FHP's 'Operation Dry Streets' leads 4 arrests at the start of Memorial Day weekend

LEE COUNTY, Fla. —

Florida Highway Patrol arrested Tiffany Deborah George early Saturday morning on State Road 82 near I-75. She is accused of speeding and driving under the influence, and one of four people already arrested in Lee County alone as part of a Memorial Day weekend traffic operation.

Troopers said George was traveling at 80 mph and had a blood alcohol content of 0.302, nearly four times the legal drinking limit.

"We already arrested four impaired drivers in Lee County alone, one of which was nearly four times the legal limit and putting other lives in danger," Lt. Gregory Bueno of the Florida Highway Patrol said.

The operation, called Operation Dry Streets, began Friday night and involves increased patrols on Gulf Coast roads to target super speeders, open containers, and drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

"This is Memorial Day weekend, and all of us, first and foremost, should have nothing but honor, respect for our military members who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms of our nation," Bueno said. "And part of that is, and that being grateful is making good choices, protecting others, doing the right thing and being responsible."

Drivers have already noticed the heightened enforcement. Lucy Sterling, who traveled with her family from Tampa to Naples, said troopers were highly visible during their trip.

"Before we got on the highway, I put my Waze on and I'm like, oh my gosh, I was super shocked to see that there were a bunch of police warnings. So yes, they're doing their job," Sterling said.

The increased patrols come after deadly crashes linked to impaired driving across Florida. Last week, FHP said a 21-year-old woman from Sarasota died after a drunk driver crossed into oncoming traffic in Charlotte County.

"You know, we lose over 3,500 lives each year in the state of Florida to untimely deaths. And it needs to stop. n holiday weekends like this, especially where we should be embracing each other," Bueno said.

If you see dangerous driving on the roads, authorities urge you to call *FHP.

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