Media Advisory                                              

For Immediate Release
August 16, 2005
Contact: Catherine Dokey
Public Information Officer
(850) 651-7420 

You Drink & Drive.  You Lose Labor Day Crackdown

            Throughout the State of Florida , law enforcement agencies will participate in the You Drink & Drive.  You Lose Labor Day crackdown, beginning August 19th through September 5th. 

            In 2004, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office issued 9 DUI’s, 139 Traffic Citations, and 150 Warnings during the Labor Day Weekend.

            The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Safety and Enforcement Unit and the Florida Highway Patrol will be intensifying efforts to apprehend impaired drivers during the crackdown period by conducting DUI checkpoints, wolf packs, and heightened DUI patrols.  DUI Checkpoints will take place at the following dates and locations:

            Saturday, August 20 on Highway 98 ( Okaloosa Island )

            Thursday, August 25 on Benning Drive (Destin)

            Thursday, September 1 on Navy Street and Denton Blvd ( Fort Walton Beach )

            Saturday, September 3 on Highway 85 (Crestview / Old Wal-Mart Parking Lot)  

            The Traffic Safety and Enforcement Unit are working with fellow law enforcement agencies to facilitate and promote community awareness on the 14th Anniversary of the “Hands Across the Border” traffic safety campaign.  Law enforcement agencies in Alabama , Florida , and Georgia will join together during the Labor Day weekend to focus attention on safety belt and child safety seat use and impaired driving.

The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office encourages residents and visitors to act responsibly, protect yourself and your loved ones by buckling up and to remind you if you “Drink & Drive.  You Lose.”  Citizens should report apparent impaired, reckless, or dangerous drivers immediately by dialing *DUI, *SO (Alltel), 9-1-1 or by calling the 24-hour non-emergency number for the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office at 651-7400 or (850) 689-5705. 

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