A Hardee County Sheriff’s Office deputy who had been helping at an evacuation shelter was killed on her way home to pick up supplies for the shelter, according to WFLA.com.
A Hardee County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson said Julie Bridges was a 13-year veteran of the sheriff’s office, NBC-2.com reported.
WFLA.com said the person in the other car was also killed. That person was later identified as a Florida Department of Corrections employee Sgt. Joseph Ossman.
It wasn't immediately clear what role the weather may have played.
The National Weather Service had issued a tornado warning for the county, saying a severe thunderstorm was in the area.
Florida Highway Patrol spokesman Greg Bueno says troopers are investigating the crash and no further details were immediately available.
“I am heartbroken to learn of the loss of these the two individuals in a traffic accident today. Our law enforcement and correctional officers work every day to keep Floridians safe. It is because of their work we are able to live in a state where people can raise their families safely. My heart goes out their families and the entire law enforcement and correctional community," Gov. Rick Scott said in a statement.
Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.
