Debbie Spoelstra was turning onto Bridge Road from Dixie Highway in Hobe Sound when a railroad crossing arm came down on her car, leaving her between the gates as a train approached.
Josiah Baur, 23, was on the other side of the tracks when he saw what was happening. He ran to the crossing and lifted the gate with both arms.
That gave Spoelstra enough time to back her car away before the train came through. Another witness, Lizzy Dominguez, later shared a photo of Baur so the driver could find him and thank him.
Baur said he does not think of himself as a hero. Spoelstra reported the malfunctioning crossing arm to Florida East Coast Railway, which said someone would inspect it.
