NEWS RELEASE
Sheriff Staly Reminds Drivers to Slow Down — Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Makes 431 Traffic Stops in Operation Southern Slow Down
Date:Thursday, July 23, 2026
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office joined law enforcement agencies across the Southeastern United States in conducing Operation Southern Slow Down, the ninth-annual weeklong multi-state traffic enforcement and public education campaign. This annual campaign — conducted in partnership with law enforcement and transportation enforcement agencies across Florida, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee — focused on reducing speed-related crashes through a combination of increased enforcement and education.
During Operation Southern Slow Down, which took place from July 13 to 18, the FCSO Traffic Enforcement Unit and Community Policing deputies conducted increased traffic enforcement. Deputies made 431 traffic stops during the enforcement period, issuing 115 traffic citations and giving 347 warnings. Deputies also made nine traffic-related arrests, including two for DUI.
Deputies also investigated 35 crashes. During the weeklong campaign, there was one traffic fatality in Flagler County.
“By working together with law enforcement agencies across the region, we sent the message loud and clear that speeding, aggressive driving, and drunk driving have no place on the road,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “Our deputies were busy keeping our roads safe and pulling over motorists when they observed dangerous driving behaviors. Whether they got a ticket or a warning or were one of the unlucky nine whose actions earned them a trip to the Green Roof Inn, I hope every driver who got pulled over during this operation thinks twice about what they did to get pulled over and change their driving behavior in the future.”
Sheriff Staly reminds all drivers to follow the law and make good decisions behind the wheel. This includes following speed limits, wearing a seat belt and ensuring everyone in the vehicle is buckled up, using a turn signal when changing lanes, and not driving impaired.
“Speeding and aggressive driving put everyone around you at risk, not just yourself,” Sheriff Staly added. “Remember: Speeding reduces the time you have to react, and aggressive driving behaviors — like cutting someone off or following too closely — force other drivers to react to you. This endangers everyone on the roadway. Slow down, follow the law, and be respectful of other drivers. Otherwise, a traffic ticket may be the least of your problems.”
The FCSO Traffic Enforcement Unit is committed to ensuring the safety of Flagler County’s roadways year-round. The unit conducts numerous enforcement campaigns throughout the year, such as Operation CRASH; participates in nationwide efforts including Operation CARE and the #ClickItOrTicket campaign; and conducts increased enforcement measures during holidays.
To report any traffic safety concerns or traffic violations at a particular intersection, street, or neighborhood, visit flaglersheriff.com/traffic-complaint.