DUI Wolfpack Set To Prowl Manatee, Sarasota Counties

BRADENTON, FL — Motorists with big party plans over the upcoming Presidents’ Day weekend may want to think twice before getting behind the wheel impaired. The Florida Highway Patrol has announced plans to conduct a DUI Wolfpack Operation.

According to the agency, its troopers will step up enforcement along Interstate 75 and other major state and county roads in Sarasota, Manatee, Highlands, Desoto and Hardee counties on Saturday night. Troopers will hit the road around 9 p.m. Feb. 18 with the increased enforcement scheduled to last until about 5 a.m. on Sunday.

“The Florida Highway Patrol organizes such details to proactively remove impaired drivers from the roadways and ultimately enhance the safety of the motoring public," an email from the patrol said. "Troopers conducting the detail will be mobile while monitoring traffic to maximize their visibility and effectiveness in removing impaired drivers from the roadways.”

A driver is considered impaired in Florida when blood alcohol content is .08 or higher. Drivers under the age of 21 are considered impaired with BACs of .02 or higher.

Motorists who encounter impaired or aggressive drivers are asked to pull over in a safe place and call *FHP.

Photo courtesy of the Florida Highway Patrol