Pinellas County DUI Wolf Pack Results Released

Saturday evening, the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office ran a county-wide DUI wolf pack. That means they were on patrol to catch as many DUI drivers as they could find. The plan was to reduce deaths, injuries and property damage related to crashes due to DUI's.

The sheriff's office, along with the Florida Highway Patrol, plus police from Gulfport, Largo, Pinellas Park, St. Petersburg and Clearwater, joined forces from 7 p.m. Saturday night until Sunday morning at 5 a.m. Here are the numbers of that were released Sunday morning from the Pinellas County DUI wolf pack.

DUIs – 30
Felony Drug Arrest - 4
Warrants - 2
DWLSR Arrest – 3
Other Misdemeanor Arrest – 13
Other Felony Arrest- 1

For a total of 53 criminal charges.

Driving While License Suspended or Revoked (DWLSR) - 15
No Insurance - 3
Speeding Tickets - 53
Seatbelt Citation - 2
Violation of DL Restriction – 3
Open Container - 3
Non-Moving Violations – 21
Moving Violations – 60
DUI Citations – 30

For a total of 190 citations.
[Source: Pinellas County Sheriff's Office]

Many controversial bills were debated this past legislative season. New Florida laws go into effect Saturday on everything from guns, mobile apps and restrooms to the death penalty.

There are also restrictions on what can be read or taught in schools. One new law aims to keep medication costs under control. Another puts new rules in place on the rides at Florida's amusements parks, after a teen died in Orlando.

Here are some of the more notable laws taking effect July 1, 2023 here in Florida.

After the death of a teenager in Orlando at ICON Park, a law was passed that requires parks to alert riders about restrictions on things like weight, height, and age. Additional equipment regulations, training for staff and testing will be required as well.

The social media platform will be prohibited on school district devices.

Guns can be carried almost anywhere. Exceptions include airports and courthouses. You need to be qualified, but don't need a permit. Keep in mind this only applies when you are within the state of Florida. If you travel, obviously you must abide by that state's laws. [Read more.]

Big increases in cost for prescription drugs will need to be reported to the state. [Read the full bill here.]

It will no longer require a unanimous jury vote to sentence someone to death.  8 out of the 12 members of the jury must vote for the execution.

If you employ more than 25 workers, you have to verify they can work in the U.S. [Read the full bill here.]

The number of members will more than triple to 1500 to assist with weather emergencies, costing over $100 million. Opponents of the idea expressed concern over the governor having his own militia.

School districts will be allowed to distribute free menstrual hygiene products. [More on this bill.]

Teachers will give 45 minutes of time in class on the events of 9/11.

Schools must remove any books within 5 days if there are complaints about certain types of content. [Read the full bill here.]

Transgender students cannot be addressed by their preferred pronoun by school staff. Students are also limited as to which restrooms they can use.

The length of time someone will be able to serve will be cut from 12 years to 8.

No funding programs will be allowed for DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion).

A ban on abortions after 15 weeks. This one is not going to take effect yet as it is still being challenged in court.

The purchase of property in Florida will be prevented for those from China who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents.