Teen’s death sparks pedestrian safety changes

Vigil held for teen killed on way to school ten years ago

Family and friends of a teen who was hit and killed on her way to school a decade ago honored her memory on Sunday night and reflected on the pedestrian safety changes that have occurred over the last ten years and how much more needs to be done. FOX 13 reporter Jennifer Kveglis reports.

Tampa - Family and friends of a teenager who was killed a decade ago gathered to honor her on Sunday night and celebrate the progress that's been made when it comes to pedestrian safety over the last 10 years. 

The backstory:

Alexis Miranda, 17, a Chamberlain High School student, was struck and killed while crossing Busch Boulevard without a crosswalk. 

She was walking to school with two friends when she stopped in the middle turn lane on Busch Boulevard and a driver using the median as a passing lane struck her. She died instantly.

Her death galvanized local leaders to rethink roadway safety, sparking Hillsborough County’s adoption of the "Vision Zero" initiative strategy to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries.

On Sunday night, family, friends, and community members joined transportation officials for a candlelight vigil, prayer, and silent walk to the crash site in her honor.

The event was both a remembrance and a celebration of progress, spotlighting pedestrian safety improvements sparked by Miranda’s death.

Progress in Pedestrian Safety 

By the numbers:

City and county leaders say those efforts are paying off.

• 38% decrease in traffic fatalities in Tampa so far in 2025, compared to last year.
• 10 schools have cameras.
• There is a one-year timeline to complete raised medians, new crosswalks, traffic signals, and sidewalks along the West Busch Boulevard corridor.

What's next:

Florida Department of Transportation's West Busch Boulevard Corridor Study has led to significant changes between N. Dale Mabry Highway and Nebraska Avenue. Officials say construction on safety upgrades should be finished by the end of next year, including a lower speed limit of 35 mph. 

The city of Tampa also plans to expand its new school zone speed enforcement cameras to more campuses in the future.