The Hernando County Sheriff's Office is warning residents of celebratory gunfire during the holidays. 

  • Hernando Sheriff's Office warns of celebratory gunfire on NYE
  • Many people wounded, killed by falling bullets
  • Sheriff's Office taking zero tolerance on illegal gun use

"For many communities, it's the time of year when some people celebrate the festivities by firing gunshots into the air.  Illogical thinking we agree, because we all know that what goes up must come down.  In these cases, it's bullets moving at deadly speed," the sheriff's wrote in a press release. 

Many people are wounded or killed by falling bullets on New Year's Eve. 

The Hernando County Sheriff's Office will be taking a zero tolerance stance on any and all illegal gun use and gun crime during the holiday. 

"Celebrating the New Year should never be at the expense of someone else's safety. Impaired driving and celebratory gunfire are both ways to start the new year off with the sobering reality that your actions took the life of an innocent person. Please leave the firearms secured and never drive impaired," said Sheriff Al Nienhuis.

The sheriff's office asks that if anyone hears gunfire or observes suspicious activity, they are encouraged to call their local law enforcement agency.