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WPEC-TV CBS12 News :: News - Treasure Coast News - Flick it and Ticket: Ridding litter bugs in Port St. Lucie

Flick it and Ticket: Ridding litter bugs in Port St. Lucie

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- Litterbugs beware. Local police are cracking down, pulling over drivers for something as small as tossing a piece of gum out the window.
Take a close look at any gutter and you'll see the problem.
"I've actually seen entire bags from fast food restaurants entire bag and drinks out the window right in front of me," said Officer Eric Levasseur, Port St. Lucie Police Department.
Litterbugs. Tossing trash, wrappers, and gum. Port St. Lucie police say smokers are the worst offenders.
"Sometimes they will flick a stray ash out the window and then flick the butt right out the window."
After giving the driver a ticket, what's the reaction?
"They don't realize a cigarette butt is considered littering."
Students from Treasure Coast High School are partnering with police to get rid of the litterbugs in the city. They are helping to create a campaign poster, while police enforce the law.
"Each school holds roughly 2500 students, so that is 2500 students we bring awareness to about littering," said Sgt. Mark Dimeo, Port St. Lucie Police Department.
Police are actively ticketing for this. $116 for small items and $500 in fines for trash over 15 pounds.
"I've actually had people throw chicken wings out the window when I'm talking to them," said Officer Levasseur.
Why is this so important?
"Because the city wants to make sure they maintain this quality of life, and that's a very important part of it, make sure we keep the city clean," said Sgt. Dimeo.
The police department is happy to get students on board, because guess who some of the biggest violators are on record? High school students. Flick it and Ticket: Ridding litter bugs in Port St. Lucie

Tuesday, May 1 2012, 02:34 PM EDT

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