Deputies on bicycles now helping to patrol Pensacola Beach
BY LISA NEWELL Gulf Breeze News lisa@gulfbreezenews.com

Sheriff's deputies are now patrolling Pensacola Beach on bicycle, thanks to an overtime grant, Lt. Gary Montee of the Escambia County Sheriff's Office, Precinct One, said.

The three to four officers usually work on nights when rowdiness is expected to occur, often on Wednesday nights after The Dock's popular "Drinking with Lincoln" promotion.

Patrons can purchase a cup for $5 and drink free beer from 9 p.m. to 12 midnight, and Lt. Montee said there is usually at least one incident in the Casino Beach parking lot on Wednesday nights.

"When they have events that promote inexpensive alcohol, it's going to cause problems," Lt. Montee said.

"We've implemented a zero tolerance program," Lt. Montee said. "If they get in a fight, we put them in jail."

The bicycle patrols are unique because they allow deputies to get closer to the people. Last Wednesday night, officers made two arrests for driving under the influence.

Lt. Montee said that while it is still too early to tell the impact the bicycle patrols will have on reducing crime on the beach, there were no major incidents reported last week, which was a change from the previous two weeks, when a man was stabbed and there was another incident involving assault.

Lt. Montee said he expects the remainder of the summer to be quieter.

"After the Blue Angels, it's downhill from there," Lt. Montee said.

The next events are Bushwacker Fest (Aug. 1) and Labor Day.