ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – A bill that would increase penalties for repeat DUI offenders is waiting for the signature of Gov. Ron DeSantis.
The bill, dubbed “Trenton’s Law,” was named after 18-year-old Creekside High grad Trenton Stewart, who was struck and killed by a reckless and impaired driver who was driving 113 mph in a 45 mph zone on the wrong lane.
“I mean, it’s been exhausting. It’s been a long process, but it’s been worth it,” Trenton’s mother, Mandi Stewart, told News4JAX.
Mandi and her husband, Robert, said they pushed for the law not only for Trenton but to fix a flawed way of addressing a preventable issue.
Robert explained that the driver who killed Trenton had killed someone before when they were younger in the same way.
“That was still treated as if he had never done it before, and that the max was 10 years,” Robert said.
The driver pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 12 years in prison.
Mandi said she feels that if signed, the law would give families a better sense of justice.
The Stewarts continue to endure the loss of their son and are finding healthy ways to cope, like keeping Trenton’s legacy alive with the Trenton Stewart Foundation.
“We provide scholarships to those who want to go and play a college sport, or those who are really thriving from an academic perspective. And so last night alone, we were able to award to scholarships in Trenton’s memory,” Mandi said. “And then to hear their perspective on what happened to Trenton and how that has impacted them as a student athlete or as a student in general, I think that really helps.”
Whether it’s the foundation or camps educating young kids and teenagers about football and the importance of nutrition and a healthy lifestyle, Trenton’s legacy will live forever.
“I think that he was a legend in the making, really. He was very driven,” Robert said. “He was very focused and very balanced in not only his physical but mental health and stability and what he wanted to do.”
Mandi said Trenton’s resilience during his short life brings her comfort.
“Trenton really dedicated his life to, you know, ‘Quitting is not an option,’ and being resilient and being driven and being focused,” Mandi said. “So regardless of our experience, this is something that resonates, you know, throughout our community.”
Mandi said many of his Trenton’s friends and the students who have received scholarships have shared the impact Trenton had on their lives.
“So that, to me as a mom, makes me very proud, because you hope that you instill certain characteristics within your child, but then when you actually hear that he went out and he lived it, and he impacted so many people. I mean, that’s what it’s all about,” Mandi said.
Read more about the bill at flhouse.gov.
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