FL H6511

Okeechobee County Sheriff's Office authorized to pay $4,425,000 to Ricardo Medrano-Arzate and Eva Chavez-Medrano as personal representatives of their daughter Hilda Medrano, who was killed in a December 1, 2013 vehicle collision caused by Deputy Joseph Gracie.

Deputy Gracie was driving westbound on State Road 70 at excess of 95 mph in a 35 mph zone without emergency lights or sirens when his cruiser struck the vehicle carrying Hilda Medrano at 87 mph, killing her and her cousin.

Florida Highway Patrol investigation found Deputy Gracie violated two Florida Statutes traffic laws, and internal affairs found his actions violated four standing operating procedures of the sheriff's office; Deputy Gracie was found 88.5 percent liable for the collision.

Payment amount capped at $4,425,000 for damages with additional caps on attorney fees ($885,000), lobbying fees ($221,250), and costs/expenses ($4,030.89), with this payment serving as sole compensation for all claims arising from the incident.

Act takes effect upon becoming law.