TAMPA, Fla. -- A roadside memorial for a mother and daughter killed in Tampa was removed Tuesday, Aug. 28.
- Bayshore Blvd. memorial removed today
- Memorial left for woman, daughter killed
- Family of victim's unaware of removal
- Items left at memorial now lost
Jessica Raubenolt and her 21-month-old daughter Lillia were crossing Bayshore Boulevard on May 23 when they were hit by a car and killed. Police say the drivers involved were drag racing.
Neighbors had placed flowers, stepping stones, and a picture of them at the street sign where it happened. Those items had been there since they died.
“It’s heartbreaking for the family. It’s heartbreaking for all the volunteers,” said Stephanie Nay, a Bayshore Beautiful resident.
City of Tampa officials say they removed the memorial because of a complaint from a resident. They have the items in storage and they will be returned to Jessica and Lillia’s family.
“No one said anything. No one contacted the family and the family lives right down this street,” said Nay.
Those who created the tribute say it was to honor their lives and remind drivers to slow down.
“Spreading awareness about the traffic issue, the speeding issue,” said Nay.
“We will do everything possible, everything possible, to make sure that those are the two last deaths on Bayshore,” said Zhenya Nichols, a Bayshore Beautiful resident.
We reached out to the city for comment, but have not heard back.
