DORAL, Fla. – New Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz issued a stern warning during a press conference in Doral Tuesday for those planning to create chaos on the roads during the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.
“We will hold violators accountable,” Cordero-Stutz said.
The sheriff, joined by other law enforcement officials, is referring to the annual “Wheels Up, Guns Down” bike and ATV ride. In past years, thousands of ATVs and dirt bikes have flooded major highways and streets, driving recklessly, speeding and even heading the wrong way — putting countless lives in danger.
“Participating in such activities will result in police actions, including arrests, citations, and your vehicle being impounded,” Cordero-Stutz said.
The sheriff says there will be an increased presence of patrols and there will be zero tolerance for any unlawful activity. It’s a multi-agency effort with the Florida Highway Patrol and the Miami Police Department, with safety as a top priority.
FHP officials say they “will provide a highly visible presence throughout the holiday weekend and will conduct saturation patrols on interstates and highways.”
“Let’s remember his legacy and honor him in a way that uplifts our community rather than engaging in reckless behavior and putting others at risk,” Cordero-Stutz said.
Under a Florida law signed July 1, if there is a street takeover involving 10 or more vehicles, participants will be charged with a felony.