The smell of deep fried cookies and funnel cakes is in the air, and that can only mean one thing…the Florida State Fair is back! Ahead of Thursday’s opening day for the two week event, Sheriff Chad Chronister is asking Hillsborough County residents and visitors to play it safe during their day of fun at the fair.
“Stay with your group at all times. If possible, wear matching shirts to find each other in the crowd,” advised Sheriff Chronister in the public service announcement (PSA) released on Wednesday.
He asked drivers to be especially cautious around the Florida State Fairgrounds and mindful that there will be more pedestrians on the road and frequent stops due to heavy traffic.
“Be aware of your surroundings,” added Sheriff Chronister. “Not all fellow fairgoers are there for the same reasons, so keep your cash and cellphones tucked away in your pocket or out of sight in your locked vehicles.”
Sheriff Chronister advised fairgoers to “See Something, Say Something,” by reaching out to a law enforcement officer if they notice anything suspicious. For non-emergencies, fairgoers are encouraged to call the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office at 813-247-8200 or 911 in the event of an emergency.
Sheriff Chronister’s Fair Safety PSA can be viewed on the HCSO Sheriff YouTube account: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uu6RAEj3cXs&feature=youtu.be