A 76-year-old Florida grandmother erupted in anger after state officials issued her a license plate reading “SQZ A55,” a combination she recognized as a suggestive phrase no senior citizen should display on their vehicle.

State Issues Inappropriate Plate

Nancy Dello Stritto of Pompano Beach collected her mail on July 15 expecting routine vehicle registration paperwork. Instead, she received a license plate bearing the explicit reference. “I don’t think a senior who is almost 77 will be driving around with a plate that has that to say,” Dello Stritto told CBS Miami. “When I saw that, I went ballistic. I said, ‘How could that pass inspection?'” The grandmother had requested a standard replacement plate and never noticed the suggestive combination during the ordering process.

Retirement Home Debate Erupts

The controversial plate sparked immediate conversation at Dello Stritto’s retirement community. While the grandmother initially demanded a replacement, her two sons and their friends urged her to keep it. The informal vote currently stands at 16-1 in favor of keeping the plate, with Dello Stritto being the sole dissenting voice. An office manager from the Broward County Property Appraiser’s office, which originally issued the plate, confirmed to CBS that officials would replace it at no charge.

Grandmother Reconsiders Decision

Despite her initial outrage, Dello Stritto has softened her stance on the inappropriate plate. “I’m resigned to it; maybe it was destined for it to be on my car,” she said. The grandmother added with a laugh that she might embrace the situation: “I can handle it; maybe I’ll even get some honks.” She plans to notify the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles about her decision and wants “to see what happens” if she keeps the plate mounted on her vehicle.

How This Happened

Florida license plates have been manufactured at a state prison in North Florida for nearly 100 years before distribution through state agencies. The process includes multiple inspection points designed to catch inappropriate combinations before they reach vehicle owners. State officials have not explained how this particular combination passed through their screening system. The incident raises questions about quality control procedures meant to prevent offensive or suggestive license plates from reaching Florida residents, particularly elderly citizens who expect standard government services.