By Samantha Joseph

Staff writer

MARTIN COUNTY - It was a quiet holiday season for Indiantown resident Chuck Munroe, who put off his annual trips to family members who live in Daytona and Georgia.

Uncertainty about the timeline for easing of the nationwide economic recession led him to reduce overall spending, including holiday travel and parties.

"I decided to stay very close to home this year," he said.

That attitude might have had an unexpected benefit, as fewer motorists appeared to travel in Martin County during the holiday season.

And among those who did, law enforcement officials reported a decline in excessive alcohol consumption.

Between Dec. 15 and Jan. 1, law enforcement officials made 37 arrests for drinking under the influence of drugs or alcohol, said Rhonda Irons, spokeswoman for the Martin County Sheriff's Office.

That's about 20 percent fewer than the 2008 holiday season.

The numbers reflected all agencies, including the Florida Highway Patrol and Stuart Police Department, that bring arrestees to the Martin County Jail, Ms. Irons said.