The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office arrested 35 people during the course of the holiday weekend. The agency conducted a DUI/BUI saturation in an effort to make Hillsborough County's road and waterways safe for all to enjoy.
From July 2 to July 5, HCSO made 323 traffic stops and issued 77 citations and 238 warnings. On top of that, a total of 33 arrests were made, including 26 for DUI. Of those DUI arrests, one was a convicted felon in possession of firearms.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, along with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), participated in a three-day heightened awareness and enforcement weekend called, "Operation Dry Water." The campaign took place from July 3 to July 5. The Marine Unit conducted 56 safety inspections and issued seven citations and 24 warnings. Two people were arrested for BUI.
"Thanks to the efforts of our deputies, dozens of people were taken off our roads and waterways for drinking and driving," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "The Fourth of July holiday is often marked as one of the deadliest of the year for drunk-driving crashes. I am happy to report that those 28 drivers and vessel operators will face the consequences for their ignorant decisions. I hope this will serve as an example to never drink and drive, no matter the time of year."