In November 2025 in Tampa, a high-speed chase by the Florida Highway Patrol tragically ended when a fleeing vehicle lost control and crashed into a crowd outside Bradley’s on 7th, a popular gay bar. This horrific incident resulted in the untimely deaths of four people who were simply enjoying a night out in a bustling nightlife district: Sherman Jones, Christina Maria Richards, Lisa Sherell Johnson, and Marlon Anthony Collins. Read more about this preventable tragedy.  As community advocates, our hearts are with the families of those who were lost and our hearts are with the those who are still healing from their injuries and trauma. 

The heartbreak and loss endured by the families and friends of the victims cannot be understated. This tragedy could have been prevented with a more cautious and responsible approach to law enforcement pursuit policies. It is imperative that we take decisive action to prevent such avoidable losses in the future.

Currently, the Florida Highway Patrol’s road chase policy allows chases for a variety of situations, including non-violent infractions, without mandatory risk assessments. High-speed chases are inherently dangerous, often resulting in fatal consequences for innocent bystanders. This is not a risk worth taking for situations involving stolen property or speeding. In addition, we are calling for the Florida Highway Patrol to never conduct a police chase while in a residential neighborhood or in or near a busy, nightlife or populated district. 

We propose a change in policy to completely eliminate or greatly reduce high-speed pursuits and to ensure that such pursuits never occur in or near highly populated, high traffic areas and/or residential areas.

The United States averages one fatal pursuit-related crash every day, a recent Department of Justice study showed. A third of pursuits ended in a crash, and up to 17% of them led to an injury or fatality. While [those chased] are most likely to be injured or killed, 24% of so-called “negative outcomes” happen to passengers in the fleeing vehicle, law enforcement officers or innocent bystanders, the study found.

This proposed change is supported by studies and statistics which show that many jurisdictions across the United States have successfully implemented similar measures, resulting in decreased fatalities and serious injury to the public. The safety of our community members must be prioritized over the pursuit of drivers at all levels.

By signing this petition, you are calling on Florida lawmakers, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, and the leadership of the Florida Highway Patrol to take immediate action and amend these policies. Let's ensure the safety of individuals in Florida, and prevent more innocent lives from being lost tragically in avoidable circumstances. Please sign this petition to urge the implementation of a more responsible, common sense policy for the Florida Highway Patrol. 

States and areas where similar policies that we are calling for exist: Washington, Oregon, Oakland, NYC 

-Pursue Justice