900 traffic stops conducted in grant-funded roadway safety effort

Between December 2024 and September 2025, the Sarasota Police Department conducted nearly 900 traffic stops and addressed 1,100 violations through an operation funded by a $115,000 traffic safety grant awarded by the Florida Department of Transportation. The operation involved nearly 450 hours of safety enforcement.

Violations cited include speeding, improper lane changes, cellphone use in active school zones, driving under the influence, suspended licenses, unregistered vehicles and seat belt violations.

“Every stop, every reminder and every citation reflects our commitment to protecting lives,” said Officer Jason Frank of SPD’s traffic unit. “Roadway safety is about more than enforcement, it’s about encouraging patience, attentiveness and responsibility.”

Although the grant period has ended, the SPD is continuing its focus on traffic safety. The department has applied for another traffic safety grant for 2025-26.