SURFSIDE, Fla. – A South Florida woman is back home after being struck by a vehicle on the Fourth of July.
It was just after a fireworks show ended on Thursday when Wendy Flores, of Bal Harbour, was hit while trying to cross the 500 block of 96th Street in Surfside.
Days after being struck on America’s Independence Day, Surfside police arrested the driver, Jose Vega, of southwest Miami-Dade, who they say was driving without a license.
Surfside police Chief Henry Doce said Vega, a Mexican national, has only been in the country for seven months.
In an exclusive interview with Local 10 News Monday, Flores said she’s grateful to be alive.
“I thank God. I’ve been praying to God like I do every day, every night,” an emotional Flores told Local 10 News reporter Rosh Lowe. “I could have been killed.”
Flores’ husband, Jimmy Newton, has been a pillar of support, returning to the scene to ask for prayers.
Newton, who teaches self-defense and boxing, has garnered numerous people praying for his family.
“If people can feel and radiate that compassion to her, I believe that’s going to heal her,” Newton said.
Their prayers were answered after Flores was cleared to return home.
“With the prayers we are receiving, it’s helping us get strong,” Newton said. “I’m just happy...they have helped.”
Police have noted that Flores was at fault for not using the crosswalk. Despite this, she is focused on recovery and spreading a positive message.
“Be positive, be God-fearing, and share that with others... just to help others in need,” she said.
Flores’ journey to recovery will be long, but her faith and the support of her community are guiding her every step of the way.
Flores’ family has created a GoFundMe account to help with her medical expenses during this difficult time. Click here if you would like to contribute.