RALEIGH, N.C. — State and local officials will kick off North Carolina’s annual “Operation Firecracker Booze It & Lose It” campaign Monday morning, launching a week-long initiative designed to reduce impaired driving during the July Fourth holiday period.
Campaign Details and Timeline
The 2025 campaign will run from June 30 through July 6, combining public awareness efforts with intensified law enforcement patrols across the state. The initiative aims to encourage sober driving choices during one of the year’s most dangerous holiday weekends for impaired driving incidents.
Enhanced Enforcement Efforts
Law enforcement agencies throughout North Carolina will conduct enhanced patrols specifically targeting impaired drivers during the campaign period. The coordinated effort represents a statewide commitment to removing dangerous drivers from the road during the holiday weekend.
Monday’s Launch Event
The campaign kickoff will take place at 10 a.m. on June 30, 2025, at the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission Boat Launching Access Area, located at Sen. Jean Preston Memorial Park, 6800 Emerald Drive, Emerald Isle, NC 28594.
Featured Speakers
The launch event will feature remarks from several key officials:
- Jason Holland, Mayor of Emerald Isle
- Mark Ezzell, Director of the N.C. Governor’s Highway Safety Program
- Michael A. Panzarella, Chief of Emerald Isle Police
- Phillip Panzarella, Safe driving advocate and brother of Chief Panzarella
Public Safety Focus
The N.C. Governor’s Highway Safety Program is coordinating the campaign alongside local law enforcement and traffic safety officials. The initiative emphasizes the importance of making responsible transportation choices during holiday celebrations when alcohol consumption traditionally increases.
The waterfront location for Monday’s announcement underscores the campaign’s relevance to both roadway and boating safety during the popular summer holiday weekend.
