Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/121369
Sarasota News Leader April 12, 2013 Page 48 OPERATION DRY SPRING RESULTS RELEASED During a five-week operation designed to protect youth who might experiment with drugs and alcohol, Sarasota County Sheriff's Office deputies made 141 arrests for alcohol possession by a person under 21, the office announced April 11. "The safety of Sarasota County's children, and those visiting our community, is paramount," said Sheriff Tom Knight in the release. "What was sobering for us was the age of some of the minors cited, including one as young as 14. We hope the encounter with law enforcement emphasizes to parents that some kids are making poor decisions and need help understanding the potential health and legal consequences of their actions." After conducting 75 business checks, deputies cited 11 people for selling alcohol to minors during Operation Dry Spring, a news release says. Marijuana was seized in three cases, and one adult was arrested for contributing to the Nearly 190,000 people under 21 visited an delinquency of a minor, the release adds. emergency room for injuries or conditions "The goal of Operation Dry Spring, a statewide initiative of the Florida Sheriffs Task Force, connected to underage drinking in 2010, the was to prevent underage teens from purchasing release notes. In addition, more than 7,000 adand using alcohol, tobacco and synthetic drugs verse incidents from use of synthetic drugs to protect them from the potentially harmful such as bath salts and spice were reported effects of these substances," the release says. nationwide in 2011, the release adds. Sun worshippers of all ages enjoy Siesta Public Beach during the height of spring break activities in March. Photo by Rachel Hackney