Miami-Dade officials and family of Lucy Fernandez are hosting a news conference on Thursday about boating and water safety ahead of the 4th of July holiday.
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava is expected to speak, along with Lucy’s father Andres Fernandez, who is speaking on behalf of the Lucy Fernandez Foundation.
Seventeen-year-old Lucy Fernandez was killed in a boat crash that also left another teenager permanently injured in 2022 near Boca Chita Key.
“Lucy’s Law” was passed in her memory in March of 2025, which increased penalties for reckless boating and leaving the scene of a crash. Any person convicted of boating under the influence now also faces a minimum sentence of four years in prison if they leave the scene or don’t contact law enforcement. The legislation also requires boat operators who have not been Florida residents for at least five years to get a boater safety card or equivalent.
The crash that killed Lucy led to charges for prominent South Florida developer George Pino. He was acquitted last month.
This is a developing story. Refresh for updates.