Charlotte County Commissioners approve re-naming portion of I-75 for slain deputy

Writer: Nicholas Karsen
Published: Updated:
Deputy Christopher Taylor. (Credit: CCSO)

Charlotte County commissioners met to discuss several topics, including re-naming a portion of Interstate 75 after a slain deputy.

The portion of I-75 between Duncan Road and Harbor View Road will be renamed “Deputy Sheriff Christopher Taylor Memorial Highway” after a drunk driver killed the deputy during a traffic stop in November 2022.

Cassandra Smith was sentenced to 29 years for DUI manslaughter of the Charlotte County deputy.

During her trial, the prosecution showed video footage of the moment Smith, while driving drunk, crossed three lanes of traffic and struck Taylor.

Charlotte County Commissioners met on Tuesday and unanimously approved the resolution to rename the stretch of roadway.

The proposal to rename this porting of the highway was made by State Representative Spencer Roach, as Taylor’s death stuck a nerve in Southwest Florida.

“You know, this is a young man who really was cut down in the prime of life. He was 23 years old when this tragic event happened,” Roach said. “He was an only child, and you just imagine how tragic this is for his parents and his family.”

Commissioners are now set to vote on three traffic lights along Burnt Store Road, which will help with the growing housing developments and improve safety along the north-south road from Cape Coral to Punta Gorda.

For the complete agenda list, click here.

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