JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters on Monday announced eight arrests and dozens of traffic citations last week in another crackdown on street racing, dubbed “Operation Friday Night Lights.”
Waters said JSO partnered with FHP for the deployment after learning Friday morning of a planned car meetup that night.
“Experience has taught us that these events are not merely gatherings of car enthusiasts. Rather, drivers descend at selected locations and engage in criminally reckless (driving) behavior,” Waters said of JSO’s decision to launch the operation. “We will never interfere with car enthusiasts who gather for safe and legal fun. I like cars myself. But street racing is illegal and dangerous.”
REPLAY: Press play above to watch Waters’ news conference
The operation spanned from Riverside to Mandarin to the Westside, Waters said.
“They’ll put out several different locations over social media and other forms of communication, and we try to track and follow,” the sheriff said.
Waters said eight drivers were arrested on street racing charges and two of them were also charged with driving under the influence. Five motorcycles and three cars were impounded.
The sheriff said 42 traffic citations were also issued during the operation, including some for people who were “just watching.”
“A cautionary note to those who choose to spectate at these meetups. Under Florida law, law enforcement can issue you very expensive civil citations for spectating street racing events,” Waters said.
Waters warned members of “rogue groups” causing “roadway chaos” that JSO will continue tracking these meetups.
“As long as these gatherings happen in Duval County, JSO will carefully monitor them and arrest anyone engaging in criminal behavior,” Waters said. “I hear you’re planning on doing it again this Saturday. We’ll see you there.”