Florida Woman Arrested for Driving 107 MPH in a 55 Zone While Rushing to Get Pizza Before Closing
PALM HARBOR, FLORIDA — Deputies in Pinellas County arrested a 21-year-old woman from Holiday after she was caught driving 107 miles per hour in a 55 mph zone, allegedly racing to reach a Little Caesars pizza restaurant before it closed for the night.
According to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, the driver, identified as Yazmin Erazo, was stopped around 11 p.m. Thursday on U.S. Highway 19 in Palm Harbor. Deputies said she was clocked at nearly twice the posted speed limit during heavy nighttime traffic.
New Florida Law Targets Extreme Speeding
Erazo now faces a criminal charge under Florida House Bill 351, a new state law that took effect on July 1. The law classifies “dangerous and excessive speeding” as a criminal offense when a driver travels 50 mph or more over the speed limit or exceeds 100 mph in a way that endangers others.
Under the new statute, violators can face up to one year in jail, heavy fines, and a suspended driver’s license — penalties designed to reduce reckless driving across the state.
Driver Told Deputies She Was “Trying to Get Pizza”
Deputies say that when they questioned Erazo about her speed, she appeared cooperative but unapologetic, telling them she was simply “trying to get pizza before they closed.”
She was taken into custody at the scene and later released on bail.
The sheriff’s report noted that although Erazo’s driving did not result in any crash or injuries, her speed posed a “serious risk to public safety,” especially given the traffic conditions on U.S. 19 — one of the busiest highways in Pinellas County.
Law Enforcement Cracking Down on High-Speed Offenders
Pinellas County deputies say the arrest highlights the importance of the new Florida speeding law, which has already led to multiple arrests since its implementation.
“Driving over 100 mph is never just a traffic ticket anymore,” a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office said. “It’s a crime — and it’s a choice that endangers everyone else on the road.”
Released on Bail, Case Pending
Erazo has since been released on bail and is scheduled to appear in court later this month. If convicted, she could face license suspension, probation, or jail time.
Authorities have not disclosed her exact bail amount but confirmed that her vehicle was towed from the scene.
Public Reaction
The bizarre reason behind the arrest — racing for pizza — has drawn widespread attention on social media, with many users expressing disbelief and humor over the situation. Others pointed out the serious danger of such high speeds.
“Pizza’s good,” one commenter wrote, “but not 107 mph good.”
Deputies are urging drivers to slow down and obey speed limits, especially as the holiday season approaches when traffic and enforcement both increase.
For ongoing crime and public safety updates across Florida, visit SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
