Nocatee, Florida — A peaceful retirement evening in Nocatee, Florida, turned tragic when a former New York City restaurant owner was charged with DUI in a golf cart crash that resulted in the death of his wife.
Authorities say 64-year-old Angelo Theodosiou was behind the wheel when the accident occurred late on November 30, ending a night that was supposed to be another quiet moment in their new coastal community.
Crash Claims Life of 58-Year-Old Wife
The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office reported that 58-year-old Christina Theodosiou fell from the moving golf cart around 10:45 p.m., striking her head on the pavement. She was rushed to a nearby hospital but died the following day from her injuries.
According to the arrest report, deputies found her lying in the roadway while her husband appeared visibly distraught. The report states that investigators immediately noted signs of impairment in Angelo’s appearance and behavior, raising concerns about whether alcohol contributed to the crash.
Officers Observed Signs of Impairment
Authorities described several indicators that Angelo may have been under the influence. Investigators observed that his eyes were bloodshot and watery, the sclera appeared reddened, and there was a strong odor of alcohol coming from him even at a distance of three feet.
The report notes that Angelo refused to participate in a standard field sobriety test at the scene and later declined to submit to a breathalyzer test. Deputies also said he appeared confused the following day, repeatedly asking why he had been arrested.
Despite these observations, Angelo’s attorney, L. Lee Lockett, maintains that his client was not impaired and is devastated by the loss of his wife.
“He’s distraught. He’s depressed as can be,”
Lockett told local reporters.
Longtime NYC Restaurateur Remembered for Warm Hospitality
Before retiring to Florida, Angelo and his brother operated a beloved Queens diner, maintaining the restaurant’s original name after purchasing it in the 1990s. Former customers and local students who interviewed Angelo over the years recall his philosophy of treating every guest like family.
“It might sound corny, but it’s really true,” Angelo once told students during a community project that highlighted the diner.
The timeline of when the couple relocated to Florida remains unclear, but neighbors say they had embraced the slower pace and community charm that Nocatee offered.
Residents Concerned About Growing Congestion
Locals told reporters that the area where the crash occurred had become increasingly busy since the opening of a nearby greenway path. Many residents said they were not surprised to hear about an accident, explaining that the new route created more congestion, particularly among golf carts, bicycles, and e-bikes.
Some described witnessing multiple near misses in recent weeks, raising concerns that conditions may have contributed to the tragedy. Officials have not commented on whether the pathway or visibility played a role in the accident.
Read Also: Man with 17 Prior Arrests Charged in Random Assault on 6-year-old in New York City
Arrest, Charges, and Release
Following the investigation, Angelo Theodosiou was charged with driving under the influence and refusing to submit to police testing. Court records show he posted bond and was released from jail the day after his arrest.
As the case moves forward, the Florida community has expressed sympathy for the grieving widower, with many acknowledging the emotional complexity of an incident involving both criminal allegations and profound personal loss.
Share Your Thoughts
What steps should growing retirement communities take to improve safety on shared paths used by golf carts and e-bikes? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
