JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – “Dream big, big dreams.”
Those words, coined by 7-year-old Serenity Holland, are now on T-shirts worn by her family, which also feature Serenity’s picture to serve as a reminder of her vibrant life as her family continues to seek justice.
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Six months have passed since the crash that claimed Serenity’s life, and no one has been arrested or charged in her death.
The crash happened on July 13 at 3:07 a.m. on the Buckman Bridge. According to the traffic report, the driver of the car that struck Serenity was traveling at 95 mph in an area with a posted speed limit of 65 mph. Serenity died two days later at Wolfson Children’s Hospital.
News4JAX met with Serenity’s family outside Chimney Lakes Elementary School to remember her.
“When my mom first had her, like, she thought my room was her room,” Serenity’s big sister, Shawndell McGriff, said. “She’d just come in here and climb up in my bed or climb up on my back and just go to sleep.”
Despite the significant age gap, Shawndell McGriff said her relationship with Serenity was defined by unconditional love.
“I always tell people we were either two 7-year-olds or two 26-year-olds,” she said. “She was just a big personality, but she was also very shy and reserved.”
Tragically, Shawndell lost her father just 11 months to the day when Serenity died.
“You expect your parents to go first before you,” Shawndell said. “You can see their health, like, as they get older and things like that. But with Serenity, she was just so full of life and joy, and you just knew you had so many more years with her.”
She continued, “Right now, it feels like she was just taken for nothing and no reason.“No one’s dealing with the consequences, no one’s being held accountable, and it’s just not fair.”
News4JAX has chosen not to name the driver, as no charges have been filed. However, records show the driver was caught driving without a valid license in Leon County in February 2024. They pleaded no contest just two days after Serenity’s passing.
The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) released a statement about the ongoing investigation:
This is an ongoing investigation and continues to be addressed with our Traffic Homicide Unit. The THI investigator has stated that he has updated the family numerous times and has been in contact with updates when information is available. Due to the ongoing investigation, no charges have been filed at this time. If charges are warranted at the conclusion of the investigative case, they will be issued then.
Florida Highway Patrol
FHP also indicated they are awaiting the results of a separate Traffic Homicide Investigation.
For additional context, News4JAX spoke with crime and safety analyst Tom Hackney, who explained why there may be no arrests at the time.
“Sometimes, the wheels of justice, unfortunately, they roll slow,” Hackney said. “And a lot of times, it’s not for lack of caring on law enforcement’s part. But, you know, the idea is to ensure a successful prosecution with a guilty verdict.”
In the meantime, Serenity’s family says they are waiting for justice.
News4JAX’s extended interview with Shawndell McGriff can be viewed below.
Additionally, Serenity’s family is raising money by running in the Wolfson Children’s Hospital 5k on Jan. 25. The family also is asking people to join the run, and the registration can be found here.