Florida deputy dressed as Grinch gives onions to speeding drivers

Col Lou Caputo says he portrays character to call attention to the need to obey speed limits in school zones

Several motorists caught speeding through an elementary school zone on the Florida Keys Overseas Highway received an onion as a reminder to slow down – from a sheriff’s deputy dressed as the Grinch.

Col Lou Caputo, a 37-year veteran of the Monroe county sheriff’s office, came up with the concept more than 20 years ago. He was back on the streets this Tuesday.

If caught by Caputo, drivers who travel about 5mph or less above the school zone speed limit can choose between traffic citations and an onion presented by the Grinch. Those speeding beyond that likely receive a costly ticket.

“It’s about education, awareness that our school zones are still operating even though it’s the holiday season,” Caputo said. “We want people to slow down.”

Caputo said he portrays the character created by children’s author Dr Seuss to give motorists a “gift” but also to call attention in a nice way to the need to obey speed limits in school zones.

“It catches them off guard,” Caputo said. “But when I give them a clear choice of a citation or the onion, they will take the onion. And I’ve had them eat the onion right in front of me.”

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