BUNNELL, FL – The 4th of July is a time to celebrate our great nation and the many freedoms we enjoy. But the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) warns that if you decide to drink and drive or boat impaired, you will lose your freedom and be taken to see new bars at the Green Roof Inn.
Starting Thursday, June 29, 2023, FCSO will be conducting extra patrols and proactive policing operations to enforce traffic laws on our roadways and waterways. The increased presence will run through Tuesday, July 4, 2023. The goal is to enhance safety for residents, motorists and boaters in all of our local law enforcement jurisdictions.
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 within the parking lots and on the beaches.
Another goal for this 4th of July weekend is to reduce and prevent crime opportunities through proactive measures. FCSO reminds residents and visitors to do some basic crime prevention strategies:
- Lock your car doors and hide personal valuables.
- Be aware of your surroundings, be alert and report any suspicious activity.
- Do not leave purses/handbags, cell phones, and packages in your vehicle or visible.
The Marine Unit will provide high-visibility patrols on the intracoastal waterway and canals, monitoring the waterways for boaters under the influence along with unsafe vessel operation. FCSO’s Boston Whaler Justice 250 will be patrolling the intracoastal waterway and offshore if necessary. Boating enforcement and rescue operations are important in our coastal community.
“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 to help prevent becoming victims by locking your cars,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “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. Please also be mindful of how fireworks may affect pets and follow local ordinances about firework use. We hope everyone has a fun and safe 4th of July, as we celebrate America’s 246th year of Independence, which by the way my 9th generation cousin, William Hooper, signed the Declaration of Independence and served in the Continental Congress!”
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!
Although Florida law allows personal use of fireworks on July 4th, the Cities of Palm Coast and Flagler Beach have passed ordinances prohibiting private use of fireworks. Also, remember that exploding fireworks frighten pets and other animals and can be dangerous so FCSO encourage you to watch professional fireworks instead.
