The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has concluded its four-day DUI and Boating Safety operation for the Memorial Day weekend.
From May 22, 2026, through May 25, 2026, HCSO’s DUI Unit partnered with the Florida Highway Patrol, the Tampa Police Department, and the University of South Florida Police Department in a joint agency operation focused on keeping impaired drivers off the road.
During the operation, HCSO conducted 325 traffic stops, resulting in 300 written warnings and 25 citations issued to motorists.
Additionally, deputies arrested 36 individuals for driving under the influence.
HCSO’s Marine Unit also remained active throughout the holiday weekend, patrolling local waterways to ensure boater safety and responding to multiple rescue situations.
While escorting a cruise ship through Sparkman Channel at 4:49 p.m. on May 25, 2026, Marine Unit deputies discovered a disabled boat directly in the ship's path. The vessel was carrying two adults and three small children. Deputies quickly removed the boat from the channel and safely towed the family back to the Davis Islands Boat Ramp.
Shortly after, around 5 p.m., a boat near the shipping channel at the Hillsborough-Manatee county line began taking on water with five people on board. The Marine Unit quickly located the boat and safely transported everyone to the Cockroach Bay Boat Ramp. No injuries were reported.
The Marine Unit quickly located the boat and safely towed everyone back to the Cockroach Bay Boat Ramp. No injuries were reported.
“Holiday weekends bring heavier traffic to our roads and waterways, which means the decisions people make carry even greater consequences,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “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.”
Link: https://youtu.be/D0ooWFYI0LE
