Top 10 DUI Arrest Locations in Tampa

The DUI enforcement unit with the Tampa Police Department (TPD) has developed certain favorite areas to look for individuals who might be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. For many years, the TPD’s website listed the top 10 locations for a DUI arrest in Tampa.

DUI enforcement officers on TPD’s DUI Squad conduct traffic stops at locations outside of bars where the officers are more likely to encounter drivers who have been drinking. During these routine traffic stops, the DUI investigation often feels like a setup.

In fact, the DUI enforcement officers will routinely patrol the same areas or wait for individuals who are leaving bars or other local attractions where alcohol is served.

The majority of arrests made by TPD occur after routine traffic stops in these areas within the Tampa city limits:

  • SOHO – Howard Avenue just South of Kennedy Blvd;
  • Channelside District;
  • Howard Avenue (Kennedy Blvd. to I-275);
  • Dale Mabry (Martin Luther King to Hillsborough Avenue);
  • Tampa Palms area;
  • Nebraska Avenue (Waters to Fowler);
  • Courtney Campbell Causeway;
  • Ybor City;
  • MacDill Avenue (Kennedy Blvd. to Columbus); and
  • Kennedy Blvd (Dale Mabry to Westshore).

Top Five Places in Tampa for the Last Drink Before a DUI Arrest

After an arrest for DUI, each person will be asked where they consumed their last alcohol beverage prior to being booked into the jail. Known as the “last drink survey,” the records are kept by all law enforcement officers making an arrest for DUI in Hillsborough County.

The arresting officer is trained to ask the subject, “Where were you last drinking?” Answering the question is voluntary and the response is compiled into a database. You can visit the website of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HSCO) to find a list of the “Top 10 ” alcohol vendors attributed to DUI arrests published each year.

HCSO uses the “Top 10” list to work with those vendors to reduce the DUI’s connected to their establishments by the arrestees. Statistics related to those responses are included in the Hillsborough County “Last Drink Survey” which named these vendors and drinking establishments.

DUI enforcement officers with the Tampa Police Department often have extra officers stationed near these locations.


Facts about the Tampa Police Department

Brian Dugan is the current Chief of Police for the City of Tampa. With over 1,000 sworn law enforcement personnel positions, TPD also employs more than 350 civilian and support staff personnel.


Additional Resources

Tampa Alcohol Coalition – As a subcommittee of the Hillsborough County Anti Drug Alliance, the Tampa Alcohol Coalition is on a mission to prevent underage drinking and impaired driving. Visit the website of the Alcohol Coalition for the City of Tampa to find information on the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office S.A.V.E. program. Learn more about why working with alcohol vendors to save lives. The HCSO’s Sheriff’s Alcohol Vendor Enforcement (SAVE) program works with vendors who have been identified through the last drink surveys and compliance checks to prevent DUI and underage drinking in alcohol establishments.


Attorney for a DUI Arrest by the Tampa Police Department

If you were arrested for a DUI in Tampa, FL, then contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at Sammis Law Firm. We represent clients after a breath test, urine test, blood test, or a refusal to submit to chemical testing.

Our DUI defense attorneys understand the tactics used by DUI enforcement officers with the Tampa Police Department. We are familiar with the standard operating procedures used in these cases and how to exploit any mistakes made by the officer.

Call 813-250-0500.

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