Holiday Mayhem

Tarrant County warns New Year's Eve partygoers - no fooling around

Too much of this is a no.

Toni Blay Flickr

New Year's Eve is upon us and that means New Year's Eve parties, New Year's Eve dinners, and New Year's Day brunches.

However, before ringing in the new year, Tarrant County District Attorney Phil Sorrells is here to remind residents that Tarrant County is "no refusal" year-round.

"No refusal" means if someone is pulled over and refuses a breath test, law enforcement will get a search warrant for their blood. It's illegal for anyone to drive a motor vehicle in Texas if their blood alcohol content is 0.08 percent or higher.

The holiday increases awareness of the dangers of driving while intoxicated and the Tarrant County DA's Office isn't letting up.

“If you drink and drive, we will prosecute you,” Sorrells says. “There’s no reason anyone should drive intoxicated."

“Get a ride from a friend, or a ride share service,” he says. “Designate a sober driver. Be responsible.”

2023 holiday stats
In Tarrant County, 47 people were arrested and charged with DWI offenses from December 31, 2023, to January 1, 2024.

"Let's get that number to zero," Sorrells says. "There are no excuses for getting behind the wheel under the influence of drugs or alcohol."

During the entire year of 2023, there were 5,953 DWI cases filed in Tarrant County. We're doing better in 2024: So far, there've been approximately 4,700 DWI cases filed in Tarrant County.

In Texas, more than 1,000 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes in 2023, according to the Texas Department of Transportation.

“Have a safe, and happy, holiday season,” Sorrells says. "Don't start the New Year in jail."

This Week's Hot Headlines

DFW's fastest-growing suburbs surge in this week's top stories

midlothian.tx.us/

Midlothian has seen a 90 percent population surge from 2014 to 2023.

Editor's note: It's time to look back at the top Fort Worth news of the week, which includes a population surge, as well as the big reveal of our Tastemaker Awards winners for 2025. Read the five most popular Fort Worth stories below, then check out our weekend event planner for more fun.

1. 11 DFW suburbs surge among fastest-growing U.S. cities in last decade. It's no secret that Dallas-Fort Worth's population is growing faster than most other metros in the U.S., but now several surprising Metroplex-area cities have been named among the top 10 fastest-growing suburb nationwide over the last decade.

2. Top 10 chefs in Fort Worth are creating a vibrant food scene. This accomplished group of chefs includes some natives, some transplants, but all have contributed to Cowtown's culinary prowess over the past year. One was crowned Chef of the Year at our 2025 Tastemaker Awards.

3. Best Fort Worth chefs and restaurants revealed at 2025 Tastemaker Awards. After months of buildup, the winners finally were crowned at an awards ceremony and signature tasting event on April 23.

Alessandro Salvatore of Bocca Osteria Romana, Chef of the Year. Courtesy photo

4. Walmart to remodel 67 stores in Texas, including 2 in Fort Worth area. Walmart is in renovation mode: The supermarket giant is remodeling 67 stores across Texas — part of a bigger plan to remodel more than 650 stores across the U.S. With 67 out of 650 stores, Texas gets 10 percent of the remodels. Go Texas.

5. Hurry for limited-edition dishes in this Fort Worth restaurant news. Our latest roundup of dining news around Fort Worth has more than a few openings, spring menus, and new limited edition dishes.