Volusia County added temporary barriers after the Dunlawton Beach Approach crash killed toll worker Tammie Jo Baker.
DAYTONA BEACH SHORES, Fla. — A 35-year-old Ormond Beach woman accused of killing a Volusia County beach toll worker in a crash at the Dunlawton Beach Approach was ordered held without bond Thursday.
Deanna Harrell faces charges including DUI causing death and vehicular homicide in the death of Tammie Jo Baker, 63. Baker was inside a toll booth Monday when authorities said Harrell’s pickup truck struck the booth, continued down the beach ramp and drove into the ocean.
At Harrell’s first court appearance, a judge found grounds for pretrial detention and ordered her held without bond. The Public Defender’s Office withdrew because of a conflict of interest, and another attorney was appointed. Harrell is expected back in court next week, where she may seek release on bond.
Authorities said surveillance video shows the truck hitting the booth before moving onto the sand and into the water. Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood said Baker had entered the booth less than a minute before the crash. “You’re here and you’re gone, 35 seconds after our victim enters the booth she’s dead,” Chitwood said.
Investigators said Harrell had been at a bar Monday morning and consumed multiple drinks before leaving, despite an offer from a friend to drive her home. Several 911 callers reported a driver swerving, traveling on the wrong side of the road and nearly causing head-on crashes before deputies could reach the vehicle.
Baker’s family described her as a steady force in their lives. “She was the glue of the family, so it’s going to be hard to pick up those pieces,” granddaughter Hannah McBride said. Baker was a longtime county employee and would have turned 63 in June.
Volusia County has since placed temporary barriers at the Dunlawton Beach entrance. County spokesperson Clayton Jackson said officials plan to review other beach ramps after work at Dunlawton is finalized.
Harrell remains jailed as the criminal case moves forward, while county officials weigh added safety steps at beach access points.
Author note: Last updated June 6, 2026.