“Operation Southern Slow Down” Set To Ticket Speeders
Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) officers will be out in force this week for “Operation Southern Slow Down,” a weeklong speed enforcement campaign between July 17 thru 22 focusing on detecting and citing drivers for exceeding the posted speed limits across Florida’s interstate corridors. Four other states are also participating in the program: Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee.
“Your FHP Troopers will be on patrol monitoring traffic for hazardous drivers and enforcing traffic laws along Florida’s state highways in support of Operation Southern Slowdown,” said Colonel Gary L. Howze, Director of the Florida Highway Patrol.
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), more than 13,296 crashes in 2022 in Florida involved speeding, which contributed to 10.5 percent of all crash fatalities statewide, resulting in 368 fatalities.
As you travel, here are some tips to stay safe on Florida’s roadways this summer:
Anticipate increased traffic during peak travel periods. Plan ahead and give yourself ample drive time.
Buckle up and make sure all passengers are buckled up the entire trip.
Slow down in construction zones. Keep in mind that construction increases during the summer season.
No matter how eager you are to reach your destination, speeding and driving aggressively is dangerous. Stay patient and give other road users plenty of space.
If you observe aggressive driving, don’t engage with the other driver. Dial *FHP (*#$&) or 911 for local law enforcement.
Good Greek Moving & Storage Relocates Tampa Office To Plant City
A new tenant is moving into a 60,000 square-foot space in Central Florida Commerce Center in Plant City. On August 1, Good Greek Moving & Storage will be relocating from its current Tampa hub on Joanne Kearney Blvd. According to a company press release, the move is projected to generate an immediate influx of approximately 75 new employees with potential for several hundred jobs within the next two years.
The company opened its facility in Tampa in 2020 following its rapid growth in the South Florida market. It’s also established strong partnerships with local sports teams, handling the personnel, player and equipment moves for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tampa Bay Rays and Tampa Bay Rowdies.
The new location will provide easy access to the neighboring markets of Orlando and the surrounding Gainesville, Space Coast and First Coast markets.
Spero Georgedakis, Founder and CEO of Good Greek Moving & Storage, expressed his excitement about the expansion. “Our commitment to Tampa Bay runs deep, and our entrance into the Orlando market and beyond is a testament to our bold vision,” he said. “This expansion reflects our dedication to providing exceptional relocation solutions and unmatched service to both Tampa Bay and Orlando.”
Walmart Health Expands To Plant City
Walmart Health center, located adjacent to the Supercenter at 2600 James L. Redman Pkwy., has opened its doors. The health center provides primary care, labs, x-rays, EKGs, behavioral health, dental, select speciality services and community health all in one facility. With convenient weekend and evening hours as well as telehealth options on Sundays, it’s poised to offer care to busy families seven days a week. It offers affordable and transparent pricing- with or without insurance. For more information or to schedule an appointment visit walmarthealth.com.
Join Forces To Help Stop Scam Calls
Nobody likes getting bombarded with robocalls. They’re not only annoying but are often pushing scams for things like fake auto warranties and credit card debt relief programs. Residents can do their part to take action to stop scammers.
The Federal Trade Commission’s “Operation Stop Scam Calls” encourages residents to:
Know your rights. A robocall trying to sell you something is illegal unless the company has your written permission to call you that way.
Spot the scams using illegal robocalls. Many illegal robocalls lead to scams. They might try to convince you the call is from the government, tech support or your auto warranty company, but it’s not. It’s a scam.
Hang up on phone scams. Some scammers will call you and say you won a prize but you have to pay to get it. (Don’t. It’s a scam.) The scammer may say that you’ll be arrested for money you owe and that you have to pay immediately. (That’s also a scam.) Hang up or delete the voicemail. Don’t press any number or call back.
Report scams and illegal robocalls. Reporting helps law enforcement and investigators stop scams and illegal robocalls.
For more advice visit ftc.gov/calls.