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Incidents at FL State Fair drop for second straight year on Family Day

For Immediate Release : Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office
Release Number: 20-042

Date

Friday February 7, 2020 6:00 PM

Location

Florida State Fairgrounds 4800 US-301 Tampa, FL 33610
Incidents at FL State Fair drop for second straight year on Family Day

For the second year in a row, Sheriff Chad Chronister is happy to announce that incidents at the Florida State Fair Family Day have decreased.

On Friday, February 7, approximately 46,000 people attended the Florida State Fair on Family Day, the first Friday of every fair when students from Hillsborough County Schools are given the day off and a free ticket for admission.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office processed 13 ejections and three arrests. Only one of the three arrests was a fair-related incident (Resisting without Violence). The other two were warrant arrests (Robbery and Grand Theft).

Last year on Family Day (2019), HCSO had a total of 39 ejections and arrests. The year prior (2018), there were 47.

“I couldn’t be happier with the decrease in incidents we had at the Florida State Fair on Friday night, and I truly believe this success is due largely to the proactive approach we have taken to prevent crime by increasing the presence of law enforcement and community leaders over the past few years,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Dozens of people joined our Community Action Team, from NAACP members, to faith-based leaders, to volunteers who just want to make sure students have a safe night at the fair. It makes a big difference having those added sets of eyes patrolling the fairgrounds and familiar faces reminding students to be on their best behavior. I am grateful for their continued support.”
 
Video of the Community Action Team (CAT) patrolling with Sheriff Chronister and HCSO deputies on Friday night has been added to the HCSO Sheriff YouTube account: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nF0AvHROMoY