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New barriers set up after deadly Volusia beach toll booth crash
New barriers have been placed at the Dunlawton Avenue beach access ramp in Daytona Beach Shores, where beach attendant, Tammie Jo Baker, was killed after a truck slammed into her booth. The alleged driver of that truck, Deanna Harrell, is facing potential charges of vehicular homicide and DUI manslaughter. A judge ruled she would be held on no bond.
DAYTONA BEACH SHORES, Fla. - A Florida woman charged in a crash that killed a toll booth worker at a Volusia County beach entrance will remain in jail for now after a judge ordered her held without bond Thursday.
Deanna Harrell, 35, faces charges of DUI causing death and vehicular homicide in connection with the death of Tammy Jo Baker, 63, who was working inside a toll booth at the Dunlawton Beach Approach when authorities say Harrell crashed into the structure.
The backstory:
During Harrell's first court appearance, a judge found sufficient grounds for pretrial detention and ordered her held without bond.
The Volusia County Sheriff's Office said surveillance video shows Harrell's vehicle striking the toll booth before continuing onto the beach and into the ocean.
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Family members remembered Baker as a hardworking and devoted relative whose loss has left a void in the family.
"She was the glue of the family, so it's going to be hard to pick up those pieces," granddaughter Hannah McBride said.
According to Harrell's arrest report, she consumed multiple alcoholic drinks at a bar Monday morning before leaving despite an offer from a friend to drive her home.
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Authorities said several motorists called 911 to report a driver who was swerving, traveling on the wrong side of the road and nearly causing multiple collisions.
Witnesses told dispatchers the vehicle was "all over the road" and had nearly struck other drivers head-on.
Deputies were unable to stop the vehicle before the crash occurred, authorities said.
Harrell was taken into custody at the scene and held for a mental health evaluation. She was later arrested and faces charges that could carry significant prison time if convicted.
Court records show Harrell has a limited criminal history but previously pleaded guilty to reckless driving in connection with another crash.
What's next:
In response to the crash, Volusia County has installed temporary barriers at the Dunlawton Beach entrance and is evaluating additional safety measures at other beach access points.
"Once we're able to finalize something at Dunlawton Beach Approach, we'll be starting to explore the other beach ramps we have throughout the county," county spokesperson Clayton Jackson said.
The Public Defender's Office withdrew from the case because of a conflict of interest, and a different attorney was appointed to represent Harrell. She is scheduled to return to court next week, where she may seek release on bond.
The Source: This story was written based on information shared by the Volusia County Sheriff's Office and from court proceedings on June 4, 2026.