Task Force Successfully Completes Operation Safe Kids

The Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA) Task Force released the results of Operation Safe Kids, a strategic initiative in 42 Florida counties that called attention to traffic safety in and around schools to ensure that children had a safe return to school from Summer Break. During the Task Force Operation Safe Kids, Florida’s sheriffs issued 7,218 warnings and 5,171 traffic citations, dedicated 5,900 hours during the enforcement period, delivered 5,520 educational messages and posted 80,674 social media messages throughout the state. 

“Safeguarding Florida’s future through youth-focused programs and services is a key objective for law enforcement statewide. This goal is being achieved through this operation by identifying and monitoring high-risk areas, issuing warnings and citations, and educating the public on the importance of school zone safety,” said FSA President and Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper. “The implementation of this program highlights Florida sheriffs’ strong commitment to upholding the security of families and local communities in our state.” 

“I am immensely grateful for the collective effort of the Florida Sheriffs Association and the 42 counties who participated in Operation Safe Kids,” said Bay County Sheriff and Chair of the FSA Task Tommy Ford. “This initiative has been instrumental in ensuring the safe return of Florida’s students to school. Through these partnerships, we are setting the stage for the growth of community-centric resources to reduce accidents throughout the state.” 

Operation Safe Kids contributes to two of the FSA business operations goals: to foster effective law enforcement and crime prevention for the public safety of the citizens and visitors of Florida and to protect Florida’s future by promoting public support of programs and services focused on the youth of our state. The 42 sheriffs’ offices that participated in the operation are from Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Flagler, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Jackson, Lake, Lee, Leon, Marion, Martin, Monroe, Nassau, Okaloosa, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pinellas, Putnam, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter, Volusia, Wakulla, and Washington counties. 

About Florida Sheriffs Association

The Florida Sheriffs Association is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 corporation made up of the Sheriffs of Florida, approximately 3,000 business leaders and 100,000 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. For more information on the Florida Sheriffs Association, visit www.flsheriffs.org.