Today, the Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA) Task Force released the results of Operation Knot Lit, a strategic initiative in 33 Florida counties that focused on education and enforcement of Florida’s roads and waterways to ensure the safety of our commuters. During this operation, 3,105 warnings and 3,144 traffic/boating citations were issued, 8,596 hours were dedicated during the enforcement period, 892 arrests were made, 144 community notifications were developed and 883 citizens were educated on the safety efforts during the Task Force Operation Knot Lit.

“Amplifying the safety on our roads and waterways is crucial for all Floridians and those who visit the Sunshine State,” said FSA President and Columbia County Sheriff Mark Hunter. “The dedicated enforcement of state laws that deal with driving or boating under the influence and being wreckless behind the wheel will help to keep us all safe.”

The following are the statewide totals:

• 3,105 warnings issued:
  • 2,827 unlawful speed / speed zone (boat) violations
  • 278 careless driving / boating
• 3,144 uniform traffic / boating citations issued:
  • 1,679 for unlawful speeding
  • 1,199 traffic control device violations
  • 104 boat regulatory violations
  • 162 boat safety violations
• 8,596 hours dedicated during enforcement period
• 892 arrests (applicable F.S.S.)
  • 196 driving under the influence
  • 11 boating under the influence
  • 685 persons taken into custody for other criminal charges
• 144 social media, sign messages and related communications developed and put out to citizens
• 883 citizen education efforts conducted through operation

“Sheriff’s offices from across Florida impress me during each Task Force initiative, and Operation Knot Lit did not disappoint,” said Charlotte County Sheriff William Prummell, Jr. and Chair of the FSA Task Force. “The commitment and cooperation by each sheriff’s office to keep our drivers, boaters and passengers safe is commendable. Florida is safer today due to this hard work.” 

Operation Knot Lit contributes to two of the FSA business operations goals: to foster effective law enforcement and crime prevention and to promote the activities of Sheriffs.

# # #

Florida Sheriffs Association:

The Florida Sheriffs Association is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation made up of the 67 Sheriffs of Florida, approximately 2,500 business leaders and 83,000 citizens throughout the state. Founded in 1893, FSA has steadfastly served the citizens of Florida by supporting the needs of the state's law enforcement community. Through the Florida Sheriffs Association, Sheriffs are given a forum to address lawmakers to push for positive changes in Florida’s public safety arena. FSA also provides Sheriffs' Offices much-needed programs such as affordable training, special task forces and legislative and legal services.  Dedicated to the prevention of juvenile delinquency and the development of lawful, productive citizens, FSA has established and funded the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches with facilities throughout the state to help restore hope, fulfill dreams, and prepare boys and girls for the future. It has grown to be one of the largest and most successful state law enforcement associations in the nation.