Message about road safety from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office

In an effort to protect the safety of our most vulnerable road users, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office began conducting a High Visibility Enforcement Detail (HVE) on July 16, 2024, and will continue these efforts through May 9, 2025, across Manatee County. This detail is funded through a contract with the University of North Florida in partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation.

Manatee County ranks in the top 25 counties in Florida for traffic crashes resulting in serious and fatal injuries to pedestrians and bicyclists. The goal of this enforcement effort is to increase awareness of and compliance with traffic laws that protect the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists. Efforts will focus primarily on education to drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists. However, violations may result in warnings or citations, depending on the circumstances.

Please help by doing your part to keep drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians safe by doing the following:

- Drivers: Obey speed limits, never drive impaired, and always watch for pedestrians and bicyclists.

- Bicyclists: Obey traffic laws, ride in the direction of traffic, and use lights when riding at night.

- Pedestrians: Cross in crosswalks or at intersections, obey pedestrian signals, and make sure you are visible to drivers when walking at night.