Official Statement on the Signing of Lucy’s Law (HB 289) (Full Statement)
From the Fernandez Family
Today, we are humbled, grateful, and profoundly moved to share that Governor Ron DeSantis officially signed Lucy’s Law (HB 289) into law on June 27. This moment marks not only the fulfillment of a promise but also the continuation of a movement—one born from heartbreak, sustained by hope, and propelled by a shared mission to protect lives and bring meaning from unimaginable loss.
To Our Legislative Leaders
We are deeply thankful to Governor DeSantis for recognizing the urgency and importance of this bill, for acknowledging the need to prioritize safety and life on Florida’s waters, and for taking a bold step forward. His signature is a blessing, a formal affirmation that we are headed in the right direction and that the State of Florida is committed to making our waterways safer for all.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the bill sponsors, Representatives Vanessa Oliver and Vicki Lopez, and Senator Jon Martin, for their courageous leadership and thoughtful stewardship of this bill through every phase of the legislative process. To Representative Omar Blanco, the co-sponsors, legislative aides, and incredible staff who ensured Lucy’s Law was fair, balanced, and built to bring about real change—thank you for seeing the value of this mission and for walking alongside us every step of the way.
Speaker Daniel Perez and the leaders who acted with integrity and made saving lives their priority, even when the road was hard or the politics complicated—your courage made this possible. To the agencies, organizations, and industry experts who lent their voices, offered their insights, and helped shape the final product with care and conscience, we are deeply grateful for your partnership.
To the Victims, Survivors, and Families
Most importantly, we honor the victims, survivors, and families who bravely shared their stories and lent their voices to this effort, whether during this legislative session or across many painful years. Your courage and persistence paved the way. You showed us how to keep going. This moment belongs to you, too. Lucy’s Law stands as a living tribute to your loved ones and the battles you have fought for justice, accountability, and change.
We carry in our hearts the many names and faces behind this effort—among them, Katy Puig, whose life was forever changed by this tragedy and who, despite all the odds, continues to move forward with grace and strength, inspiring everyone around her. We remember Mia Rodriguez and the girls on the boat that fateful afternoon, as well as their families, who will carry the weight of that day and what they experienced for the rest of their lives. Yet amid that pain, may they also find peace in knowing they were with Lucy in her final moments—in her joy, her laughter, and in the place where she felt most alive. That is a sacred gift, not one to carry with sadness alone, but as a reminder that every moment matters and that love, once shared, never dies.
Though the sorrow is real, so is the beauty that can rise from it. Your connection with Lucy, your friendship, and your memories can be the light that fuels your purpose, inspires you to help others, and honors both you and your friend. Hold on to that. And hold on to your faith, because when you do, you’ll see that Lucy is still here, working in all of this, still by your side.
We also honor Ella Riley Adler and the countless others whose beautiful lives have been senselessly lost on the water. May their memories always remind us how precious life is, and how urgently we must work to protect it.
To the Media and Advocacy Partners
We are incredibly thankful to the media—the journalists, reporters, writers, and producers—from print, radio, and broadcast outlets across the state. You kept this story alive, shined a light when others looked away, and gave us a platform to speak out and be heard. By helping us reach hearts and minds far beyond our immediate circle, you played a vital role in changing the culture around boating safety in Florida. You are part of something good. You are helping us save lives.
We owe special thanks to those who have been steadfast champions of this cause, including Edgar Castro and Avery Mazur from The Southern Group, the team at the Safe Seas Coalition, our Executive and Advisory Board, and the many others who amplified our message, encouraged us in moments of doubt, and reminded us that we were never alone..
To the First Responders and Medical Teams
We also want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the first responders, good Samaritans, EMTs, nurses, hospital staff, and Dr. Fernando Perez and his team at HCA Florida Kendall Hospital, who acted with urgency, courage, and compassion in the most critical moments. You gave us the greatest gift of all—the chance to see Lucy one last time, to hold her hand, and to say goodbye. In the face of unimaginable pain, that was the only miracle we could have prayed for, and it meant everything. Thank you for your sacrifice, your strength, and your heart.
To Our Community, Friends, and Loved Ones
We want to thank our OLLA, CCHS, and Epiphany communities, our closest friends, and our loving family, who have surrounded us with love and unwavering support. You have stood by us, fought for us, and held us in prayer when our world was falling apart. No one knows our journey or the price we’ve paid for love quite like you, because you’ve lived it with us. Thank you for being our strength and for showing up when it mattered most.
To Our Son
Lastly, we would like to thank our son, Kevin. Without you, we would not be here. None of us can truly understand what it means to lose a sister—to lose your person—but we see you. We see the sacrifices you’ve made, the quiet strength you carry, the light you refuse to let dim, and the way you continue to grow through a pain no child should ever have to bear.
You are the reason we exist, the reason we get up every morning and choose to keep going. You are our world. And we know, without a doubt, that no one is more proud of you than Lu. And so are we.
Lucy’s Legacy and the Work Ahead
Lucy’s Law is more than legislation. It is a testament to what is possible when a community unites with purpose and compassion. It offers families who treasure time on the water and the memories they make there the assurance that those cherished moments will be better protected. And it honors Lucy, whose life, love, and joyful spirit continue to inspire and lead us forward.
This journey has always been guided by Lucy’s light and grounded in our faith and in God’s promise that “in all things God works for the good of those who love Him” (Romans 8:28). Even in the aftermath of unspeakable tragedy, we have witnessed glimpses of grace and the first steps toward healing. The signing of this law is a milestone, one we never imagined, yet knew was needed. And while it brings meaning, we know the real work is just beginning.
As we move forward, we remain committed to working alongside our public officials to ensure that Lucy’s Law is implemented with the urgency and intention it deserves. We look forward to our continued collaboration with local and state leaders, marine safety advocates, and community stakeholders. Together, we will continue to build a culture of responsibility on the water—one that reflects our shared values and honors the lives at the heart of this law.
We will continue to fight for safety, for education, and accountability. We will keep shining Lucy’s light into dark places. And we will carry forward the hope that we all have the power to make better choices—and that even in our greatest losses, love can lead us to something greater, not just for ourselves, but for one another.
For Lucy. For every life. For the greater good and a safer future on the water.
With deep gratitude,
Meli and Andy Fernandez
A condensed version of this statement was originally shared via social media on June 28, 2025.
Andy, Meli, Lucy, and Kevin | April, 2020
A Special Thank You
Legislative Leadership
Speaker of the House, Daniel Perez
Lucy’s Law Sponsors (HB 289 & SB 628)
Representative Vanessa Oliver, District 76
Representative Vicki L. Lopez, District 113
Senator Jonathan Martin, District 33
Co-Sponsors (HB 289)
Representative Webster Barnaby, District 29
Representative Robin Bartleman, District 103
Representative Omar Blanco, District 115
Representative Erika Booth, District 35
Representative Linda Chaney, District 61
Representative Lindsay Cross, District 60
Representative Peggy Gossett-Seidman, District 91
Representative Alex Rizo, District 112
Representative Michael Gottlieb, District 102
Representative J.J. Grow, District 23
Representative Michelle Salzman, District 1
Representative Mitch Rosenwald, District 98
Representative Dotie Joseph, District 108
Representative Johanna Lopez, District 43
Representative James “Jim” Vernon Mooney, District 120
Representative Debra Tendrich, District 89
Representative Susan Valdés, District 64
Representative Meg Weinberger, District 94
Representative Taylor Yarkosky, District 25
Representative Michael Owen, District 70
Representative Juan Carlos Porras, District 119
Representative Mike Redondo, District 118
Advocates
Mr. Edgar Castro, The Southern Group
Mr. Avery Mazur, The Southern Group
Ms. Maggie Gahan, Safe Seas Coalition
Ms. Amanda Bevis, Safe Seas Coalition
Families & Community
The Perez, Fernandez, & Castro Families
The Puig Family
The Adler Family
The Alvarez Family
Isabel Castellanos & Family
The Friguls Family
The Denaro Family
OLLA Community
CCHS Community
Epiphany Community
Lucy Fernandez Foundation
Board of Directors, Executive, and Advisory Board + Families
bLU CREW Members, Moderators, Families & Volunteers
Educational Partners
To our elected officials, partnering agencies, and law enforcement, we extend our gratitude for your unwavering support of our efforts and for your continued collaboration and teamwork as we work to effect meaningful change in our communities.
