NORTH BAY VILLAGE, Fla. – The mother and father of Lucy Fernandez have made it their mission to spread awareness about boater and watercraft safety following their daughter’s death, kickstarting a visible initiative.
“I think she’d be immensely proud,” said Melissa Fernandez, Lucy’s mother. ”She would really appreciate the fact that everyone is taking this so seriously.”
“The pain and heartbreak is never going to go away,” said Andy Fernandez, Lucy’s father. “You will just learn to deal with it and that is exactly what we’ve tried to do.”
The unimaginable pain of losing a child has turned into purpose for the Fernandez family.
It was September of 2022 when a boating crash claimed the life of 17-year-old Lucy and left others seriously injured.
“It was only fitting that because she passed in this way, that we honor and dedicate our life and pour our grief into it because there’s no other way forward once you’ve gone through the most unimaginable loss,” said Melissa Fernandez.
Since the accident, the Fernandez family launched a foundation in their daughter’s honor, the Fly High Bird initiative, which aims to create awareness around boating and watercraft safety and regulations -- this, along with Lucy’s Law, which recently passed the State Senate and House.
The bill will boost penalties for operating a boat involved in a crash that ends in serious injury, providing misleading statements to law enforcement and boating under the influence.
“This is really the first step in moving forward, in bridging the gaps that exist in boater safety laws,” said Andy Fernandez. “I have no doubt that she’s going to push us and influence us to keep going.”
Since the accident, real estate mogul George Pino has been charged with felony vessel homicide after the boat he was operating crashed into a channel marker off Elliott Key.
Initially, he was charged with misdemeanors. It wasn’t until October 2024 that Pino, 54, would face a related felony charge of reckless vessel homicide.
“Lucy‘s experience will play an intricate role in shaping the culture, keeping our children, friends, family, and communities safe,” said North Bay Village Police Chief Carlos Noriega.
As for Pino, he has pleaded not guilty and his case will be back in a courtroom next month.
Lucy’s Law goes into effect on July 1.