Pasco County, state law enforcement to watch for speeders, drunken drivers

COUNTYWIDE

AUTHORITIES TO CRACK DOWN ON SPEEDERS, DUIS

Local law enforcement agencies are planning two special events to improve highway safety. Today, the Pasco Sheriff's Office will conduct Operation Speed Stop to reduce aggressive driving and speed-related crashes on State Road 54 from Little Road to Interstate 75. The operation will run from 5:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Sheriff's Office regularly receives complaints about reckless drivers along this route. In 2008, there were 1,211 crashes resulting in 1,104 injuries and 14 deaths along SR 54, the Sheriff's Office said. On Friday, the Florida Highway Patrol, Sheriff's Office and New Port Richey Police Department will combine forces to crack down on drunken drivers along U.S. 19. The DUI wolfpack will work the area from State Road 52 south to the Pinellas County line.

ST. LEO

Brigadier general to speak at college

Retired Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Thomas V. Draude will speak at Saint Leo University's main campus at 4 p.m. Tuesday on "Vietnam: Looking Back After Three Tours and a Return Trip." The free lecture will be held in the Student Community Center on the main campus at 33701 State Road 52, 4 miles east of Interstate 75 (exit 285). Draude served in the Marine Corps for more than 30 years, including three tours of duty during the Vietnam War and later in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He has received 10 personal awards for combat, including two Silver Star medals and the Purple Heart.