Florida Highway Patrol Investigates Motorcycle Crash in Bay County
The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is investigating a motorcycle crash that occurred on North Lagoon Drive in Panama City Beach, Bay County, on Wednesday evening. According to FHP reports, the motorcyclist was observed driving recklessly and performing wheelies before the crash. The driver was transported to a local hospital; however, the extent of their injuries remains undisclosed. At this time, no further details have been released, and the investigation is ongoing.
This incident adds to a series of motorcycle-related accidents in Bay County over the past year. In May 2024, a collision between a car and a motorcycle on Front Beach Road resulted in the death of the motorcyclist, Rodney Stansell, and left his passenger, Patricia James, critically injured. The driver of the car failed to yield while making a left turn, causing the crash. Neither alcohol nor seatbelt use were factors in the incident.
In another incident in March 2024, two motorcyclists were arrested for DUI following a crash on Thomas Drive. The collision involved Robert Sullivan and Kade Hawkins, a former Bay County Sheriff’s Deputy. Both men sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were treated at local hospitals. Hawkins was arrested for DUI after his hospital release, while Sullivan was charged with DUI after refusing a field sobriety test. Hawkins has since been terminated from the Sheriff’s department.
The FHP urges all motorists to exercise caution and adhere to traffic laws to prevent accidents. Motorcyclists are reminded to wear helmets and protective gear, and to avoid reckless driving behaviors. Further updates on the current investigation will be provided as more information becomes available.
