Clearwater police officers are out in force to make sure beach goers have a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend.
Last year a shooting shut down the beach during the Memorial Day weekend. Police are vowing not to have a repeat performance.
“We want to provide a safe environment for everyone to enjoy,” Police Lt. Bill Valveri said. “We don’t want to have to deal with people getting into fights and things of that nature, because it only leads to bad things for the people. People can get hurt or go to jail for that.”
DUI checkpoints and patrols are being staged by law enforcement agencies in several Tampa Bay counties this weekend.
Clearwater police officers will be on patrol in marked unit, on bikes and by foot, Valveri said. Undercover officers also will work the beach.
Alcohol violations generally top the list of offenses on holiday weekends, the lieutenant said.
“Usually the catalyst for what we see out here is the alcohol consumption,” Valveri said. “You know people come out and they think they can bring their alcohol on the beach. They’re out in the hot sun all day drinking and by the time the end of the day comes around, they’re a little intoxicated, and they do things that they normally would not do. “
Possession and consumption of alcohol on the beach is legal in some municipalities, but not in Clearwater. Officers can issue warnings, tickets or make arrests, if necessary.
