Cruising down the highway in southwest Florida, feeling the urge to test your car’s limits? You might want to think twice, especially if you see a sleek sports car approaching fast. The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) just rolled out a new patrol vehicle that could make your usual speed calculations irrelevant: a 2023 Corvette Stingray.

Photo Credit to WFLA News

Now, before you start complaining about taxpayer money funding high-speed pursuits, FHP wants you to know this Corvette Stingray didn’t cost citizens a dime for the car itself. It joined the fleet through asset forfeiture – police seized it from a criminal.

“We take it out of the hands of a bad guy and put it to work for the citizens of Florida,” explained Lt. Andrew Close, a 22-year FHP veteran who unveiled the car. Its color was originally Arctic White, but the agency wrapped the mid-engine coupe in their traditional tan and black livery.

Photo Credit to WFLA News

Don’t assume this is just for show, either. You’ll find it fully equipped for duty. Fort Myers-based Prologic ITS handled the police upfit, installing a complete Federal Signal lighting system with flashing blue and white LEDs, side warning lights, and versatile tri-color rear lights. You likely won’t miss the amplified low-frequency “rumbler” siren either.

Even inside the Corvette’s notoriously tight cockpit, FHP managed to fit the necessary Mobile Data Terminal (MDT) stand, a compact printer for citations, and the police radio, making it a fully operational patrol unit. It even retains its unique-to-the-fleet Adrenaline Red interior.

Photo Credit to WFLA News

While Lt. Close quickly put the Corvette to work catching speeders on I-75 – including ticketing a Porsche driver doing 82 in a 55 mph zone – he mentioned you’ll see the car serving other roles, too.

FHP plans to use it extensively for public outreach at community events and parades, aiming to “positively draw attention to our agency”. They also hope the eye-catching Vette acts as a powerful recruitment tool for attracting new troopers (check beatrooper.com if you’re interested and qualified!).

Photo Credit to WFLA News

So, the next time you’re driving through southwest Florida, keep that speed in check. That sharp-looking 2023 Corvette Stingray gaining on you might not be another enthusiast out for a cruise. You wouldn’t want your spirited drive interrupted by its identical twin flashing lights in your mirror, making for a very awkward traffic stop, would you?