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/SB 1408
INTRODUCER: Fiscal Policy Committee and Senators Collins and Martin
SUBJECT: Transportation Facility Designations
DATE: April 18, 2025
ANALYST STAFF DIRECTOR REFERENCE ACTION
1. Johnson Vickers TR Favorable
2. Griffin Nortelus ATD Favorable
3. Johnson Siples FP Fav/CS
Please see Section IX. for Additional Information:
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE - Substantial Changes
I. Summary:
CS/SB 1408 makes following honorary designations of transportation facilities and directs the
Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to erect suitable markers for each designation:
• Master Patrol Officer Jesse Madsen Memorial Highway in Hillsborough County.
• Sergeant Elio Diaz Memorial Highway in Charlotte County.
• Geraldine Thompson Way in Orange County.
• Harris Rosen Way in Orange County.
• Heroes Memorial Overpass in Bradford County.
• Harry Frisch Street in Duval County.
• Senator James A. Sebesta Memorial Highway in Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties.
• Deputy William May Memorial Highway in Walton County.
• Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart Memorial Highway in Miami-Dade County.
• PBSO Motormen Highway in Palm Beach County.
• Staff Sergeant Matthew Sitton Memorial Highway in Pinellas County.
• Sheriff Gary S. Borders Memorial Highway in Lake County.
• Sergeant Karl Strohsal Memorial Highway in Seminole County.
• Jose Wejebe Bridge in Monroe County.
• Master Deputy Bradley Link Memorial Highway in Lake County.
• SPC Daniel J. Agami Bridge in Broward County.
• Celia Cruz Way in Miami-Dade County.
REVISED: BILL: CS/SB 1408 Page 2
The bill also reduces the length of an existing designation for Deputy William Gentry, Jr.,
Highway in Highlands County.
The estimated cost to the FDOT to install the designation markers is $43,200. See Section V.
Fiscal Impact Statement.
This bill takes effect July 1, 2025.
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:
Section 1 of the bill creates an undesignated section of Florida law, making the following
honorary designations:
Subsection 1 designates that portion of I-275 between mile markers 47 and 48 in Hillsborough
County as “Master Patrol Officer Jesse Madsen Memorial Highway.”
Officer Jesse Madsen, of the Tampa Police Department, was killed on March 9, 2021, when his
patrol car was struck head on by a wrong-way driver on I-275. He was responding to reports of a
wrong-way driver when he was struck by the car. A witness stated that Officer Madsen had
intentionally collided with the oncoming car to prevent it from striking other vehicles. Officer
Madsen was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and had served with the Tampa Police Department for
16 years.
4
1
Section 334.071(1), F.S.
2
Section 334.071(2), F.S.
3
Section 334.071(3), F.S.
4
Officer Down Memorial Page, Officer Jesse Peter Madsen, https://www.odmp.org/officer/25185-officer-jesse-peter-madsen
(last visited February 27, 2025). BILL: CS/SB 1408 Page 3
Subsection 2 designates that portion of U.S. 41 between Melbourne Street and Church Street in
Charlotte County as “Sergeant Elio Diaz Memorial Highway.”
Sergeant Elio Diaz, of the Charolette County Sheriff’s Office, was shot and killed during a traffic
stop in Charlotte Harbor on December 15, 2024. During the stop, the driver pulled out a rifle and
fired at Sergeant Diaz before fleeing. When he was found a few miles away, the suspect reached
for his rifle and was shot and killed by deputies. Sergeant Diaz had served with the Charlotte
County Sheriff's Office for over 11 years. Sergeant Diaz was posthumously promoted to
Sergeant.
5
Subsection 3 designates that potion of W. South Street between South Division Avenue and U.S.
441 in Orange County as “Geraldine Thompson Way.”
Senator Geraldine Thompson served as a teacher, advocate, and college administrator. She was
also instrumental in the establishment of the Wells’Built Museum of African American History
and Culture and served as chair of the Florida Museum of Black History’s Task Force. Senator
Thompson served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2006 to 2012 and from 2018 to
2022. She served in the Florida Senate from 2012 to 2016 and from 2022 until her passing.
Senator Thompson passed away on February 13, 2025.
6
Subsection 4 designates that portion of International Drive between S.R. 528 and Sand Lake
Road in Orange County as “Harris Rosen Way.”
Harris Rosen was the founder, President, and Chief Operating Officer of Rosen Hotels and
Resorts, a company operating seven Orlando-area hotels. Mr. Rosen created programs to provide
free preschool to children in underserved communities, was instrumental in the founding of the
Rosen College of Hospitality Management at the University of Central Florida and was involved
in other philanthropic efforts. Mr. Rosen passed away on November 25, 2024.
7
Subsection 5 designates the railroad overpass located on S.R. 100 in the City of Starke in
Bradford County as “Heroes Memorial Overpass.”
Heroes Memorial Overpass in the City of Starke honors those individuals, such as military
service members, first responders, and other heroes, who have served and protected the
community and made invaluable contributions to the safety, security, and well-being of the
residents of Starke, often risking their lives in service to others.
8
Subsection 6 designates that portion of S.R. 10/West Beaver Street between King Street and
Acorn Street in Duval County as “Harry Frisch Street.”
5
Officer Down Memorial Page, Sergeant Elio Diaz, https://www.odmp.org/officer/27245-sergeant-elio-diaz (last visited
February 27, 2025).
6
Senator Geraldine F. Thompson Obituary, https://mitchellsfuneralhome.com/obituary/senator-geraldine-f-thompson (last
visited March 20, 2025).
7
Harris Rosen – Founder, Rosen Hotels & Resorts, https://www.rosenhotels.com/leadership/harris-rosen/ (last visited
February 25, 2025).
8
Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Starke, Florida, supporting the designation of “Heroes Memorial
Overpass” Resolution 2025-12; adopted February 4, 2024. (On file with Senate Committee on Transportation). BILL: CS/SB 1408 Page 4
Hans “Harry” Frisch was born in Vienna, Austria in 1923. In 1953, he arrived in the United
States after 15 years living in Israel. After some time operating an automobile repair shop, he
joined family members in Beaver Street Fisheries, where he worked until three days before his
passing. He contributed to many philanthropic organizations in both Jacksonville and abroad.
Mr. Frisch passed away on January 13, 2023.
9
Subsection 7 designates that portion of U.S. 92/S.R. 600/Gandy Boulevard between S. West
Shore Boulevard in Hillsborough County and 4th Street N. in Pinellas County as “Senator James
A. Sebesta Memorial Highway.”
Senator James A. Sebesta was initially appointed and subsequently, in 1972, elected Supervisor
of Elections for Hillsborough County. Senator Sebesta was originally elected to the Florida
Senate in 1988, and reelected in 2002, and served as the Chairman of the Senate Transportation
Committee from 2000 to 2006. Senator Sebesta was committed to planning for Florida’s growth
and improving the safety of Florida’s roadways. Senator Sebesta passed away on January 29,
2024.
10
Subsection 8 that portion of U.S. 90 between Lancelot Road and Oakridge Way in Walton
County as “Deputy William May Memorial Highway.”
Walton County Deputy Sheriff William May was shot and killed on April 2, 2025, while
responding to a disturbance at a business in Defuniak Springs. Deputy May was working an
overtime shift and was on his way home when he took the disturbance call. He had served with
the Walton County Sheriff's Office for over 11 years, the last six of which were as a law
enforcement officer.
11
Subsection 9 designates that portion of U.S. 41/SW 8th Street between S.W. 27th Avenue and
Brickell Avenue in Miami-Dade County is designated as "Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart
Memorial Highway."
Born in Havana, Cuba, Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart’s family fled Cuba in 1959 and
eventually settled in Miami. He was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 1986 and
won a special election to the Florida Senate in 1989. He was first elected to Congress in 1992
and retired from Congress in 2011. Congressman Diaz-Balart passed away on March 3, 2025.
12
Subsection 10 designates that portion of Southern Boulevard between 18000 Southern
Boulevard/Lion Country Safari Road and Royal Palm Beach Boulevard in Palm Beach County is
designated as "PBSO Motorman Highway."
9
Hans “Harry” Frisch Obituary, https://www.jacksonville.com/obituaries/pfla0406888 (last visited March 5, 2025).
10
James Sebesta Obituary, https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/tampabaytimes/name/james-sebesta-obituary?id=54311555
(last visited February 17, 2025).
11
Officer Down Memorial Page, Deputy Sheriff William May, https://www.odmp.org/officer/27369-deputy-sheriff-william-
may (last visited April 7, 2025).
12
United States House of Representatives, Lincoln Diaz-Balart, https://history.house.gov/People/Detail/12198 (last visited
April 9, 2025). BILL: CS/SB 1408 Page 5
On November 25, 2024, Deputy Sheriff Dan Diaz, Corporal Luis Paez, and Deputy Sheriff Ralph
“Butch” Waller, Jr., Palm Beach County motorcycle deputies were killed after being struck by a
vehicle. Deputy Waller and Corporal Paez were life-flighted to St. Mary's Hospital, where they
were pronounced deceased. Deputy Diaz succumbed to his injuries four days later.
13
Subsection 11 designates that portion of S.R. 688/Ulmerton Road between 122nd Avenue
N./125th Street and Walsingham Road in Pinellas County as “Staff Sergeant Matthew Sitton
Memorial Highway.
On August 2, 2012, Staff Sergeant Matthew Sitton was killed in action in Kandahar, Afghanistan
during Operation Enduring Freedom. A native of Largo, he served with distinction in the United
States Army. Throughout his service, he earned numerous commendations, including the Bronze
Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, Army Achievement
Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal with knot, National Defense Service Medal, Expert
Infantryman Badge, and the Parachutist Badge.
14
Subsection 12 designates that portion of S.R. 19 and C.R. 48 in the town of Howey-in-the-Hills
in Lake County as "Sheriff Gary S. Borders Memorial Highway."
Sheriff Gary S. Borders began is law enforcement career with the Osceola County Sheriff’s
Office. In 1989, he was hired by the Lake County Sheriff's Office to supervise the county jail. He
served in the capacity of Major and Chief Deputy in the Criminal Justice Operations Bureau until
his appointment as the Sheriff of Lake County in 2006. He was elected Lake County Sheriff in
2008 and reelected in 2012. Sheriff Borders retired from office in 2017 and passed away on
November 16, 2021.
15
Subsection 13 designates S.R. 400 east of the Central Parkway Bridge to the E.E. Williams
Bridge in the City of Longwood in Seminole County as “Sargeant Kerl Strohsal Memorial
Highway.”
On July 14, 2007, Sergeant Karl Strohsal was struck and killed by another vehicle on Interstate 4
when his unmarked vehicle was in a crash and became disabled. The driver who struck Sergeant
Strohsal was charged with driving on a suspended license and driving under the influence.
Sergeant Strohsal had served with the Longwood Police Department for 18 years and had
previously served with the New York City Police Department for 14 years.
16
Subsection 14 designates Bridge number 900111 on S.R. 5/ South Pine Channel over South Pine
Channel in Monroe County as “Jose Wejebe Bridge.”
13
Officer Down Memorial Page, Deputy Sheriff Ralph "Butch" Waller, Jr., https://www.odmp.org/officer/27215-deputy-
sheriff-ralph-butch-waller-jr (last visited April 7, 2025).
14
The Patriot All American, Soldier Honored: Matthew S. Sitton, https://patriotallamerica.com/fallen-soldier/2019-63/ (last
visited April 9, 2025).
15
Sheriff Gary S. Borders Obituary, https://www.hardenpauli.com/obituaries/gary-borders (last visited April 9, 2025).
16
Officer Down Memorial Page, Sergeant Karl Strohsal, https://www.odmp.org/officer/18951-sergeant-karl-strohsal (last
visited April 7, 2025). BILL: CS/SB 1408 Page 6
Born in Havana, Cuba, and growing up in Miami, Jose Wejebe’s true passion was the water. He
hosted the fishing show “Spanish Fly” and found time to work with various community charities.
He passed away on April 6, 2012, when the plane he was piloting crashed in Everglades City.
17
Subsection 15 designates that portion of U.S. 27 within the municipal boundaries of Minneola in
Lake County as "Master Deputy Bradley Link Memorial Highway."
Master Deputy Sheriff Brad Link was shot and killed when he and other deputies responded to a
disturbance at a home in Eustis. Two other deputies were wounded, one critically, during the
incident and the subsequent attempt to rescue Deputy Link. Deputy Link had served with the
Lake County Sheriff's Office for four and a half years and had previously served with the Polk
County Sheriff's Office. Deputy Link passed away on August 3, 2024.
18
Subsection 16 designates the bridge on S.R. 7 over Sample Road in Broward County as “SPC
Daniel J. Agami Bridge.”
On June 21, 2007, Army Specialist Daniel J. Agami, of Coconut Creek, passed away from
injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle in Baghdad,
Iraq, killing five soldiers. At his funeral, his parents were presented with his Purple Hart, Bronze
Star, and an Army commendation metal.
19
Subsection 17 designates that portion of S.R. 932/N.W. 103
rd
Street/49
th
Street within the City
of Hialeah in Miami-Dade County as “Celia Cruz Way.”
Celia Cruz, known as the Queen of Salsa music, was born in Havana, Cuba. In 1960, during the
Cuban Revolution, Celia, then touring in Mexico, decided not to return to Cuba. She moved to
the United States and was barred her from returning to Cuba. Celia’s career spanned more than
60 years and she performed and collaborated with many musical legends from around the world.
Celia Cruz passed away on July 16, 2023.
20
Subsection 18 directs the FDOT to erect suitable markers designating each of the above
designations.
Section 2 of the bill revises a 2022 designation for Deputy William Gentry, Jr., Highway in
Highlands County.
21
The current designation is U.S. 27/S.R. 25 for the enter length of Highlands
County. The bill reduces the length of the designation to between 9200 U.S. 27 South and South
George Boulevard in Highlands County.
17
Jose Wejebe Memorial Foundation, About Jose Wejebe, https://josewejebefoundation.org/about-jose-wejebe/ (last visited
April 9, 2025).
18
Officer Down Memorial Page, Master Deputy Sheriff Bradley Michael Link, https://www.odmp.org/officer/27109-master-
deputy-sheriff-bradley-michael-link (last visited April 9, 2025).
19
Honor the Fallen, Army Spec. Daniel J. Agami, https://thefallen.militarytimes.com/army-spc-daniel-j-agami/2857944 (last
visited April 14, 2025).
20
Celia Cruz Biography, https://celiacruz.com/biography/ and Britannica, Celia Cruz,
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Celia-Cruz (last visited April 15, 2025).
21
Subsection (7) of ch. 2022-224, Laws of Fla. BILL: CS/SB 1408 Page 7
The bill also adds that this is a Memorial Highway. The bill also reenacts the provision requiring
FDOT to erect suitable makers for this designation.
Deputy Gentry joined the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office in March 2005 and eventually
joined the K-9 Unit. For four years, he and his K-9 partner, Roni, patrolled the county. When
Roni retired from service in 2012, Deputy Gentry transferred back to road patrol and then to the
Special Investigations Unit, targeting illegal drugs until 2013. Deputy Gentry left the HCSO in
2013 and returned in 2017. Responding to an animal abuse call with a trainee, Deputy Gentry
was shot and succumbed to his wounds on May 7, 2018.
22
The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.
IV. Constitutional Issues:
A. Municipality/County Mandates Restrictions:
None.
B. Public Records/Open Meetings Issues:
None.
C. Trust Funds Restrictions:
None.
D. State Tax or Fee Increases:
None.
E. Other Constitutional Issues:
None.
V. Fiscal Impact Statement:
A. Tax/Fee Issues:
None.
B. Private Sector Impact:
None.
22
See Officer Down Memorial Page, Deputy Sheriff William Jackson Gentry, Jr., available at
https://www.odmp.org/officer/23672-deputy-sheriff-william-jackson-gentry-jr and Legacy.com, William J Gentry, Jr.,
available at https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/william-gentry-jr-obituary?pid=188976004 (last visited April 7, 2025). BILL: CS/SB 1408 Page 8
C. Government Sector Impact:
The estimated cost to erect the designation markers required under this bill is $43,200,
based on the assumption that a minimum of two markers are required at a cost to the
FDOT of no less than $1,200 each for two designations. The estimate includes labor,
materials, manufacturing, and installation.
23
The FDOT is expected to absorb the
estimated cost within existing resources.
VI. Technical Deficiencies:
None.
VII. Related Issues:
None.
VIII. Statutes Affected:
This bill creates an undesignated section of Florida law.
This bill substantially amends chapter 2022-224, Laws of Florida.
IX. Additional Information:
A. Committee Substitute – Statement of Substantial Changes:
(Summarizing differences between the Committee Substitute and the prior version of the bill.)
CS by Fiscal Policy on April 17, 2025:
The CS incorporated the following additional honorary designations for transportation
facilities and directs the FDOT to erect suitable markers:
• Geraldine Thompson Way in Orange County.
• Harris Rosen Way in Orange County.
• Heroes Memorial Overpass in Bradford County.
• Harry Frisch Street in Duval County.
• Senator James A. Sebesta Memorial Highway in Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties.
• Deputy William May Memorial Highway in Walton County.
• Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart Memorial Highway in Miami-Dade County.
• PBSO Motormen Highway in Palm Beach County.
• Staff Sergeant Matthew Sitton Memorial Highway in Pinellas County.
• Sheriff Gary S. Borders Memorial Highway in Lake County.
• Sergeant Karl Strohsal Memorial Highway in Seminole County.
• Jose Wejebe Bridge in Monroe County
• Master Deputy Bradley Link Memorial Highway in Lake County.
• SPC Daniel J. Agami Bridge in Broward County.
• Celia Cruz Way in Miami-Dade County.
23
E-mail from Jack Rogers, FDOT Legislative Affairs Director, RE: Transportation Facility Designation Costs, December 9,
2024. (On file with Senate Committee on Transportation). BILL: CS/SB 1408 Page 9
The CS also reduces the length of the existing Deputy William Gentry, Jr. Memorial
Highway in Highlands County.
B. Amendments:
None.
This Senate Bill Analysis does not reflect the intent or official position of the bill’s introducer or the Florida Senate.