A Florida woman was shocked when she opened the envelope containing her new license plate and found that it read "SQZ A55", a phrase that could be interpreted as crude. Nancy Dello Stritto, a 76-year-old from Pompano Beach, was angry when she realized the potential meaning of the plate. She admitted that she was upset and questioned how the plate had passed inspection. The presence of an orange blossom between "SQZ" and "A55" on the plate did not help to alleviate her concerns.
The origin of the plate is unclear, and it is unknown how it was manufactured and issued to Dello Stritto. Florida license plates have been produced at a state prison in North Florida for nearly a century before being distributed through county agencies. Dello Stritto received her plate directly from the Broward County Property Tax Collector's office. The county has offered to replace the plate free of charge if it is deemed offensive.
Despite initial outrage, Dello Stritto has become somewhat fond of the plate, which has become a topic of conversation in her retirement community and among family members. Many people have urged her to keep the plate, including her sons and their friends, with only one person suggesting that she request a new one. Dello Stritto has decided to keep the plate for now, but plans to inform the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles about the issue.
Dello Stritto has resigned herself to the situation and is even amused by the prospect of receiving attention while driving with the plate. She has accepted that the plate may be on her car and is prepared to handle any reactions she may receive. With a sense of humor, she has noted that she may even get some honks from other drivers.
