The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) in collaboration with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and southeastern state partners, is once again launching "Operation Southern Slow Down," an annual multi-state Speed & Aggressive Driving Enforcement Wave. This year’s campaign will run from Monday, July 13 through Saturday, July 18, 2026, across Florida, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
During this period, law enforcement agencies in all five states will engage in a coordinated high-visibility enforcement effort aimed at reducing speeding and aggressive driving behaviors. With speed remaining a major contributing factor in serious injury and fatal crashes, the initiative underscores the vital importance of adhering to speed limits.
SCSO Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman is known for his longtime efforts to improve road safety through creative initiatives to reduce speeding and reckless driving. “Keeping our community safe is our top responsibility,” said Sheriff Hoffman. “We believe that traffic accidents can be greatly reduced with the right mix of education and awareness. Through efforts like Operation Southern Slow Down, we aim to promote responsible driving.”
Motorists are urged to drive responsibly and be aware that increased law enforcement presence will be evident throughout the campaign. For more information on traffic safety initiatives, visit www.nhtsa.gov.