ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — Dozens of hearts and hands came together Wednesday night at Plantation Park in Julington Creek, praying for the recovery of a 12-year-old boy critically injured in an e-bike crash just two days earlier.

The boy, identified by friends as Parker Anderson, was airlifted to the hospital Monday night after crashing his e-bike along Race Track Road.

According to the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, Parker was not wearing a helmet and suffered severe head injuries. He remained unconscious for two days but woke up Wednesday, friends and family said.

“It can happen to any of us,” one of his classmates told First Coast News.

“It can happen any second,” another said.

Parker’s crossing guard, who hadn’t seen him since the crash, described the emotional toll.

“I miss his smile every morning,” Karen Frisbee said. “I saw his bike, and I knew exactly who it was because I helped him fix his fender with zip ties just a few weeks ago. You get really attached to these kids.”

As classmates and neighbors gathered in prayer, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office Bike Unit addressed the crowd, emphasizing the importance of helmet safety and Florida’s e-bike laws.

“Who owns your helmet but decides not to wear it? That’s a lot of hands,” an officer told the group, noting state law requires anyone 16 and under to wear a helmet while riding a bicycle or e-bike.

Both the rider and their parents can be ticketed if the law is not followed, with fines ranging from $50 to $165.

The law also limits e-bike speeds to 28 miles per hour.

“If it goes over 28 miles an hour, it is illegal in the state of Florida,” the officer said.

“That includes adults. It would be considered an unregistered motor vehicle, which is not only a ticket but a criminal offense.”

The crash has sparked conversations among local children.

“I don’t know if I want to ride my bike anymore because it went 30, and I might want to sell it now,” one student said.

For some families, the trauma is all too familiar. One mother recalled nearly losing her daughter Brooklyn in a similar accident.

“I almost couldn’t finish my drive home. I didn’t sleep well last night. It is traumatizing,” Amanda Ramirez said. “Brooklyn’s lucky to be here. We’re praying for Parker to be just as lucky.”

The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office confirmed they are working with the county attorney on a new e-bike ordinance to improve safety.

As Parker faces a long road to recovery, his community is determined to support him and to ensure that every child who rides a bike or e-bike knows the rules, wears a helmet and comes home safe.

“Parker, if you’re listening right now, I just want to say I’m so happy you’re awake, and I hope you’re feeling better,” a friend said. “We love you, Parker.”