DUI Wolfpack Takes Aim At Manatee, Sarasota Counties

BRADENTON, FL — Folks with big New Year’s Eve plans will want to consider designating a driver before they head out if too much champagne is on the agenda for ringing in 2017. The Florida Highway Patrol has announced a DUI Wolfpack operation for Dec. 31.

According to FHP, troopers will be on the hunt for impaired drivers in Manatee and Sarasota counties. The operation also covers major roads in Hardee, Highlands and Desoto counties.

“The Wolfpack Operation will focus on Interstate 75 and major state and county roadways,” Lt. Greg Bueno wrote in an email. “The Florida Highway Patrol organizes such details to proactively remove impaired drivers from the roadways and ultimately enhance the safety of the motoring public. Troopers conducting the detail will be mobile while monitoring traffic in an effort to maximize their visibility and effectiveness in removing impaired drivers from the roadways.”

Saturday’s operation is set to begin at 9 p.m. Troopers plan to keep up the enhanced enforcement through 5 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017.

As troopers hit the road Saturday, residents throughout the region will find there is a place to turn for help if a safe ride isn’t available. AAA and Bud Light have teamed up once again to offer the Tow To Go service. That free service provides rides home for impaired motorists and tows for their vehicles. For more information, check out this related story.

Photo courtesy of the Florida Highway Patrol