New Year's Eve DUI Patrols Announced

BRANDON, FL — Tampa Bay area residents who plan on ringing in the New Year with a few drinks will want to think twice before getting behind the wheel.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has announced it will kick off its New Year’s Eve DUI enforcement effort starting at 9 p.m. Thursday. The agency is being joined by the Tampa Police Department and the Florida Highway Patrol.

The multiagency saturation effort is meant “to deter those who violate the laws which regulate and control motor vehicle traffic,” the agency said in an email to media.

The sheriff’s office will set up its Breath Alcohol Testing Mobile Unit and jail transport vehicle at the corner of State Road 60 and Parsons Avenue at 9 p.m. Patrols, however, will take place throughout the county. It is unclear how long the enhanced enforcement will continue, but motorists can count on a strong law enforcement presence on local roads well into the wee hours of New Year’s Day.

Motorists are urged to designate drivers or use taxi services rather than getting behind the wheel impaired.

• See also: Tow 2 Go Continues for New Year’s Weekend

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