DUI Wolf Pack Set To Roam Pinellas County

CLEARWATER, FL — Tampa Bay area residents and visitors with big party plans over the Labor Day weekend will want to think twice before getting behind the wheel impaired. The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office has announced plans to team up with other law enforcement agencies for a DUI Wolf Pack operation.

According to the sheriff’s office, the detail will kick off around 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 3. Officers will remain out in force until 3 a.m. on Monday. In addition to deputies, the Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Gulfport and Tarpon Springs police departments plan to join in the wolf pack.

Get the Patch newsletter and alerts in your inbox.

“The operation is part of the Pinellas County Sheriff's ongoing commitment to reduce deaths, injuries and property damage associated with traffic crashes related to impaired driving,” the sheriff’s office wrote in an email to media. “The goal of the Wolf Pack is to educate people and create public awareness about the dangers of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and any chemical or controlled substances.”

Motorists are considered impaired in Florida when they have blood alcohol content levels of .08 or higher. Underage drivers are considered impaired with BACs of .02 or higher. The patrol and other law enforcement agencies strongly urge motorists to designate a driver, use a ride service or simply to stay put if they drink too much to get behind the wheel.

AAA is running its Tow To Go service over the long weekend to help impaired motorists make it home safety. To find out more, check out this related story: Tow To Go Revs Up For Labor Day Weekend.

Image via Shutterstock