‘Street Takeover’ Drivers Targeted In Florida House

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‘Street Takeover’ Drivers Targeted In Florida House

Tampa Street Racing Operation Silent Knights A proposal that would increase penalties for drivers who participate in “street takeovers” that attra

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Tampa Street Racing Operation Silent Knights
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A proposal that would increase penalties for drivers who participate in “street takeovers” that attract crowds and social media viewers is headed to the full Florida House.

On Wednesday, the Judiciary Committee unanimously supported a measure (HB 449) targeting people who take over parts of roads and impede traffic.

With changes Wednesday, the bill aligns with a Senate version (SB 1764).

Read: Detectives Arrest Safety Harbor Middle School Student Threatening Mass Shooting

The proposal builds on a 2022 law intended to curb the activities. Rep. Kiyan Michael, R-Jacksonville, said the “public safety” problem occurs from Jacksonville to Miami and that current penalties do not “provide a deterrent for many individuals.”

Under the proposal, for example, fines would increase from $500 to $2,000 for first offenses.

People who commit second offenses within a year could face third-degree felony charges, up from the current first-degree misdemeanor charges.

The Senate version of the bill needs approval from the Rules Committee before it can go to the full Senate.

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