Sheriff Ramps Up Fourth of July Patrols on Roads, Waterways

Authorities are stepping up patrols on the roads and waterways through the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

Pinellas County Sheriff's patrol deputies and the marine and environmental lands unit are staying vigilant for impaired drivers and boaters, use of fireworks that project or explode and illegal use of guns. They'll also be making floatation device loaners available to children on the beaches and specific locations throughout the county.

The Sheriff's Office reminds residents that:

• Retail sale and purchase of fireworks that project into the air or explode is illegal. 
• Firing guns into the air in celebration is unsafe and also illegal. Bullets returning to the ground can cause injury or death.
• Sparklers are legal but they should be used outside and as intended.  
• Alcohol and fireworks to not mix.
  
• Life vests should be accessible to all occupants on a water vessel.

• Don's Dock, 215 128th Avenue East in Madeira Beach (on John's Pass).
• Fort Desoto Boat Ramp, 3500 Pinellas Bayway S. in Tierra Verde.
• Dunedin City Marina, 51 Main Street in Dunedin.
• John Chestnut Park, 2200 East Lake Road S. in Palm Harbor.