Staff Report / tempelocal.org

**Arizona Launches Annual "Operation Southern Shield" to Monitor Commercial Vehicle Safety**

The Arizona Commercial Vehicle Safety Partnership (ACVSP) has announced the implementation of its annual “Operation Southern Shield,” set to take place from Monday, February 24, 2025, through Friday, February 28, 2025. The operation will focus on Interstate 10 (from Phoenix to the New Mexico state line) and Interstate 19 (from Tucson to the U.S.-Mexico border).

The ACVSP is a collaborative effort involving troopers from the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Bureau and officers from the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Enforcement and Compliance Division. For this year’s effort, more than 80 inspectors from ACVSP, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, the Pima County Sheriff’s Office, the Marana Police Department, and the Goodyear Police Department will participate.

During the operation, teams will target safety concerns involving commercial vehicles. Emphasis will be placed on motor carrier safety regulations, including verifying driver qualifications, adherence to hours of service requirements, and ensuring the overall safe operation of vehicles. Enforcement officers will also address hazardous moving violations, distracted driving, and seat belt compliance among commercial drivers.

Operation Southern Shield is part of the ACVSP’s ongoing mission to reduce risks connected to commercial vehicle collisions and promote safe, secure, and efficient transportation throughout Arizona.

Source: Arizona DPS

Source Type: Police

Source Location:

Casa Grande, AZ

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Maricopa Chamber, Alliance Promote Local Growth

Maricopa Chamber of Commerce says local support fuels community growth as the Greater Maricopa Business Alliance unites businesses, residents and leaders through events and partnerships in Western Pinal County.

GMBA to Host Second 2026 Infrastructure Forum in Maricopa

The Greater Maricopa Business Alliance will host the second 2026 GMBA Economic Forum on infrastructure in Western Pinal County on June 26, 2026, at Global Water in Maricopa, with participants including the Arizona Department of Transportation, the City of Maricopa, Global Water Resources, Salt River Project, Arizona Public Service, Cox Communications, Ponderosa Broadband and Electrical District 3, to discuss transportation, utilities and broadband projects and how infrastructure investment drives business growth, housing development and workforce accessibility.

GMBA aims to boost Western Pinal County businesses

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Maricopa Chamber Promotes Greater Maricopa Business Alliance Events

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Arizona State Transportation Board Approves Two Maricopa Projects

Maricopa Mayor Nancy Smith said the Arizona State Transportation Board approved Phase 1 repaving of shoulders and two lanes and the purchase of right-of-way for the Riggs Road overpass, crediting a year of coalition-building that secured the project in the 2026-2030 five-year plan and urging drivers to slow down and drive safely.

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Pinal County Announces May Voter Outreach Events

Maricopa, Ariz. — Pinal County announced this month’s voter outreach events, including a May 16 voter registration drive in Maricopa (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.), a May 28 voter registration and engagement event at the Coolidge Summer Learning Block Party (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), and a May 29 voter education working group at Pinal V.O.T.E.S. in Florence (9 a.m. to 11 a.m.).

Arizona DPS hosts prescription drug take-back in Casa Grande

Casa Grande, Ariz. — State Troopers with the Arizona Department of Public Safety’s Highway Patrol hosted a National Prescription Drug Take Back Day drop-off on April 25, 2026, as residents dropped off 14 pounds of unwanted prescription medications and officials said the effort helps prevent addiction, misuse, accidental poisoning and environmental harm, with a fall take-back event announced.

Maricopa Chamber of Commerce rolls out management hub for members

Maricopa, Ariz. — The Greater Maricopa Business Alliance, part of the Maricopa Chamber of Commerce, says membership includes a Dedicated Management Hub to manage a business’s online profile, products and services, job postings, events, promotions and deals—all in one place.

Maricopa to host Zootopia 2 movie night Saturday

Maricopa, Ariz. — Mayor Nancy Smith invites residents to a movie night Saturday, April 25, at Mike Ingram Heritage Park, where "Zootopia 2" will be shown at 7:30 p.m.; attendees should bring chairs and blankets, and a complimentary popcorn service will be provided with a food truck on site.