The goal of the "Beat the Heat" Safety and Education Program is two-fold.  First and foremost, to educate young adults about the very real danger of reckless, high-speed driving and underage alcohol use. Second, to provide an opportunity for police officers and youth to work together and develop positive relationships.


The original "Beat the Heat" Safety and Education Program was started by retired Police Sergeant Don Robertson of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office in 1984 when he acquired a 1979 Chevrolet Malibu patrol car. With help from many sponsors, Robertson remodeled the car into THE HEAT, a racetrack certified drag car, to address the issue of illegal street racing.  

The vehicle was originally used as a visual aid in programs and displays to educate the public about the differences between street racing and drag racing. Since 1984, "Beat the Heat" programs have been launched by law enforcement agencies nationwide, and has drastically reduced street racing and has grown into an international program. (www.beattheheatinc.org)

"Beat the Heat" Comp Card 

To schedule a "Beat the Heat" presentation contact Ofc. David Sciandra at 904-630-2160 or by email at David.Sciandra@jaxsheriff.org .

Beat the Heat Calendar of Events 

"Beat the Heat" News Conference (video)

Newsclippings

• 'Beat the Heat' back on the street
• JSO Hopes to Curb Teen Street Racing
  
  

Nationally, "Beat the Heat" program is comprised of law enforcement officers who dedicate their time and resources to educate and help youth. The re-launch of the "Beat the Heat" Safety and Education Program was funded entirely by donations (both in-kind and financial).