Today, the Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA) Task Force released the results of Operation Safe Kids, a strategic initiative in 42 Florida counties that called attention to traffic safety in and around schools to ensure that children had a safe return to school from Summer Break. During the Task Force Operation Safe Kids, Florida’s Deputy Sheriffs issued 7,218 warnings and 5,171 traffic citations, dedicated 5,900 hours during the enforcement period, delivered 5,520 educational messages and posted 80,674 social media messages throughout the state.

“Safeguarding Florida’s future through youth-focused programs and services is a key objective for law enforcement statewide. This goal has been achieved today by identifying and monitoring high-risk areas, issuing warnings and citations, and educating the public on the importance of school zone safety,” said FSA President and Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper. “The implementation of this program highlights Florida sheriffs’ strong commitment to upholding the security of families and local communities in our state.”

The following are the specific total numbers for Flagler County:

•          205 warnings issued

•          132 traffic citations issued

•          197 hours dedicated during the enforcement period

“As Chairman of the Florida Sheriffs Association Board of Directors and Flagler County Sheriff, it was especially important to me to bring Operation Safe Kids to Flagler County,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “Through enforcement and education, our children had a safe start back to school. I’m proud of all our Sheriffs who participated and supported the Sheriffs Task Force Operation.”

Operation Safe Kids contributes to two of the FSA business operations goals: To foster effective law enforcement and crime prevention for the public safety of the citizens and visitors of Florida and to protect Florida’s future by promoting public support of programs and services focused on the youth of our state. The 42 sheriffs’ offices that participated in the operation are from Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Flagler, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Jackson, Lake, Lee, Leon, Marion, Martin, Monroe, Nassau, Okaloosa, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pinellas, Putnam, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter, Volusia, Wakulla, and Washington counties.