HOLMES BEACH – Anna Maria resident Jana Samuels was seriously injured late Monday morning in a head-on crash involving a car and the golf cart she was driving.
The crash occurred on Monday, Nov. 29 at 11:47 a.m. in the 6800 block of Palm Drive, near the north end of the city, according to the Florida Traffic Crash Report provided by the Holmes Beach Police Department.
The block was temporarily closed again for a few hours Wednesday morning and early afternoon while the Holmes Beach Police Department conducted an additional investigation of the accident scene.
According to the crash report, a silver 2021 Nissan Versa driven by 59-year-old Michael Lynn Fitzgerald, of Ellenton, veered into the oncoming lane and collided head-on with the yellow 2008 golf cart driven by 79-year-old Samuels.
According to the crash report narrative, “Driver of vehicle #1 (Fitzgerald), while driving north, crossed the centerline for unknown reason and struck vehicle #2, a golf cart, that was southbound, head-on. Driver of vehicle #1 appeared impaired by suspected drug influence. Driver of vehicle #1 cited for careless driving and DUI investigation ongoing.”
The crash report notes the driver was given a drug test and the results of that blood test were pending. According to the report, Fitzgerald was not suspected of alcohol use. Samuels was not suspected of drug or alcohol use.
According to the crash report, New Port Richey-based Trulieve Inc. is the owner of vehicle #1. Trulieve Inc. operates several medical marijuana dispensaries throughout Manatee County and Florida.
The report notes Samuels was ejected from the golf cart and transported to Blake Medical Center in Bradenton. As of Thursday evening, she remained at Blake and continued to receive treatment for the serious injuries she sustained.
Samuels, a well-known Island resident, is the mother of Anna Maria Island Sun Advertising Director Shona Otto.
When contacted at the hospital Thursday afternoon, Otto said, “She sustained some critical, life-threatening injuries, but she’s hanging in there. She’s had a few surgeries and more are expected. I know my mom would appreciate the outpouring of support that’s come from the community and her many friends on the Island. This is going to be a long road ahead for her.”
According to Manatee County court records, in June 2020, a vehicle registered to Fitzgerald received a red light camera citation for failing to stop at a red light signal at the intersection of Cortez Road and U.S. 41. The fine for that citation was later paid. In 2007, Fitzgerald received a careless driving citation for a crash that resulted in property damage to another vehicle; the fine was later paid.
