The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) concluded its Memorial Day weekend DUI and boating safety operation that took place from May 22 through May 25.
HCSO’s DUI Unit partnered with the Florida Highway Patrol, the Tampa Police Department and the University of South Florida Police Department to crack down on impaired driving both on the roads and on the water.
“Holiday weekends bring heavier traffic to our roads and waterways, which means the decisions people make carry even greater consequences,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister in a press release. “Thanks to the proactive work of our deputies and law enforcement partners, we were able to remove impaired drivers from our community and respond quickly to dangerous situations on the water before they turned tragic. Our message remains simple: drive sober, boat responsibly, and put safety first.”
During the operation, deputies conducted 325 traffic stops, resulting in 300 written warnings and 25 citations. Deputies also arrested 36 individuals for DUI.
HCSO’s Marine Unit patrolled throughout the holiday weekend and escorted a cruise ship through Sparkman Channel on May 25, when deputies discovered a disabled boat in the ship’s path.
According to HCSO, the vessel was carrying two adults and three children. Deputies safely removed the boat from the channel and towed the family back to the Davis Islands Boat Ramp.
The Marine Unit also responded to another disabled vessel shortly afterward, safely transporting those onboard to the Cockroach Bay Boat Ramp.
In 2025, HCSO conducted 355 traffic stops, issued 51 citations, made 29 DUI arrests, gave 295 warnings and made three additional arrests during the Memorial Day weekend operation.
Compared to last year, this year’s operation resulted in fewer traffic stops and citations, but an increase in DUI arrests and written warnings.