The family of a Lakeland girl who was killed by a drunk driver in 2005 said they’re outraged because someone destroyed their roadside memorial.

The family of 14-year-old Brandi Higby thinks the county removed the memorial without notifying them.

Sarah Kent, one of Higby's closest friends, had a friend make a brand new cross for a new roadside memorial after the first one was destroyed. She said one morning it was there and by the afternoon, it was gone.

“I go by there every single day and it’s always there,” Kent said. “On my way to work it was fine and then when I came home, I turned around in the middle of the street and went back because I thought I was seeing things."

The memorial that was made for the teen nearly nine years ago was gone.

“I was like 'oh my God her mom is going to be so sad,' because she still lives right down the street and I know she goes by there every day,” she said.

That’s why Kent made it her mission to set up another memorial on Arianna Road near Wabash Avenue, not far from the torn flowers and mementos that appear to have been mowed over.

Kent said she believes the county removed the memorial without telling the family.

The Florida Department of Transportation only allows roadside memorials it provides and installs along a state road, and then for only a year. The department does not have the authority to place them on city or county roads and will not erect them where they are prohibited by the local governmental entity.

Kent said this isn’t going to hold her back from honoring her friend who she says was loved by all who knew her and will be known by everyone who drives past her memorial.

Kent said the memorial is so important because Higby is buried in New York so they can’t visit her grave as often.

Friends and family of her late friend will have a special ceremony at the memorial Sunday night. Each person will bring a new item.