During the Thanksgiving period of November 22-26, 2023, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, in a concerted effort with other agencies, spearheaded "Operation Get Stuffed" across the Tampa Bay area. This initiative aimed to address and mitigate driving under the influence, resulting in a significant number of traffic stops and DUI arrests. Over this five-day span, a coordinated effort involving multiple law enforcement agencies was undertaken to ensure road safety and curb impaired driving in the region.
The outcomes of "Operation Get Stuffed" were substantial, as detailed in the report released by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. Law enforcement officers conducted a total of 279 traffic stops, leading to 23 citations and 256 warnings. More critically, the operation resulted in 44 DUI arrests, along with 3 DUI-related hospital cases. These figures underscore the intensity and effectiveness of the operation in targeting and addressing instances of impaired driving.
Sheriff Chad Chronister of Hillsborough County underscored the importance of such initiatives, especially during festive periods like Thanksgiving, traditionally a time for family gatherings and celebrations. He emphasized that the safety concerns on the roads should not impede the festive spirit. To this end, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has specifically deployed a specialized DUI unit dedicated to tackling the issue of impaired driving. The unit's goal is to ensure that celebrations are not marred by tragedies stemming from driving under the influence.
The operation was a collaborative effort, with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office deputies joining forces with the Tampa Police Department and the Florida Highway Patrol. Their collective objective was to ensure a safe holiday weekend in Central Florida, with a particular focus on deterring both alcohol and drug-impaired driving. Sheriff Chronister expressed his appreciation for the deputies and partner agencies for their dedication to road safety, many of whom sacrificed their holiday time to patrol the roads and keep the community safe.
Sheriff Chronister also extended a reminder about the ongoing holiday season, urging everyone to celebrate responsibly and avoid driving under the influence. His message was clear: community safety is a shared responsibility, and everyone’s efforts are crucial in maintaining a safe and joyful holiday season.
In a parallel effort, the Tampa Police Department also intensified their patrols, especially in Ybor City. They reported significant results from their increased presence, including the recovery of firearms, numerous felony arrests, DUI apprehensions, and close to 200 traffic stops. These efforts form part of a broader initiative to safeguard the community and ensure public safety on the roads.
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