Florida Highway Patrol detains 10 in Tampa street takeover operation.

TAMPA, Fla. – The Florida Highway Patrol detained ten people involved in a coordinated street takeover event in Tampa on Sunday.
The operation, which posed a significant risk to public safety, was swiftly handled by the authorities after the Florida Highway Patrol effectively responded to a call for assistance from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, according to a news release.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the event was organized through social media and attracted hundreds of people and numerous vehicles. Participants allegedly blocked an intersection to perform donuts, drift, and engage in other illegal and reckless driving maneuvers. As a result, police reported the following:
• Ten arrests
• Four racing on highway charges
• Three-drug related charges
• Three-firearms recovered
• Six charges for passenger participation in a street race/takeover
• Four-vehicles impounded
• Recovery of over $6,000 in assets
The individuals who were arrested include:
• 20-year-old Jakob Bryan, arrested for Unlawful Racing on Highway While Engaged in Coordinated Street Takeover.
• 24-year-old Jakiya Burr, arrested for Knowingly Riding as a Passenger in Unlawful Racing or Street Takeover.
• 17-year-old male juvenile, Wesley Chapel, arrested for Knowingly Riding as a Passenger in Unlawful Racing or Street Takeover.
• 29-year-old Jaewon Foster, arrested for Knowingly Riding as a Passenger in Unlawful Racing or Street Takeover and Possession of Cannabis, less than 20 grams.
• 20-year-old Ethan Marton, arrested for Knowingly Riding as a Passenger in Unlawful Racing or Street Takeover.
• 29-year-old Marquis Pinkins, arrested for Unlawful Racing on Highway While Engaged in Coordinated Street Takeover and Fleeing to Elude.
• 20-year-old Alex Rodriguez-Lazu, arrested for Unlawful Racing on Highway While Engaged in Coordinated Street Takeover and Fleeing to Elude.
• 20-year-old Ramon Santiago, arrested for Knowingly Riding as a Passenger in Unlawful Racing or Street Takeover.
• 19-year-old Jackson Tubbs, arrested for Unlawful Racing on Highway While Engaged in Coordinated Street Takeover, Fleeing to Elude, Possession of Cannabis, less than 20 grams, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
• 18-year-old Grant Watson, arrested for Unlawful Racing on Highway While Engaged in Coordinated Street Takeover.
Those who were arrested were transported to Orient Road Jail in Hillsborough County without incident, according to the news release, while the juveniles were taken to the Hillsborough County Juvenile Assessment Center.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, street racing and roadway takeovers are “incredibly dangerous,” obstructing normal traffic flow and potentially impeding emergency response efforts, thereby putting lives at risk. Participants in such events may face charges for spectating, riding as a passenger, and, if driving, unlawful racing, along with other charges related to reckless endangerment.
A new Florida law, SB 1764, signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in May, increased penalties for street racing and street takeovers.
The law, which took effect July 1, defines the term “coordinated street takeover” to mean 10 or more vehicles operated in an organized manner to effect a street takeover.
The legislation increases the fines for illegal street racing activity, potentially costing individuals up to $1,000.
It increases the penalty for a second violation within one year from a first degree misdemeanor to a third degree felony. Subsequent violations would be subject to harsher penalties.
Those caught watching the illegal activity may also find themselves paying up to $400 in fines.

https://flvoicenews.com/florida-highway-patrol-detains-10-in-tampa-street-takeover-operation/

Florida wins ‘best looking cruiser’ second year in a row by American Association of State Troopers.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The American Association of State Troopers ranked the Florida Highway Patrol as number one in the nation for the “best looking cruiser” the second year in a row.
“Florida and their aggressive communications team have helped Florida to repeat as the winners of the 2024 AAST Best Looking Cruiser contest,” the organization announced. (Challenger R/T with a 375 hp 5.7-liter V8)
“As you can see, more than 276K votes were cast during the contest. Our Facebook site had over 1.2 million views during the two weeks of voting,” it continued. “We had 100% participation from our state police agencies this year, as well as fun and engaging banter.”
Florida received nearly 29,000 votes, securing the number one spot in the online poll. Kentucky came in second with just over 26,000 votes and Nevada came in third with over 17,500.
Other states like Texas, North Carolina and Georgia also filled in the top 10.
Gov. Ron DeSantis encouraged people to vote for Florida in the contest as it was going on.
“The votes are rolling in for the 2024 Best Looking Cruiser Contest, and so far, Florida Highway Patrol is in first place—but Kentucky is hot on our trail,” he said.
Florida Highway Patrol Colonel Gary Howze, Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd and Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey posted a video on the Lee County Sheriff’s Office social media defending Florida’s 2023 victory in the contest and comparing other states’ cruisers.
Florida knows what it takes to be number one,” Marceno said.
Judd said that if there was any doubt in your mind, “come to Florida, visit the beaches, see the space coast” and Florida will “show you patrol cars.”
“Wherever you live, it doesn’t matter, Florida has the best looking patrol car,” Howze argued.