Seven years ago, a teenage Lake County girl was violently attacked, set on fire and left to die.

  • Tayler's Law named for teenage girl attacked by boyfriend
  • Law requires Florida students to learn about teen dating violence
  • Seven years after attack, Tayler Mack still on the path to recovery

Tayler Mack is still recovering to this day and is the inspiration for a new education bill named after her, called Tayler’s Law. It’s a statewide law aimed at bringing awareness and prevention of teen dating violence to Florida's students.

Looking at her now, it’s nearly impossible to tell that Mack was a victim of a horrific attack.

“It’s very hard on her, physically and emotionally,” said her father, Sgt. Dale Mack of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. He spoke on his daughter’s behalf at a news conference Monday morning.

In 2009, Mack was 14 years old when her boyfriend, Calva Haskell, 15, stabbed her multiple times and set her on fire in Lake County.

“Tayler was able to pick up her bleeding body and get to a neighbor’s house for help,” Orange County Sheriff Jerry L. Demings said.

She survived with serious injuries. Now seven years later, her surgeon said her recovery has passed the halfway point.

“In excess of 15 operations, she’ll require some more,” Dr. Richard Klein said.

Law enforcement officials said this is a narrative they see in our communities all too often among teenagers involved in violent relationships.

“We used to view this incident initially as a setback, but now we know it’s a set-up for bigger and better things to come,” Sgt. Mack said.

Mack has reason to smile, standing next to the bill that has been named Tayler’s Law. It’s a law that will require all Florida students to learn about teen dating violence and the resources available.

“Three out of four of our teenagers either experience teen dating violence or they know someone who is going through it,” Rep. Mia Jones said.

And that’s not the only way Mack plans to make a difference in the lives of others. She is studying at Santa Fe College in Gainesville to become a nurse.

“It is very difficult, both from the physical and emotional standpoint and the pain that she goes through,” Sgt. Mack said. “So that is why she wants to pursue the medical field and assist people in that way.”

Calva Haskell was found guilty of attempted murder and sentenced to 30 years in prison.