BUNNELL, FL – The 4th of July is a time to celebrate our great nation and the many freedoms we enjoy. But if you decide to drink and drive or boat impaired, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) warns that you will lose your freedom and be taken to see new bars at the Green Roof Inn.
Starting Tuesday, July 2, 2024, FCSO will join the International Association of Chiefs of Police “Operation Care” and with our local law enforcement agencies in “Operation Wreck-Less” to conduct additional proactive policing to enforce laws on our roadways and waterways. The increased presence will run through Sunday, July 7, 2024, with the goal of enhancing safety for residents, motorists, and boaters.
Members of the FCSO Motor/Traffic Unit will conduct enforcement details to target drunk driving, seatbelt violations, speeding, and aggressive driving. Deputies will provide an increased presence on roadways experiencing high-traffic volume and be responsible for monitoring traffic patterns, providing enforcement and awareness to motorists. FCSO will also increase patrols at beach approaches and will provide a highly visible presence on foot and on ATVs in the parking lots and on the beaches.
Another goal for this 4th of July weekend is to reduce and prevent crime opportunities through proactive patrols. FCSO reminds residents and visitors to follow some basic crime prevention strategies:
• Lock your car doors and never leave your keys in the car.
• Be aware of your surroundings, be alert and report any suspicious activity to 386-313-4911.
• Do not leave purses/handbags, cell phones, wallets and packages in your vehicle or visible.
Boating enforcement and are important in our coastal community to ensure everyone can safely enjoy our waterways. The Marine Unit will provide high-visibility patrols on the intracoastal waterway and saltwater canals. Deputies will be monitoring for boaters operating a boat under the influence along with unsafe vessel operation.
The FCSO encourages watching professional fireworks instead of personal use, since exploding fireworks frighten pets, other animals and our residents and can be dangerous. There will be fireworks over the runways at the United Flagler 4th event at 9 p.m. on July 4 at the Flagler Executive Airport. Personal use of fireworks in the City of Palm Coast and Flagler Beach are illegal.
“I know the holiday weekend is exciting for all, but we ask the community to remember to follow the laws of the roadway, do not drive distracted or drunk, and help prevent becoming victims by locking your cars,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “We are doing our best to plan for a safe, festive holiday weekend and ask you to join us and do your part to prevent crime. We hope everyone has a fun and safe 4th of July, as we celebrate America’s 247th year of Independence. By the way – my 9th generation cousin, William Hooper, signed the Declaration of Independence and served in the Continental Congress, so July 4th has a special meaning for our family.”
While there is a high concentration of efforts across multiple agencies for this holiday weekend, the FCSO remains vigilant 365 days a year on roadways in Flagler County. Remember, drive sober or get pulled over.
