Report reveals alcohol violation hotspots
MELISSA REID
Associate Publisher
mreid@lbknews.com
Police Chief Al Hogle released data this week regarding the number of DUI arrests and alcohol violations in 2010 and 2011 on Longboat Key — the predominant number of the alcohol violations occurred on Greer Island, which is owned by Manatee County. Although decisions regarding Greer Island are made with Manatee County, including the upcoming decision regarding possible effects caused by dredging the pass, Hogle said Longboat Key Police primarily respond to the island in response to any calls, specifically, the Longboat Key Marine Patrol boat and Officer Dennis Silverio.
Town Manager David Bullock says that the town enforces all of its laws on Greer Island.
“It’s the same as anywhere else within the town, we enforce all applicable laws and call on surrounding jurisdictions to help us when needed. At the patrol level there is excellent working relationship between agencies,” said Bullock.
Despite the 45 alcohol beverage violations in 2010 and 2011, Hogle says that the number of alcohol related incidences are down due to police visibility and presence in the area.
“Officer Silverio works 42 hours per week, and whenever possible we also put another patrol car at the north end to increase visibility,” said Hogle.
Hogle also noted that Silverio is training another officer on Marine Patrol, and that on holidays and special events extra patrols are at the north end.
“If law enforcement presence goes away, the problem will return,” said Hogle.
The data was released in response to a request for information from a Sarasota resident who had recently lost his sister when she was struck and killed by a drunk driver, who had repeatedly been warned by Sarasota Sheriff’s officers on Siesta Key for being drunk on the beach.
Longboat Key had five DUI arrests in 2010 and seven DUI arrests in 2011, primarily occurring while drivers were on Gulf of Mexico Drive. Only one DUI occurred at the Broadway beach access and one at Overlook Park at the south end of Longboat Key.
Hogle said that if someone is given a verbal or written warning for public intoxication or beverage violation, such as having alcohol on the beach or a public park, the officers make sure that the individual(s) do not get into a vehicle to drive.
“Never, if we think that they’re impaired, do we send them off,” said Hogle.
If a boater is given a verbal or written warning for public intoxication or beverage violation on Greer Island, Hogle says that the DUI laws apply the same for the driver of a boat as they do for an automobile, but that there are usually many other passengers in a boat that are not drinking and can therefore drive.
Funding for the Longboat Key Marine Patrol is partially funded by Sarasota County. Manatee County could potentially contribute $30,000 annually to the patrol, although the topic will be discussed at the upcoming February Manatee County Commission meeting.
The Marine Patrol Unit patrols the boundaries of Longboat Key in Sarasota Bay, Longboat Pass, the Gulf of Mexico, New Pass and all Longboat Key canals and inland waterways. The Marine Patrol also responds to law enforcement “mutual aid” requests from neighboring jurisdictions.
The Marine Patrol Unit conducts resource inspections on vessels and with land fishermen for compliance with harvesting regulations, which pertain to bag limits, closed seasons and taking (catching) methods. During the winter months, the unit also conducts inspections on commercial vessels for proper safety equipment, licensing and gear.
The Marine Unit is responsible for maintaining two vessels and one truck: a 2005 24-foot Carolina Skiff, a 2007 30-foot Intrepid and a 2010 Chevrolet one-ton, four-wheel drive truck.
