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BELLE ISLE, Fla. — A new law is now in effect across Florida — one that could change the way people think about getting behind the wheel or the throttle after drinking. Belle Isle Police hope “Trenton’s Law” will save lives, both on the road and out on the water.
On Lake Conway, the water is peaceful. But for Belle Isle Police, it’s very busy.
“Our primary months of operation on the water, we start in May and we’re out here every weekend until from May until October. We just got through our busy season, if you will,” said Sgt. Allen Wasmund, with Belle Isle’s Traffic Marine Patrol Unit.
Days spent under the sun, music in the air, and families making memories, but one bad decision can turn paradise into tragedy.
“We try to stop that as soon as possible. We don’t need anyone getting hurt out on the lake,” Wasmund said.
On Oct. 1, “Trenton’s Law” took effect, named after 18-year-old Trenton Stewart, who was killed in 2023 by a drunk driver.
The new law delivers tougher penalties for DUI and BUI manslaughter, doubling prison sentences from 15 to 30 years for repeat offenders.
And it goes even further making it a misdemeanor, in some cases, to refuse a breath or urine test on scene.
“We’re hoping that with the penalties stiffer, people will think twice about actually committing these crimes,” Wasmund said.
Wasmund says last year they handled about 15 DUI cases.
While this new law won’t change how they enforce the rules on the water, they’ve already noticed a difference, more law enforcement agencies are out patrolling.
“Our hope is that our presence deters the crimes that are occurring. We’ve been ramping up patrols,” Wasmund added.
Along with Belle Isle’s marine unit, Florida Fish and Wildlife and Orange County deputies also keep watch on the lake.
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Ashley Engle
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