Overview
- A pickup truck struck and crushed a staffed toll booth at the Dunlawton Avenue beach access in Daytona Beach Shores, killing attendant Tammy Jo Baker after lifeguards performed CPR and she was pronounced dead at the scene.
- Sheriff Mike Chitwood said the collision occurred around 12:30–12:40 p.m. on Monday and that the truck appeared to be traveling about 40 mph when it hit the relatively light booth structure.
- Bystanders and lifeguards pulled the driver from the vehicle after the truck continued onto the sand and became stuck, and the driver was taken into custody by deputies.
- Officials reported a strong odor of alcohol at the scene and said the detained driver is being tested for impairment with breath and blood checks; no charges had been announced in initial reports.
- Volusia County closed the Dunlawton beach access ramp while the Volusia Sheriff's Office conducts an active investigation, and the death of the longtime county employee now working for the beach parking contractor has prompted local safety concerns.