Search
Close this search box.

Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office already surpasses last year’s BUI arrests

The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit ranked number one in the state of Florida last year in BUI arrests by any Sheriff’s Office or Police Department. Now, they have already surpassed last year’s totals with five months still left in the year. The Marine Unit made 83 BUI arrests in 2021. As of today – that number for […]

Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office Marine Unit

The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit ranked number one in the state of Florida last year in BUI arrests by any Sheriff’s Office or Police Department.

  • Now, they have already surpassed last year’s totals with five months still left in the year.
  • The Marine Unit made 83 BUI arrests in 2021.
  • As of today – that number for 2022 is 87 and counting.

“The boating population and the boating activities have increased drastically over the past two years since COVID,” said Sgt. Kyle Corbitt, Marine Unit. 

Corbitt says that the Marine Unit is seeing an increase rental companies throughout the county. He says it’s not just in Destin anymore, but in Fort Walton Beach, Niceville and over by the Mid-Bay bridge.

“Driving a boat or driving a jet-ski is a whole lot different than driving a car,” he explained. “You don’t have brakes and you can’t stop them very easily. This county has always been in the top 10 in vessel crashes and fatalities in the entire state.”

Local news sent to your inbox 🤝

Thousands of locals read our newsletter every morning! It’s FREE and makes sure that you never miss important local updates.

Sgt. Corbitt explains that the Okaloosa Sheriff’s Office, Florida Wildlife, and US Coast Guard working together is a “force multiplier” to help get Okaloosa County out of that top 10 position.

“A majority of our vessel crashes and crashes involving fatalities tend to involve alcohol,” he added. “The residents here in this county, and Sheriff Aden, are all big proponents of our Marine unit and trying to keep our waterways safe.”

Join the conversation...

Continue reading 👇

Community Comments

“This is so impressive - congratulations on such a successful and growing program”
Respond
“I spent a week on the Pilot diving. I loved the trip but was traveling solo so had no dive partner. I was not a real experienced diver either. One...”
Respond
“Bless you, your sons, and all involved in honoring your husband. The perfect example of unconditional love. Your care and efforts in helping others will not be forgotten. Wishing you...”
Respond
“Thank you for the wonderful article and exposure for our efforts helping local cancer patients know they are not alone!”
Respond
““… the caliber of vacationers “ You live somewhere that others find desirable and it has been discovered. Get over it.”
Respond
“Bitter are you .what matters is it's saved to be a part of history for thr Fort Walton Beach family's and tourist.i don't care who built it .it's up and...”
Respond
“I came to Destin in 1988 and I was so happy to have made the decision to raise my children here. But to be honest, ever since Peter Boss started...”
Respond
“It was an AMAZING show from our community, and we are so grateful to Dr Dugan and the rest of the guidance department for securing such a worthwhile event for...”
Respond
“this was not a easy task as i'm am one of troop 544 but it warms my heart that he was there in his warm hug from a trusted adult.”
Respond
“You wanted more stores, more people and you allow golf carts to move about freely, then you complain because you have created a nightmare. UNBELIEVABLE.”
Respond

GET OUR FREE LOCAL NEWSLETTER

Get the weekday email that actually makes reading local news enjoyable again.