GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) – Law enforcement agencies across North Central Florida began increased patrols Monday on interstates and state highways as part of Operation Southern Slow Down, an annual week-long campaign running through July 18.
The campaign is a partnership between the Florida Department of Transportation, the Florida Department of Highway Safety, the Florida Highway Patrol, and local law enforcement agencies across the Southeast.
Deputies, troopers, and officers will be patrolling interstates and state roads with a focus on speeding and other aggressive driving behaviors. Deputies said education is the priority, but drivers who break the law could still receive a citation.
Sgt. Chris Hunt of the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office said the campaign targets the summer travel season.
“Between Memorial Day and Labor Day are the deadliest months of the year because there are a lot of people traveling,” Hunt said. “We’re trying to get people to pay attention to the road, slow down, stop aggressive driving, and reduce speed-related injuries and deaths.”
Gainesville resident Bary Hutchinson said visible law enforcement makes an impact on driver behavior.
“I think them being visible and people are seeing them as we drop it up and down the road,” Hutchinson said. “I think that makes a difference when you can actually see the law enforcement on the road.”
Law enforcement is reminding drivers to obey posted speed limits, avoid aggressive driving, and move over or slow down when approaching emergency vehicles stopped on the roadside.
Copyright 2026 WCJB. All rights reserved.