Hillsborough County launched a DUI operation that cracked down on impaired drivers across the county over Labor Day weekend—leading to many arrests and citations across roadways and waterways.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said in a press release that it teamed up with police agencies across the county for a joint operation targeting impaired drivers on roads and waterways. Deputies and officers made 27 DUI arrests during the long weekend.
The operation involved the Tampa Police Department, Plant City Police Department, and the University of South Florida Police Department. Officers conducted more than 200 traffic stops while also monitoring boaters, resulting in more than two dozen impaired-driving arrests and one additional arrest.
The sheriff’s office released the results Tuesday morning. There were 225 traffic stops, 210 warnings, 25 traffic citations, and 27 DUI arrests. Deputies also made 14 vessel stops and issued two vessel citations.
27 Arrests Were Made
The 27 DUI arrests represented the largest result from the operation, as officers worked to remove impaired drivers from Hillsborough County roads during the holiday weekend.
The sheriff’s office released body camera footage that showed four of the 27 DUI arrests, including three men and one woman. Deputies said that the woman “couldn’t even form a sentence,” as she would repeatedly say “um,” highlighting the condition of some of the drivers officers encountered.
One additional arrest was made, but the report did not specify what it was for. Boat drivers were also a part of the operation, recognizing that impaired driving is not limited to cars.
Boat Drivers Were Also Targeted
While most of the enforcement focused on roadways, deputies also conducted vessel stops throughout the weekend. This showed that the operation was extended to all types of drivers.
The report stated that deputies stopped 14 vessels and issued 2 citations, and no boaters were reported arrested. That doesn’t necessarily mean every person stopped was impaired. Florida law allows officers to make stops for a variety of reasons, but to detain someone who is deemed under the influence, their blood alcohol level needs to be at least 0.08.
A Message to the Community
Sheriff Chad Chronister said the joint operation shows what can happen when local agencies work together to keep impaired drivers off the roadways.
“One less impaired driver on the road this Labor Day weekend meant one less possible tragedy for a family in our community,” Chronister said.
The sheriff’s office said DUI enforcement will continue throughout the year and encouraged residents to plan before drinking. Designated drivers and rideshares, like Uber, are all better options than getting behind the wheel yourself.