PINELLAS PARK, FL — A third-grade teacher at Sky View Elementary School was arrested for driving under the influence with a Breath Alcohol Content of .15 or higher on Friday night. Leslie Spence, 52, of Tampa was charged and taken to the Polk County Sheriff’s Processing Center.
“Children learn from adults and educators. If you fall under both of those categories, it is imperative that you’re setting a good example,” said Sheriff Grady Judd. “Since Ms. Spence failed to do that, we’re going to use this as a teaching moment—don’t drive drunk.”
The arrest occurred after a citizen reported a vehicle traveling east on State Road 60 at approximately 25 mph and swerving across lanes. A Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputy initiated a traffic stop on State Road 60, just west of US 27 in Lake Wales, shortly after the report. The deputy observed signs of impairment, including slurred speech and a strong odor of alcohol. After conducting a field sobriety test, Spence was arrested for DUI.
Spence later threatened legal action, stating, “My father is a lawyer and he will sue every single one of you.”
Upon arrest, Spence provided two breath samples measuring 0.213 G/210L and 0.214 G/210L, both more than twice the legal limit of 0.08 G/210L. She now faces charges of driving under the influence with a Breath Alcohol Content of .15 or higher, a first-degree misdemeanor.