Tampa Daily Press

TRINITY (Fla.) — A family continues to heal after traffic changes were made in New Port Richey to the area where they trick-or-treat in 2019.

It was the worst day you’ve ever seen, it seemed. Chris Keyes stated that it was all over in a flash.

His 6-year-old twin brothers and his wife were celebrating Halloween when the night turned upside down.

Keyes stated that he thought all three were hit but it was Dom.

Florida Highway Patrol reports that a small pickup truck drove by Dominick and struck him while Dominick, his twin, and his mom were crossing the street.

“I was hit by speeding man. Dominick stated that he claimed he didn’t see the lights but he didn’t see me.

He is now 9 years old and hardly thinks about what happened. It’s a miracle that he survived.

He had broken his hips and a three-inch gap between his skull and his head. His nose was blown out, and his gums were ripped off. They had to reattach them all. They only had a few scrapes, and barely any bruises. Keyes stated that it was “kind of crazy”.

Starkey Boulevard and Town Avenue were not lit as well as they are now. All four corners now have led lights. New street signs are also available with the new traffic light. Everyone is safe.

“Just the lighting and all of it, like, it is pretty amazing. They put up a huge, full intersection sign. Keyes stated that she didn’t know what I could expect or if they would ever do anything in the area.

Officials took the decision to move because of the growth in the nearby neighborhoods. The changes don’t necessarily correlate with Dominick’s death.

“Unfortunately, it didn’t get the attention it deserved. It was time for people to be like it’s now. Keyes stated, “Let’s fix it.”

Now trick-or-treaters are able to feel more confident when they go out collecting candy.

Dom’s scars, three years later, are barely visible, but they are a reminder that makes him stronger.

Dominick stated, “Not many children can survive being hit with a truck.”

Officially installed, the traffic light was in place in July. It was fully operational by the end August.