Residents and lovers of locally brewed beer have been surprised and saddened by the terrible vehicle incident that occurred on Saturday. A man from Miami and Front Page Brewery owner Johnnie Levin of Bartow both perished in the crash.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, a single-vehicle crash involving a 2018 black Porsche 911 along U.S. 98 south of Smith Lane prompted a 911 call at approximately 11:35 p.m. on Saturday.
After leaving the Wine Bar lounge in Bartow, the sports vehicle was going north on U.S. 98 when it veered off the road and crashed, ejecting the driver and a passenger, according to the Sheriff’s Office. When first responders came, they discovered that both passengers had died.
According to collision investigators, Michael Price, 66, of Miami, and Johnnie Levin, 54, of Bartow, decided to take a spin in the Porsche while they were at the pub.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, a witness to the collision who was traveling north on U.S. 98 at the time noticed the Porsche approaching from behind without headlights, abruptly exit, and roll several times along the east shoulder of the road.
After turning around and locating the wreckage, the witness dialed 911. There were multiple shattered pieces in the Porsche. Overspeeding seems to be a contributing element. The inquiry is still on.
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Over the weekend, Facebook saw a flood of condolences, many of which came from Bartow Mayor Pfeiffer.
“Words cannot come close to expressing our shock and sadness to hear the devastating news about Johnnie’s tragic passing!” Trish Pfeiffer at Live & Love Local Bartow, she said on her page.
“She left her mark on our little town and now we will carry on and continue to support her dream,” Pfeiffer stated. “Front Page Brewing Co. was Johnnie! With Bill by her side every step of the way. We will continue to support William Levin (Bill) in any way he needs us.”
The social media page of Swan Brewing in Lakeland released a statement that read, “The brewing community is a close-knit family and Johnnie’s loss is felt deeply by all of us.”
“Johnnie kept us on our toes − she was determined and driven to pave her own path in the Florida brewing scene,” Swan stated. “We argued, then laughed and made up; we shared ideas, equipment, and above all, a passion for this industry.”
