Michael "Frankie" Franklin Bentley

Michael Franklin Bentley, who was known by loving family and friends as
"Frankie," had just replaced a stolen bike and decided on a late
evening ride with his friend Sarah on Gandy Boulevard along the
beach.   According to the St. Petersburg Times,
just west of
Brighton Bay Boulevard he was struck from behind by a Jeep driven by
Lily Elizabeth Lusty.   Frankie suffered critical injuries and was
taken to Bayfront Medical Center
where he later died.

Frankie is much loved and respected among family, friends and local cyclists.  The St. Petersburg Times reports that after the death the St. Petersburg cycling community rallied around the family.  Many provided words of support on a local blog.  Two cyclists painted a bike white and installed what is considered to be the first ghost bike in the Tampa - St. Petersburg area.    On Thursday the 17th family and friends gathered where he
worked, a bike themed pizza joint, Tour de Pizza, to celebrate his
birthday.  He would have been 21.