FHP Charges 19-Year-Old After 93 MPH Race in Work Zone

Seth Malaki Slavey, 19, of Cantonment, was arrested after a Florida Highway Patrol trooper recorded him racing at 93 mph through a highway construction zone. The incident occurred on southbound Highway 29 near Broad Street.

The arrest report details that the trooper was stopped at a red light when Slavey’s vehicle, positioned in the outside lane next to a second car, began to move forward with revving engines. Despite the red signal, both drivers accelerated sharply as the light turned green. The trooper described the maneuver as a side-by-side competition to determine which driver would take the lead.

Radar indicated the vehicles were traveling at 93 mph while entering an active work zone posted for 35 mph. The trooper noted that Slavey reduced speed slightly after the other vehicle crossed two lanes to join the eastbound I-0 on-ramp. The officer followed both cars onto the interstate and directed them to the shoulder near mile marker 11.

Charges against Slavey include violating Florida’s street racing and stunt driving laws and operating a vehicle at a speed exceeding the limit by 50 mph or more. During the stop, Slavey apologized repeatedly and stated he was rushing to his job at the Blackwater River Correctional Facility.

The report records that Slavey offered no legal justification for his driving behavior. He was released from custody after posting a $500 bond.