Tow to Go Program Helps Protect Florida Drivers From DUI This Christmas

Christmas is approaching, and that means Christmas parties. Once we reach the weekend leading up to Christmas, AAA is offering a program to help protect people from drinking and driving with their "Tow To Go" program.

AAA Florida is prepared to help drivers over the weekend leading up to Christmas all the way into the new year. Here's how the "Tow To Go" program works for Florida drivers.

AAA Tow To Go provides safe transportation for impaired drivers and their vehicles. To participate, call AAA towing at (855) 2-TOW-2-GO. A tow truck will transport a possibly impaired driver and their vehicle to a safe location within a 10 mile radius.
It's the 25th anniversary of the program. The AAA Tow To Go program is free and confidential. It's available to AAA members AND non-members. On the Tow To Go program, Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA, said in a press release:

“By providing this program, AAA gives drivers no excuse for driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol or impairing medications. However, we remind people to treat Tow to Go as a last resort.”

You may not schedule appointments in advance. AAA recommends a plan for a designated driver or service.

Here are the dates for this year's program. The Christmas 2023 Tow To Go program begins 6 p.m. on Friday, December 22, 2023. It continues through 6 a.m. Tuesday, January 2, 2024. Put this number in your phone: 855-2-TOW-2-GO (855-286-9246).

Click here for more details. Stay safe this holiday season and be prepared with AAA Tow To Go if needed.

Tow to Go may not be available in rural areas or during severe weather conditions.

Beyond Florida, AAA's service areas that handle Tow To Go include: Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, North Dakota, Nebraska, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Colorado (Denver), North Carolina (Charlotte) and Indiana (Fort Wayne/South Bend).
[Source: AAA Florida]

With Christmas only a few weeks away, you might be scrambling to figure out your plans for the big day. Maybe you’re hosting your whole family for the holidays, but what if you just want to sit back and relax? We’ve got you covered. We put together a list of Tampa restaurants open Christmas Day to help you plan for the holidays.

The Christmas season is always filled with fun activities and good memories, but for some it can be stressful. There’s family parties almost always involving too much alcohol, crazy shopping experiences and sometimes you just need to take a break and relax.

If you’re looking to skip the cooking this year, you’re in luck. There’s so many restaurants open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in Tampa and we’re here to help you decide. Maybe you want to head out for brunch with the family, or eat seafood by the water. Maybe, you are looking to wind down with a few drinks at the bar after a full day of festivities.

Everybody knows the big chains like Waffle House and McDonalds are there to serve up their classic meals, but we tried to keep it local. If you are heading out to the restaurants this year, keep in mind these places may have shortened hours.

To make sure you secure your seat at the table at one of these restaurants this Christmas, don’t wait. Seats are flying, so make sure you’ve got your plans locked in before the big day.

Every restaurant is different so checking the website before making a reservation is a good idea. We included restaurants with special menus, full menus, and brunch style buffets as well for a good mix of options. Whether you want burgers, sushi, Italian, or a classic Florida seafood meal, we have got you covered. There’s options for everyone.

Here are 8 Tampa Bay Restaurants open on Christmas Day.

If you’re looking for one of the best restaurants open on Christmas day, why not make it Florida’s oldest restaurant? Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City, Sarasota, and Clearwater beach will serve specials as well as the regular dinner menu. If you want to cater your Christmas party, ask about their curbside takeaway meals that service 8-10 people. 

Don’t feel like dressing up for a fancy dinner? Head over to Datz where you can be comfy and cozy. Brunch can get pretty crazy packed at Datz, so we recommend making a reservation.

Remember, the South Tampa location closed earlier this year, but we still have the St. Pete and Riverview locations!

Sit back, relax, and enjoy a panoramic view with a four course brunch or A la Carte dinner at the Rusty Pelican. Celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with oysters, crab, pasta, cake and more. Book your reservation today.

Timpano sits right in the middle of the historic Hyde Park. Soak in the taste of Christmas with classic Italian foods and cocktails. Book your reservation today.

Terra Gaucha isn’t your average steakhouse. They standby the methods their ancestors used with the natural wood charcoal and rock sea salt to create a truly authentic experience. See what all the hype is about this Christmas and book your reservation today.

Meat Market is a fresh American Steakhouse with classic roots. They combine the traditional staples of the classic steakhouse with the modern spin to create an upbeat atmosphere. Book your reservation today before it’s too late.

Kona Grill isn’t just a one stop shop. They have sushi, cocktails, burgers, chicken, and more to feed any craving you might have on Christmas Day.

Oysterscatchers is one of the fanciest options on the list. Seats start at $110 per person and $150 per person with wine pairing. Some dishes you'll see on the Christmas menu are crab cakes, lobster & crab bisque, branzino, prime rib, whipped sheese potatoes, tiramisu and more. For the full Christmas menu and to book a reservation, click here.