- July 31, 2026
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office earned third place in the 2026 Florida Law Enforcement Traffic Safety Challenge, competing among agencies with 101-200 officers. This prestigious statewide award reflects FCSO’s commitment to keeping Flagler County’s roadways safe for residents and visitors.
The Traffic Safety Challenge recognizes law enforcement agencies that excel in developing and implementing traffic safety programs aimed at reducing crashes, injuries, and fatalities in their communities. The award was presented by the Florida Law Enforcement Liaison Program, a grant-funded initiative sponsored by the Florida Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to advance statewide traffic safety initiatives.
“Placing third among great competition across the state is an honor and a testament to our team’s efforts to keep drivers, motorcyclists, and pedestrians safe,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “Not every crash can be prevented, but our team does a great job through focused enforcement and educational opportunities to limit unsafe driving, ensuring that we keep our roads safe even as our county continues to grow with more residents and visitors each year. I commend our team for earning this recognition and award.”
Despite Flagler County’s population growth as one of the fastest-growing counties in the state and increasing traffic volume as a result, traffic crashes and fatalities remain nearly the same year to year.
To combat the increase in traffic, FCSO has implemented a comprehensive and collaborative traffic safety strategy, partnering with local and state law enforcement agencies to conduct coordinated traffic enforcement and educational campaigns throughout the year. This includes Operation CRASH, a monthly high-visibility enforcement day in partnership with the Florida Highway Patrol, Flagler Beach Police Department, and Bunnell Police Department; Best Foot Forward, a Bike/Walk Central Florida pedestrian safety initiative focusing on crosswalks; and participation in large-scale traffic enforcement efforts such as Operation CARE, Operation Southern Slow Down, and the nationwide #ClickItOrTicket campaign.
Traffic enforcement in Flagler County is led by the FCSO Traffic Enforcement Unit, consisting of deputies in semi-market Ford Mustangs and deputies on Harley Davidson motorcycles, who maintain a visible presence on roadways and ensure that traffic laws are followed. Patrol deputies in the Community Policing Division also routinely participate in traffic enforcement, and every patrol car is equipped with radar.
In addition to enforcement efforts, FCSO also engages in proactive education initiatives. This includes the Teen Driver Challenge, a free Florida Sheriffs Association program aimed at teaching young drivers defensive driving skills. Since FCSO began hosting Teen Driver Challenge classes in 2022, over 150 students have taken the course. FCSO also recently acquired two message boards, which activate when drivers are speeding past, to provide instant education messages reminding drivers to "slow down" with flashing blue lights to get drivers’ attention. The boards also collect speed data that helps deputies determine the best times to conduct traffic enforcement.
"Traffic complaints are our number one quality of life complaint, which is why we have increased our dedicated Traffic Enforcement Unit by 213% percent since 2017," Sheriff Staly added.
To report any traffic safety concerns or traffic violations at a particular intersection, street, or neighborhood, visit flaglersheriff.com/traffic-complaint.
