The multi-agency marine enforcement operation conducted during the Labor Day holiday weekend helped keep Sarasota County waterways safe.
The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, the Sarasota Police Department, the Venice Police Department and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission staffed four boat ramps throughout the county from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday, looking for boating safety violations and impaired boaters.
In all, four people were arrested for Boating Under the Influence. Law enforcement officers issued 25 citations and 40 warnings. One person was arrested on a Violation of Probation warrant.
One of the BUI arrests was a 17-year-old boat operator with eight other intoxicated juveniles on board. Officers counted 96 beer cans in their vessel.
“We’re fortunate no one was seriously injured on the water this weekend,” said Sheriff Tom Knight. “This initiative was designed to educate boaters and crack down on safety violations and we will continue our commitment to keep area waterways safe.”
The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office has been awarded $5,000 by the National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators (NADDI) for outstanding work in the field of prescription drug abuse enforcement.
NADDI is a non-profit organization that facilitates cooperation between law enforcement, healthcare professionals, state regulatory agencies and pharmaceutical manufacturers in the prevention and investigation of prescription drug diversion.
Sheriff Tom Knight dedicated resources to address the problem locally with the creation of the Pharmaceutical Diversion Investigative Unit last year. Since that time, the Sheriff’s Office and its partnership with the Sarasota County Health Department, pharmacists, medical professionals and treatment organizations has been recognized as a model in the fight against prescription drug abuse and diversion.
“It is gratifying to be recognized by a respected national organization that is known as a leader in this field,” said Sheriff Knight. “We are expanding our investigative efforts and educational outreach, and this award certainly assists us in this initiative.”
The State Attorney of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit has ruled that the actions taken by several Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office deputies during an incident on Beneva Road in Sarasota on August 19, 2010, was a justifiable use of deadly force.
Additionally, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office completed an administrative review on Friday, September 3, 2010, of the actions of Sgt. Jack Blessee, Dep. Gabe Eckert, Dep. Brian Biegel, Dep. Bryan Ivings, Dep. John Swinney and Dep. David Micheel and found that all personnel performed in a professional manner, consistent with current policies and procedures.
The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, together with the Sarasota Police Department, the Venice Police Department and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, will be conducting a marine enforcement operation over Labor Day weekend.
The focus of this Saturday’s county-wide operation will be boating safety, particularly the enforcement of Boating Under the Influence laws.
“Just like impaired motorists, impaired boaters risk their lives and the lives of others when they are at the helm,” said Sheriff Tom Knight. “It is important to educate the public about boating safety, and we are committed to keeping Sarasota County waterways a safe place for residents and visitors alike.”
The Sheriff’s Office has also added a Boating Safety page to its Web site, www.SarasotaSheriff.org under the Public Interest section. In addition to important boating rules and regulations, there is a float plan that can be printed and filled out.
Boaters are encouraged to complete a float plan each time they embark on an extended or unusual excursion. Knowing where a boater intended to go helps law enforcement locate missing vessels or boaters in distress.
