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Published on Friday, July 2, 2004
in the Ft. Pierce Tribune

Treasure Coast officers vow vigilance on water, roads during July 4

The Fourth of July weekend might be a time for celebration, but Treasure Coast law enforcement agencies are warning residents to keep their Independence Day revelry within legal limits.

From the Fort Pierce police to the Martin County Sheriff's Office, officers will be out, watching for impaired drivers and other traffic scofflaws.

"Every sworn officer we have will be working the road," said Lt. Tim Frith of the Florida Highway Patrol.

About six additional St. Lucie County deputies will be patrolling area roads from 7 a.m. to 4 a.m. throughout the weekend, Sheriff Ken Mascara said.

Five marine units will cruise various waterways, including the Fort Pierce Inlet and the North Fork of the St. Lucie River, from noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

"Unfortunately, July Fourth is known as one of the drinking holidays," said Martin County sheriff's Sgt. Jenell Atlas. "So the traffic deputies will be concentrating totally on drunk drivers."

From 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. throughout the weekend, FHP troopers will conduct "aggressive DUI enforcement," meaning packs of troopers that heavily patrol high-volume traffic areas, Frith said.

In the 72-hour Fourth of July holiday last year, 25 people died in traffic crashes in the state, according to the FHP. Half the fatal crashes were alcohol-related, and 43 percent of those drivers and passengers killed in vehicles typically equipped with safety belts weren't buckled up.

According to AAA, 2.3 million Floridians are expected to travel this weekend.

Port St. Lucie police Sgt. Carmine Izzo said road rage incidents tend to increase on holiday weekends, so cautioned residents not to let impatience get the best of them.

Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time in anticipation of heavy traffic and to take frequent breaks if driving long distances.

Several officials also reiterated the importance of buckling up and having a designated driver.

In Fort Pierce, an additional shift consisting of a lieutenant, sergeant and 10 officers will work on the Fourth, spokeswoman Audria Moore said.

Fort Pierce police also warned against the dangers of celebratory gunfire.

"Enjoy the holidays but do so responsibly," said Stuart police Sgt. Marty Jacobson.