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Deputy Richard McCoy on Motorcycle Unit in School Zone Operation Safe Schools 2015

The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office took part in a statewide initiative aimed to increase awareness of the need for increased vigilance and safe driving practices in school zones. Sheriff Larry Ashley says although the month long operation is over, deputies will continue keeping close tabs on school zone safety.

The Florida Sheriffs Task Force released the results of the youth-protection program today. The four-week initiative aimed to reduce pedestrian injuries due to traffic infractions in school zones and increase students’ safety. The operation was successful in raising awareness for traffic safety and in reminding drivers of the importance of safe driving.

The Task Force Operation included nine categories of focus. The key outcomes from the four-week effort of Operation Safe Schools are:

• Warnings for school zone violations: 9,052

• Citations for school zone violations: 5,922

• Warnings for passing a stopped school bus: 116

• Warnings for pedestrian violations: 873

• Warnings for bicycle violations: 713

• Citations for pedestrian violations: 159

• Citations for bicycle violations: 33

• Arrests generated from directed enforcement in school zones: 146

In Okaloosa County, the operation led to:

20 citations for school zone violations

44 warnings for school zone violations

One warning for a pedestrian violation

One arrest for direct enforcement in a school zone

“The safety of our children is a top priority and a few precautions can go a long way towards preventing accidents at crosswalks, bus stops, and school zones,” said Sheriff Larry Ashley. “Our commitment to school zone safety will continue throughout the school year and we ask motorists to remember when they see a bus or enter a school zone – slow down, be vigilant, and focus on prevention.”

The Florida Sheriffs Task Force is a combined effort of the Florida Sheriffs focusing on coordination of statewide mutual aid, subject matter experts, and providing a point of contact for statewide initiatives. The Task Force is committed to maintaining the quality of life that Floridians have come to expect and have, therefore, committed to performing proactive operations each year to deter criminal activity.

Operation Safe Schools took place in the following counties: Alachua, Bradford, Broward, Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Gilchrist, Glades, Gulf, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Levy, Liberty, Manatee, Marion, Monroe, Nassau, Okaloosa, Okeechobee, Orange, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Volusia and Walton.

The Florida Sheriffs Association is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 corporation made up of Florida’s Sheriffs, approximately 3,500 business leaders and 70,000 citizens throughout the state. Founded in 1893, FSA has quietly served the citizens of Florida by supporting the needs of the state’s law-enforcement community. Through the Florida Sheriffs Association, Sheriffs are given a forum to address lawmakers to push for positive changes in Florida’s public safety arena. FSA also provides Sheriffs’ Offices much-needed programs such as affordable training, special task forces and legislative and legal services. Dedicated to the prevention of juvenile delinquency and the development of lawful, productive citizens, FSA has established and continues to support the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches, which manages facilities and programs throughout the state to help restore hope, fulfill dreams, and prepare boys and girls for the future. The Florida Sheriffs Association has grown to be one of the largest and most successful state law enforcement associations in the nation. For more information on the Florida Sheriffs Association, visit www.flsheriffs.org.

OPERATION Safe Schools Graphic Flyer

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