Plant City Commission releases recommendations following parade death

PLANT CITY -- The Plant City Commission has released a review of a 2007 Plant City Christmas Parade accident.

9-year-old Jordan Hays died during the parade on December 7. He was walking alongside a float driven by his cousin when his leg was pulled under by the trailer wheel and he was run over. Four people tried to save Jordan at the scene.

Among the findings in the report, the Commission found Hays' death to be accidental, but preventable. The Commission also found that the float design could have contributed to the accident.

The recommendations include prohibiting the tossing of candy and beads, using more parade marshals, and to begin safety inspections for floats. Another suggestion is to make the parade a day-time event.