Satellite Beach's Mark and Jill Nelson addressed House lawmakers last week in Tallahassee to push for safer crosswalks. Mark Nelson cradled his dying daughter, Sophia, in his arms after she was struck by a vehicle and suffered a catastrophic brain injury in December at a State Road A1A flashing-yellow beacon crosswalk in Satellite Beach.
The 12-year-old Surfside Elementary sixth grader never regained consciousness. Instead, on Christmas, she was taken off life support and donated organs to four recipients.
The Nelsons spoke in support of a bill that would install flashing red lights at crosswalks. The bill passed the State Affairs Committee, and Jill Nelson says if the bill becomes law, it will be their daughter's legacy.