Police will be cracking down on drinking and driving of New Year's Eve

If you’re planning to go out to ring in the new year, police are warning you to leave the keys at home if you’re going to be drinking.

Law enforcement agencies across the state will also be increasing their patrols and cracking down on drunken drivers everywhere.

Mara Miljour tells us there’s no place like Jacksonville Beach to spend New Year’s Eve with friends and family.

“So ... the Ritz was last year and that was really fun, and Lynches last year, just basically the Jax Beach bars -- those are awesome,” said Miljour.

STORY: Bradford County tow service is offering help during the New Year's Eve holiday

She plans to celebrate ringing in 2019 with her boyfriend at the local bars and she tells us they’re both planning to leave their car keys at home.

“As long as we’re Ubering we feel pretty safe 'cause somebody else is driving because we plan on drinking, of course,” said Miljour.

“It’s never worth it. So don’t risk it. Don’t chance it. So just Uber home or Lyft or whatever,” said Eugene Williams.

Williams has lived in Jacksonville for 24 years and says he always leaves his car at home on New Year’s Eve.

We reached out to the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. Officials there say if you are going out this year and you do want to drink it’s a good idea to plan.

Either pick a friend who will be the designated driver for the night or choose another way to get home, whether it’s a friend or family member picking you up or another transportation service.

In Florida, a first-time DUI offense could cost you up to $1,000 in fines and six months of jail time.

The law firm Farah & Farah is also offering free taxi service if you register early.

AAA is also offering its free Tow to Go service for those who have had too much to drink. You can call 1-855-286-9246. (1-855-2-tow-2-go)

Cox Media Group