On Thursday, a car slammed into Tattle Tales Learning Center on Pine Hills Road, injuring owner Alexis Dulin Williams and several young children. While all of those involved are expected to recover, the accident has sparked renewed discussion of Orange County’s vehicle‑impact barrier requirements for childcare facilities.

Why the daycare was exempt

Orange County officials explained that Tattle Tales is exempt from the 2016 “Lily Quintus Ordinance” because it received its childcare permits before the ordinance took effect. The law, enacted after a tragic 2014 crash that killed four‑year‑old Lily Quintus at a KinderCare on Goldenrod Road, mandates that any new childcare facility install concrete impact barriers before receiving an occupancy certificate.

Local response and existing protections

Just down the street, Stars on the Rise Childcare, directed by Pamela Green, has installed colorful concrete barriers around its building. Green said the barriers, which extend about two feet into the ground and run the full length of the structure, provide peace of mind during construction and on the often slick Pine Hills Road.

“We are very grateful we decided to put something like this in place. It protects the children and us,” Green said.

Owner’s plans and county actions

Williams told WESH 2 that she is seeking to relocate the daycare to a location where she feels safer. “We’re just asking to be able to relocate somewhere else because we don’t feel safe on Pine Hills Road anymore,” she said.

Orange County building officials confirmed that Tattle Tales cannot reopen until necessary repairs are completed and a final determination on impact protection is made after reviewing the proposed repair plans.

Investigation details

The crash is still under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. Troopers believe the 79‑year‑old driver may have experienced a medical episode at the time of the collision and have requested a driver’s‑license reexamination. No charges have been filed yet.

Community implications

The incident underscores the importance of the Lily Quintus Ordinance for newer facilities while highlighting a gap for older centers that were grandfathered in. Local parents and childcare providers are watching the county’s response closely, hoping that any future revisions to the ordinance will address safety concerns for all early‑learning sites.

As the community rallies around the affected families, officials say they will continue to evaluate the need for broader safety measures to protect children in all childcare environments throughout Orange County.

Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.