FHP says more troopers will be on I-75 for opening of new Mall at University Town Center

The Florida Highway Patrol on Wednesday said it will "increase its presence" on Interstate 75 this weekend near the new University Mall at Town Center, which opens to the public on Thursday.

The mall is located at I-75's interchange with University Parkway.

Here's the news release from FHP:

Sarasota, Fla. –To help ensure motorists make it to their destinations safely, the Florida Highway Patrol will increase its presence on Interstate 75 in the vicinity of the University Parkway for the University Town Center Mall grand opening dates of October 16 through October 19. It is anticipated that there will be increased traffic volume during this time period, so all motorist are encouraged to drive safely and distracted free. Troopers will focus their enforcement efforts on impaired driving, speeding, following too closely and other aggressive driving behaviors.

FHP offers the following tips to help you and your family arrive at your destination safely:

Buckle up...every time. A seatbelt is your vehicle’s most important safety feature.

Expect traffic congestion and delays.

Obey all speed limits, bearing in mind that traffic congestion may require driving more slowly.

Drive sober and remember, buzzed driving is drunk driving.

Don’t drive distracted: Anything that takes your full attention off of the road, even for a second, could

be deadly. This includes texting, changing the radio station, talking to passengers, etc.

Be plenty rested.

This story was originally published October 15, 2014 at 8:16 AM with the headline "FHP says more troopers will be on I-75 for opening of new Mall at University Town Center."