SARASOTA, Fla. -- The Sarasota County Sheriffs Office is doubling up on patrols in March and April for Spring Break season on Siesta Key.
"With spring break, we have a lot more people and a lot more underage drinking, and the parking lot gets full so we have a lot more disputes in the parking lot," said Sgt. Arik Smith, with the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office Siesta Key Substation.
Smith says they will have more deputies on ATVs to comb the beach and on horseback to monitor the parking lot.
They’re also educating people about the rules, like no glass or dogs on the beach, as well as handing out fliers about beach safety.
"We want people making sure they’re keeping track of their values and not walking away from things creating those crimes of opportunity," said Smith.
Smith says because the beach is big and everything can start to look the same, it’s best to have a plan with your children in case you get separated.
"Like to meet at the red lifeguard stand if someone gets lost, that helps you and it helps us find people that go missing," said Smith.
Deputies say fortunately, there isn't a lot of crime on Siesta Key beach. They say the biggest issue during Spring Break is underage drinking.
