injuries suffered during the crash. Driver 1 suffered no injuries. 

July 2 — Veh. 1, a Ford Explorer, driven by a 37-year-old Wesley Chapel woman, was traveling westbound on SR 52. Veh. 2, an International cargo truck, driven by a 51-year-old Orlando man, was traveling eastbound on SR 52. At the 28000 block of SR 52, Veh. 1 completed a U-Turn into the path of and was struck by Veh. 2. Post-impact, both vehicles traveled to final rest along the outside shoulder of the highway. Transported to an area hospital, Driver 1 later expired from injuries suffered during the crash. Driver 2 suffered minor injuries and was also transported to an area hospital. 

July 1 —Veh. 1, a motorcycle operated by a 40-year-old Webster man, was traveling northbound on I-75 and collided with a tractor-trailer near the 281 Milepost. The motorcyclist suffered fatal injuries at the scene of the crash. All northbound lanes of I-75 were closed due to the accident. 

May 20 —Veh. 1, an Isuzu truck, driven by a 19-year-old Parrish man, was traveling southbound on I-75. North of Bruce B. Downs Blvd., the driver swerved to avoid an unknown object in the roadway. The driver lost control, causing the vehicle to rotate, depart the roadway and collide with the outside barrier wall. The driver was transported to an area hospital with minor injuries. 

May 18 — Veh. 1, a Kia Soul, driven by a 46-year-old New Port Richey man, was traveling northbound on I-75. South of Overpass Rd., the driver lost control while cutting in and out of traffic and traveled onto the outside shoulder of the highway. Once on the shoulder, the vehicle struck a light pole and caught fire. The driver suffered fatal injuries at the scene of the crash. 

May 16 — Veh. 1, a Tesla Model S, was traveling southbound on I-75 along with several other vehicles. Near the 277 Milepost, Veh. 1 departed its travel lane and collided with Veh. 2, a Ford F150. Veh. 1 redirected and collided with Veh. 3, a Toyota Corolla. Veh. 3 was then also redirected and collided with Veh. 4, a Peterbilt truck. Finally, Veh. 1, which had continued southbound following the first two collisions, struck Veh. 5, a Volvo tractor-trailer. Transported to an area hospital, Driver 1 later expired from injuries suffered during the collisions. All other drivers suffered no injuries. Driver 1: Male, 69, Longboat Key; Driver 2: Female, 43, Riverview; Passenger in Veh. 2: Male, 11, Riverview; Driver 3: Male, 70, Wesley Chapel; Passenger in Veh. 3: Female, 74, Wesley Chapel; Driver 4: Male, 59, St. Petersburg; Driver 5: Male, 31, Tampa 

May 1 —Veh. 1, a Kawasaki motorcycle, operated by a 23-year-old Wesley Chapel man, was traveling northbound on Wesley Chapel Blvd. at a high rate of speed. Near Progress Pkwy., the rider lost control, departed the roadway, struck a street sign and finally, a light pole. The rider suffered fatal injuries at the scene of the crash. 

Apr. 13 — Veh. 1, a Toyota Camry, driven by a 30-year-old Tampa man, was traveling southbound on I-75. South of SR 52, the driver overtook another vehicle and took evasive action to avoid a collision. The driver lost control of the vehicle, which rotated to the highway shoulder and struck a tree. Upon impact, a 28-year-old Tampa woman traveling as a passenger in the vehicle suffered fatal injuries. 

Apr. 8 — Veh. 2, a tractor-trailer, driven by a 25-year-old Gainesville man, was traveling northbound on I-75. North of Bruce B. Downs Blvd., the tractor-trailer became disabled and came to a stop along the outside shoulder of the highway. Veh. 3, a Hyundai Sonata, driven by a 27-year-old Ocala man and brother of the tractor-trailer driver, stopped just ahead of Veh. 2 to render assistance. Veh. 1, an F-350 towing a cattle trailer, driven by a 23-year-old Campbellsville, KY, man, was traveling northbound on I-75 and, as the vehicle overtook Vehs. 2 and 3, the driver drifted onto the highway shoulder. Veh. 1 collided first with the driver’s side of Veh. 2, continued forward and collided with Driver 3, who had exited his vehicle to render assistance. Veh. 1 continued still further before finally colliding with Veh. 3. Driver 3 suffered fatal injuries at the scene of the crash. Post-impact, Driver 1 fled the scene of the crash and traveled to the Gate gas station on SR 56 at Cypress Ridge Blvd. An FHP Trooper soon located the driver at the gas station, where he was changing a tire. The driver, Noah Alexander Riley, was arrested for leaving the scene of a crash involving a death and deliver ed to the Hillsborough County Jail. 

Apr. 4 — Veh. 1, a Toyota Tacoma, driven by a 42-year-old Dade City man, was traveling northbound on the I-275 entrance ramp leading to I-75, when the driver lost control for unknown reason. The vehicle crossed the gore, overturned and came to rest in the northbound I-75 travel lanes. The unrestrained driver was ejected from the vehicle, suffered serious injury, & was transported to an area hospital and later expired as a result of his injuries. 

Mar. 29 — Veh. 1, a dump truck loaded with rock, driven by a 51-year-old Riverview man, was traveling southbound on I-75. North of SR 56, the driver lost control of the vehicle, which overturned and spilled its load upon the highway. The crash closed the southbound lanes of I-75 with traffic diverted at SR 54. The driver suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to an area hospital. 

Note from FHP Sgt. & Public Affairs Officer Steven Gaskins re: Distracted Driving Month: 

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), its division of the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) and its public safety partners remind drivers to stay distraction-free while behind the wheel. [Although ]April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, both drivers and passengers alike have a duty to refrain from engaging in or fostering distraction [all year around]. 

The act of driving requires keen concentration, as drivers must constantly be in tune with factors such as their speed, surroundings, other drivers, roadway conditions and more. Throw distractions into the mix — such as texting or talking on the phone — and this act becomes harder to do safely. 

Preliminary data for 2024 shows that in Florida, nearly 300 people died and more than 2,200 people suffered serious bodily injuries due to a distracted driver. A distraction is anything that takes your hands off the wheel, your eyes off the road, or your mind off the act of driving. While you may not think you are a distracted driver because you do not engage in more well-known distractions, such as texting, you may be engaging in other distractions that put you, your passengers and others on the roadway at risk. This might include, but is not limited to, listening to loud music, eating, engaging with passengers or adjusting your vehicle’s entertainment or navigation system. 

BayCare Wesley Chapel Hospital Hosts Pet Blessing & Coffee Social Events

Photos by Charmaine George

Our friends at BayCare Wesley Chapel (WC) Hospital (4501 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.) continue to engage the community so that as many people as possible can get to know the nearly three-year-old, 86-bed hospital. 

On Oct. 6, BayCare WC Chaplain Reid Isenhart (at left in top photo) hosted a Pet Blessing event, in honor of the Feast Day for the Catholic Patron Saint of the animals, St. Francis of Assisi. “We always strive to set high standards for compassionate care for people, Chaplin Reid said, “but we also like to recognize the gift of our animals, including the therapy animals who come to the hospital.” 

With nearly two dozen animals in attendance — including two young piglets, a chicken and a bunny brought by “Connected City” resident Michael Pultorak (left) — Chaplain Reid said, “Research shows that pet owners consider their pets to be full family members. Today, we also have animals who assist us not just emotionally, but also with sight and sound and to recognize seizures and even cancer, so we bless them all.” 

Then on Oct. 15, BayCare WC hosted a North Tampa Bay Chamber Coffee Social (photo, right), where the hospital’s director of operations Bill Sedey gave attendees more info about the hospital: “This hospital features a 20-bed emergency room, a 12-bed intensive care unit, helipad for transporting critical patients, all private rooms and a great partnership with the under-construction YMCA next door.” Other hospital staffers also made presentations about BayCare WC’s imaging center, staffing and more. 

For more info, visit BayCare.org. For upcoming Chamber events, visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com.events. — GN

Wiregrass Ranch Updates On Publix, New Apartments, Medical Offices & Restaurants?

By Gary Nager & Joel Provenzano 

Rendering of the resort-style pool at the under-construction Arcadia at Wiregrass Ranch apartments. (Rendering from ThirdLakeDevelopment.com) 

It seems that there’s never a shortage of news coming out of Wiregrass Ranch these days, so we always try to check in with developer JD Porter and his development right hand man, Scott Sheridan, the chief operating officer of Locust Branch, LLC, to get the latest news. 

After all, the 5,000-acre Wiregrass Ranch already has The Shops at Wiregrass mall, AdventHealth Wesley Chapel Hospital, the Porter Campus of Pasco Hernando State College, more than 3,000 single-family homes (and townhomes) and 1,400 rental apartment units. 

Wiregrass Ranch also is home to the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus, The Beach House assisted living community, Florida Cancer Specialists (FCS), Moffitt Cancer Center and North Tampa Behavioral Health, and coming soon are the Florida Medical Clinic Orlando Health Wiregrass Ranch Hospital, two Orlando Health-owned medical office buildings totalling 150,000 sq. ft., a PAM Health Rehabilitation Hospital and two additional medical office buildings that Wiregrass Ranch will develop in partnership with Flagship Healthcare Properties, and what Porter says will one day be Wesley Chapel’s true downtown — The Legacy at Wiregrass Ranch. 

Publix could soon begin building its new location east of Wiregrass Ranch Blvd. earlier this year. Map locations: 1-Chili’s, 2-Chase Bank, 3-Bank of Amer., 4-Advance Auto Parts, 5-Sweet Nail Spa, Mathnasium, Pizza Hut & Starbucks (Map from Publix plans submitted to Pasco County, modified by NN). 

One of the big things people keep asking me (and online) is about the new Publix planned for the east side of Wiregrass Ranch Blvd., just north and east of Walmart (see map above left) on a 9.5-acre site appraised at $3.97 million. 

Of that 48,848-sq.-ft. Publix (with a 2,100-sq.-ft. liquor store), which is being built in front of the newest apartment community — Arcadia at Wiregrass Ranch — the main thing most people want to know is whether or not the opening of that new Publix will cause the existing store in the Hollybrook Plaza (less than a half-mile away) to close. Neither Sheridan nor Porter would address that question directly, but Sheridan says, “Final permitting [of the new Publix] is under way now, and I expect them to break ground by early next year. We have no direct knowledge of [Publix’s] intent to close the old store when they build the new one.” The site plan for the new Publix shows its main entrance lining up directly opposite the northern entrance to Walmart. 

Although most people appear to agree that it seems a little crazy to have two Publixes located so close to each other, we have heard some online chatter that says the Hollybrook Publix will definitely close, while others say that it definitely won’t close. Without confirmation either way from Publix or the Wiregrass Ranch team, it seems ludicrous to me to speculate either way. 

But, speaking of Publix, Porter did mention the possibility of another link in the Lakeland-based supermarket chain coming to the area near the new FCS building on S.R. 56, but Sheridan cautioned that although he had seen a post on Facebook that a preapplication meeting had been scheduled, “there has been nothing from us directly on this.” 

Also important to note is that if another Publix is coming to S.R. 56 in Wiregrass Ranch, that possible location is not the Publix planned for the front of the Two Rivers development five miles or so further to the east on 56. 

In the meantime, the Arcadia at Wiregrass Ranch apartments have not yet gone vertical, but the 15-acre parcel (valued at $7.04 million) has been cleared to build the 320-unit luxury rental community and its resort-style pool, EV charging stations and more, which will be the seventh Arcadia project (and the third in Florida) for Tampa-based Third Lake Development. 

As for the planned medical offices near the Orlando Health hospital, Sheridan says that the first 46,000-sq.-ft. Wiregrass Ranch Medical Pavilion (rendering above), in partnership with Flagship Healthcare Properties, is getting ready to break ground before the end of this year. 

“The second phase will move forward once the initial building is completed and fully leased,” Sheridan says. 

As for the two Florida Medical Clinic/ Orlando Health medical office buildings (MOBs), Sheridan says, “The hospital is expected to open by April of 2026. We expect the MOBs would be under construction soon but can’t say for sure. They are just now completing all of the site work for both of those.” 

Sheridan also said that Wiregrass Ranch is, “coordinating with Mast Capital on their requirement to build the Bypass Loop road within Wiregrass Ranch from S.R. 54 to Wiregrass Ranch Blvd.” as part of Mast’s redevelopment of Saddlebrook Resort (see pg. 44). “But we are not engaged or aware of their developments within the resort.” 

New Restaurants? Although the rumor mill has said that The Tilted Kilt, a Winghouse/ Hooters-style sports pub could be the still-unnamed restaurant planned for next to Cooper’s Hawk, Porter told me that although they have had discussions with The Tilted Kilt, it definitely will not be the restaurant built next to Cooper’s Hawk. 

Meanwhile, Sheridan says, “We are working on several upscale restaurants along the S.R. 56 corridor including next to Cooper’s Hawk, which, we are told, is consistently the #1 or #2 restaurant in that chain.” 

But of course, perhaps the most anticipated development in Wiregrass Ranch is The Legacy, which Porter keeps saying will be the only “true” downtown development in Wesley Chapel, and which will tie together everything already built and still planned for the Porter family’s sprawling cattle ranch. So, is there any Legacy news? 

“We are exploring that now with potential partners but have not committed any timing yet,” Sheridan says. 

To be continued.