Marion County Sheriff’s Office Joins Multiple Florida Agencies in Operation Southern Slow Down

The Southern Slow Down initiative runs frum July 13-18 in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee.

A front angle of a car with a green, yellow and white wrap with a monochrome American Flag on the back window sits next to a sidewalk. On the car reads, "Marion County Sheriff. Integrity. Honesty. Trust."

352todayThe MCSO will take part in "increased enforcement and public education."

MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is working with the Florida Department of Transportation, Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Florida Highway Patrol and multiple other agencies across the Southeast by participating in Operation Southern Slow Down, a multistate initiative aimed at reducing speeding, and the crashes and deaths that follow.

“From July 13 through July 18, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) is joining law enforcement agencies across Florida and the Southeastern United States for Operation Southern Slow Down, a traffic safety campaign focused on reducing speed related crashes through increased enforcement and public education,” read an MCSO announcement posted to social media.

“Throughout the week, MCSO deputies will be conducting proactive traffic enforcement on interstates and state highways, with a focus on drivers who choose to ignore posted speed limits.”

According to a press release from the FDOT, “this campaign encourages drivers to take responsibility for making safe decisions along every mile of the state’s transportation system by slowing down, following speed limits, and looking out for the safety of others on the road. Operation Southern Slow Down contributes to Florida’s overarching transportation safety initiative, Target Zero, which aims to reduce traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries down to zero.”

Florida’s Target Zero initiative was formally adopted in March 2026.

The FDOT announcement includes tips and reminders for Florida drivers that will not only help increase safety on Sunshine State roadways but also keep you from being pulled over.

Driving tips and reminders

Faster speeds require longer stopping distances.
Stay out of the far-left lane except when passing.
Stopping distance quadruples when you double your speed.
Drivers of larger vehicles need more time and distance to stop, especially on wet or uneven pavement.
Slow down when approaching curves and brakes before entering.
Set a good example for young drivers by following speed limits.
Always wear your seat belt and ensure all passengers are buckled.
Use extra caution in construction and school zones.
Plan and allow extra travel time to avoid the temptation to speed.

“Speeding is a conscious choice, and it’s one that costs lives,” said FHP Colonel Gary Howze in a statement. “Operation Southern Slow Down brings Florida law enforcement and public safety partners across the Southeast United States together around a shared commitment to safer roads through increased enforcement, direct public outreach, and a unified message that reckless driving will not be tolerated. This initiative ensures that those who choose to drive recklessly are held accountable for putting others at risk.”