Memorial Day weekend brings extra patrols across Southwest Florida

LEE COUNTY, Fla. (WINK) —  As thousands of Southwest Floridians hit the roads, waterways and beaches for the Memorial Day weekend, law enforcement agencies across Lee County are increasing patrols in an effort to keep travelers safe.

• RELATED: Record 45 Million Americans expected to travel this memorial day weekend

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office announced it will deploy additional deputies, marine units and aerial support throughout the holiday weekend. The increased enforcement presence will focus on major roadways, beaches, parks and waterways where higher traffic volumes are expected.

Deputies will be watching for impaired drivers, traffic violations and unsafe boating behavior while also positioning resources to respond quickly to emergencies.

“Our goal is to keep residents and visitors safe as they travel and enjoy the holiday weekend,” the agency said in a statement.

Sheriff Carmine Marceno also encouraged the community to remember the significance of Memorial Day as they enjoy the long weekend.

“Memorial Day is a solemn reminder of the men and women that gave everything protecting the ideals of America and freedoms around the world,”Marceno said. “While people remember these costs through private reflection or gatherings this holiday weekend, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office stands ready and shows our respect through service and preparedness with extra patrols, increased visibility, and dedication to the safety of Lee County.”

The Florida Highway Patrol is also ramping up enforcement through a specialized impaired-driving initiative called “Operation Dry Streets.”

The operation will run throughout Southwest Florida from Friday through Sunday and will utilize members of FHP’s Elite DUI Squad and Aggressive Driving Unit.

Troopers said the goal is to identify and remove impaired drivers before crashes occur during one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.

Officials noted that rain is possible throughout the holiday weekend but said enforcement efforts will remain focused on preventing impaired-driving crashes and keeping roadways safe.

FHP is reminding drivers to never get behind the wheel impaired, designate a sober driver, use rideshare services when needed, avoid distracted driving and always wear a seatbelt.

“Part of honoring those who gave so much for our freedom is to help protect the lives of others by driving responsibly,” FHP said in a statement.

The Fort Myers Police Department also plans to increase patrols throughout the city during the holiday weekend.

Officials said the safety of residents and visitors remains their top priority as people gather for holiday celebrations and travel across the region.

Law enforcement agencies are encouraging everyone heading out this Memorial Day weekend to make safe choices, whether traveling by car or boat.

Authorities are urging people to wear seatbelts and life jackets, obey traffic and boating laws, arrange sober transportation if alcohol is involved and report emergencies or suspicious activity to local law enforcement.