Flagler sheriff steps up Halloween patrols

Flagler County Sheriff’s deputies will be stepping up patrols Thursday evening as local youngsters go trick-or-treating for the Halloween holiday, Lt. Bob Weber told local Historic City News reporters today.

Additional units, such as bike patrol and mounted posse, will be assigned to heavy traffic area at various locations throughout the county Thursday evening. The Sheriff’s Citizen Observer Patrol will also have units out directing traffic during the evening hours.

“It’s extremely important that motorists be alert to the increased pedestrian traffic in their local neighborhoods,” said Sheriff James L. Manfre. “Parents need to do their part by talking with their children about watching for traffic and walking on the side of the roads, off the pavement.”

Adults who are planning to attend Halloween parties should be aware the Sheriff’s Office will be participating in the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. Flagler Beach and Bunnell police departments are also stepping up enforcement efforts in conjunction with the Sheriff’s Office to remove impaired drivers from the local roads.

“We are coordinating to make it a county-wide operation for the campaign period that begins Thursday and runs through Sunday. Our aim is to keep our streets safe for our youngsters,” said the Sheriff’s Senior Commander Jeff Hoffman. “Those who attend parties and drink, should plan to have a designated driver. We have zero tolerance for drunk drivers.”