Local News
Cops to beef up DUI detail
Jay Meisel | Highlands Today
Published: December 31, 2012
If on New Year's Eve you feel like spinning the wheel and gambling on driving while intoxicated, you're likely to lose, law enforcement officials said last week.Published: December 31, 2012
Just about every law enforcement agency operating in Highlands County plans increased driving-under-the-influence enforcement that night.
"If we catch someone driving drunk, they're going to jail," said Mark Schrader, chief deputy for the Highlands County Sheriff's Office.
Schrader said a DUI detail with five deputies will be on duty during New Year's Eve. They will be concentrating mainly on catching drunk drivers.
The intent isn't to put a damper on holiday celebrations, he said. "We hope everyone enjoys their New Year's celebration and they do it safely. If they drink, they shouldn't drive."
"We're going to do everything in our power to make sure everyone is safe." Five people were booked for DUI at the Highlands County jail from Dec. 31, 2011, to Jan. 1, 2012.
The Florida Highway Patrol will have all available units watching out for drunken drivers, Lt. Greg Bueno said. He promised aggressive enforcement.
"Unfortunately, some will choose to drink and drive," Bueno said.
The most concentrated area enforcement will occur in the coastal counties, where historically the highest volumes of accidents occur on New Year's Eve, Bueno said.
The Sebring Police Department plans to have two additional officers on duty for four hours on New Year's Eve, Lt. Karl Hoglund said. Those officers will focus on general traffic and DUI enforcement.
"Obviously, it's a concern for us, with the number of gatherings on New Year's Eve, and New Year's Eve being a drinking or alcohol-related holiday for many," Hoglund said.
He encourages anyone who is intoxicated on New Year's Eve, "to call someone and get a designated driver to take care of you. The bottom line is don't drink and drive."
The Lake Placid Police Department lacks a large enough a force to have a special DUI unit on New Year's Eve, but officers consider it a high priority to watch for drunken driving, said Lt. James Fansler.
Law enforcement officials said they weren't aware of any organization or business offering free rides home on New Year's Eve for intoxicated people.
Highlands Taxi Service will be operating that night, but won't be providing free rides, said Jose Santos, an employee.
jmeisel@highlandstoday.com (863) 386-5834