The Keri Anne DeMott Foundation

The Seminole County Tax Collector’s Office is proud to partner with The Keri Anne DeMott Foundation to help prevent impaired, distracted, and dangerous driving in our community. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to public safety, education, and honoring the lives impacted by preventable tragedies on Seminole County roads.

Through the Foundation’s powerful outreach, we have the opportunity to educate young drivers and their families about the real consequences of unsafe decisions behind the wheel. Keri’s story is a moving reminder that one moment can change everything, and that responsibility starts with each of us.

By supporting the Foundation’s mission, we’re not just raising awareness — we’re helping amplify the voices of victims and their families, ensuring they are seen, heard, and never reduced to a statistic.

Together, we’re working to build a #SaferSeminole — one where no seat is left empty due to an avoidable decision.

Honor Their Daughters: End Impaired Driving

The Keri Anne DeMott Foundation was founded to honor the life and legacy of Keri Anne DeMott, a 20-year-old college student who was killed by a drunk driver on October 10, 2015. Keri was studying Sociology at the University of Central Florida with dreams of becoming a social worker to help children and families. Her life was cut short by someone who made the choice to drive impaired — a choice that was entirely preventable.

The DeMott family created the Foundation to share Keri’s story and spread awareness about the devastating consequences of impaired and distracted driving. Through speaking engagements, community programs, and the powerful #NoMoreEmptySeats campaign, Keri’s father, Bill DeMott, travels the country reminding people that every decision behind the wheel matters. His message is simple but powerful: your choices can save lives.

In 2019, another life was tragically lost — Kayla Marie Thompson, a 23-year-old mother of two, was killed by a distracted driver. Kayla was a medical assistant, a student at Valencia College, and a shining light in her family’s life. Her death, like Keri’s, was preventable.

Kayla Marie’s legacy of love continues through her final act of kindness: she was a registered organ donor. Her gift of sight restored vision for five people through cornea donation. Her family, alongside the DeMotts, has joined the mission to raise awareness and promote change — one story, one decision, and one life at a time.

Together, the DeMott and Thompson families are working to educate communities, support victims, and ultimately bring an end to impaired and distracted driving. These aren’t just statistics — these are daughters, sisters, mothers, and friends.

How You Can Help

Put down your phone. No text is worth a life.
Know your medications. Don’t drive drowsy or impaired.
Never drive under the influence. Alcohol, drugs — even one decision can change lives forever.
Say “YES” to saving lives. Register as an organ donor at DonateLifeFlorida.org.

Let’s work together to ensure there are no more empty seats at dinner tables, classrooms, and family gatherings. Choose safety. Choose responsibility. Honor their memory.