Category Archives: Crime & Law Enforcement

Search for new police chief down to final five

Posted on September 14, 2012 by Stan Zimmerman

Five active police executives made the final cut for Sarasota’s new police chief. City Manager Tom Barwin made the selections from the list of 13 left by Interim City Manager Terry Lewis. The final five include two police chiefs – … Continue reading →

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Suspect in Siesta case facing more charges

Posted on September 13, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

A man whom Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office deputies had arrested in early August in connection with fraudulent credit card use on Siesta Key is facing additional charges, the Sheriff’s Office has reported. George Dale Jr., 32, of 9312 Poplar Ave., … Continue reading →

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Siesta theft suspects caught on tape

Posted on September 5, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office has released surveillance video of two suspects using allegedly stolen credit cards at Macy’s, with the hope the video will help officers identify and catch the thieves. The credit cards reportedly were taken from the … Continue reading →

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Locals fail final cut for new Sarasota police chief

Posted on August 30, 2012 by Stan Zimmerman

The original list of 98 applicants to become Sarasota’s next police chief was whittled to 13 this week. None of the five local candidates made it. A source close to the selection process, who asked not to be named, said … Continue reading →

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News Briefs for Aug. 31

Posted on August 29, 2012 by Staff Reports

New Sarasota County financial planning director hired  Sarasota County Administrator Randall Reid notified the County Commission by email Aug. 17 that he had hired Suzanne L. Gable to fill the vacant position of strategic and financial planning director in the … Continue reading →

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Bomb threat may be incidence of ‘SWATing’

Posted on August 27, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate a bomb threat made this morning, Aug. 27, regarding a Sarasota County Area Transit bus, the office has announced. At approximately 9:15 a.m. the Sarasota County switchboard received a call from … Continue reading →

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Sarasota police chief candidates list pared to 19

Posted on August 23, 2012 by Stan Zimmerman

Sarasota Interim City Manager Terry Lewis is fighting the clock to pare down the list of 98 applicants to be the next city police chief. He wants to narrow the list to 10 to 15 for incoming City Manager Tom … Continue reading →

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Whither the Police Complaint Committee?

Posted on August 23, 2012 by Stan Zimmerman

After a tumultuous first year, Sarasota’s Police Complaint Committee is struggling to find a future. The resignation of its two most vocal members earlier this year and the inability to recruit two replacements casts a cloud over the committee’s functions. … Continue reading →

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Eight stores cited for underage alcohol sales in latest Sheriff’s Office operation

Posted on August 23, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

Eight local convenience store clerks were cited for selling alcohol to a minor during the most recent undercover operation conducted by the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office’s Juvenile Alcohol Task force, Aug. 9-10, the office has reported. The following businesses were … Continue reading →

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Arrest made in Siesta bridge hit-and-run case

Posted on August 22, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

On Aug. 21, Gary F. O’Callaghan, 37, of 5159 Oxford Drive, was arrested and charged in connection with an Aug. 1 hit-and-run incident on the north Siesta Bridge that resulted in the injury of a worker involved in the bridge’s … Continue reading →

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Help sought to find missing, endangered man

Posted on August 22, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to seek public assistance in locating an 85-year-old man whose last known contact with friends or relatives was about 10 p.m. Aug. 20. Newton Humprey Whidden spoke with a friend by phone that … Continue reading →

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Former homeowners association treasurer charged with larceny

Posted on August 17, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Charles Nichols, 69, of 1817 Highland Road, Osprey, for allegedly taking thousands of dollars from the Osprey Homeowners Association. An investigation found that Nichols, who was the association treasurer between May 2007 and … Continue reading →

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Police seeking help in identifying fraud suspects

Posted on August 17, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

The Sarasota Police Department is requesting the public’s help in identifying a man and woman allegedly involved in organized fraud. Police detectives say the pair are using stolen credit cards from auto burglaries to immediately purchase high-dollar items. The retailers … Continue reading →

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Public reminded about safety with school starting Aug. 20

Posted on August 17, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

City warning about continued closure of part of Osprey Avenue With the Sarasota County Public Schools starting the 2012-13 school year on Monday, Aug. 20, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is reminding motorists to use extra caution and obey speed … Continue reading →

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Administrator addresses state of the county at Tiger Bay Club gathering

Posted on August 17, 2012 by Cooper Levey-Baker

Sarasota County Administrator Randy Reid made his debut on the stage of the Sarasota Tiger Bay Club Thursday, Aug. 16, delivering an upbeat update about the state of Sarasota County and its government. When asked about the county’s budget, to … Continue reading →

Posted in Crime & Law Enforcement, Education, Local Government, Political News, Sarasota County | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Two men charged with using fake credit cards in Siesta Village

Posted on August 9, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office has arrested two men who allegedly were using fraudulent credit cards to buy gift cards and other items throughout Siesta Key Village. In June, George Dale, 32, with no known local address, purchased a $200 … Continue reading →

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Nearly 100 vie to be next Sarasota police chief

Posted on August 9, 2012 by Stan Zimmerman

A long blue line of 96 men and two women have tossed their peaked caps into the race to be the next city police chief. Current Chief Mikel Hollaway will retire in October. The hiring decision will be one of … Continue reading →

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Suspect identified in hit-and-run incident on north Siesta bridge

Posted on August 9, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

Sarasota Police Department detectives have identified a vehicle that might have been involved in the hit-and-run incident on the north Siesta bridge on Aug. 1, Capt. Paul Sutton told The Sarasota News Leader Aug. 9. “We have identified a suspect,” … Continue reading →

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Search under way for missing, endangered adult

Posted on August 8, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a missing 82-year-old man who was last seen in the 3200 block of Leonard Reid Avenue in Sarasota this morning, Aug. 8, the office has announced. Eddie Lee Dejerinett Sr. was wearing … Continue reading →

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Public’s help sought in identifying burglary suspects

Posted on August 6, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is requesting the public’s help in identifying two burglary suspects seen breaking into Rosebud’s Steak & Seafood House, 2215 S. Tamiami Trail in Osprey, on Aug. 3. The business alarm sounded at 1:51 a.m., after … Continue reading →

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DUI arrests up through May on Siesta Key

Posted on August 2, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office recorded almost a 31% increase in DUI arrests on Siesta Key for the first five months of 2012 compared to the same period in 2011, Sheriff’s Office records show. Deputies logged 71 DUI arrests from … Continue reading →

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Final suspect arrested in Hibiscus Inn armed robbery

Posted on August 2, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office has arrested the final suspect in an armed robbery that occurred at the Hibiscus Inn on Stickney Point Road on July 13, the office has announced. Detectives determined that Raheem “Bubba” Maxwell, 21, of 2309 … Continue reading →

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Worker injured in hit-and-run incident on north Siesta bridge

Posted on August 1, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

The Sarasota Police Department is asking anyone with information about a hit-and-run incident with injury on the north Siesta Bridge early this morning to contact the department at 941-364-7323. A construction worker, 60-year-old Larry Norris of Lakeland, sustained broken bones … Continue reading →

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Original judge’s removal from Siesta Key DUI fatality case results in trial delay

Posted on July 26, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

The defendant in an alleged drunken-driving case that involved the death of a Siesta Key runner in January likely will not be tried before early 2013 because the original judge in the case was disqualified, The Sarasota News Leader has … Continue reading →

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Siesta Seen: North bridge appears to be on schedule

Posted on July 20, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

Although she was responsible for plenty of damage in the county, at least Tropical Storm Debby appears not to have delayed the timeline for completing work on the north Siesta bridge. That was the word today, July 20, from Jennifer … Continue reading →

Posted in Crime & Law Enforcement, Environmental News, Siesta Key, Siesta Seen, Tourism, Transportation, Wildlife | Comments Off

WCIND board OKs extra funding for law enforcement agencies

Posted on July 19, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

As it turned out, Sarasota County Commissioner Nora Patterson had no trouble this week getting approval from the West Coast Inland Navigation District board for a special request. A WCIND board member, Patterson was in the minority on a 3-2 … Continue reading →

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Sarasota County crime down in first half of 2012

Posted on July 19, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

Major crime is down 24% for Sarasota County for the first half of 2012, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office reported this week. The office is crediting new county ordinances, efforts to target prolific offenders and crime prevention partnerships with citizens … Continue reading →

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Warning issued about suspicious phone calls

Posted on July 19, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is warning all residents, but especially business owners and managers, about three suspicious incidents that recently have occurred and are under investigation. In each case, a suspect called a local restaurant claiming to be a … Continue reading →

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Man arrested for lewd behavior on Siesta Beach

Posted on July 17, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a 41-year-old man for displaying lewd conduct in front of young children on Siesta Key Beach today, July 17. According to a Sheriff’s Office report, a law enforcement officer visiting from Indiana saw Joshua … Continue reading →

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Firefighting efforts force closure of part of Beneva Road

Posted on July 13, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

Sarasota County fire crews are on the scene of a major structural fire at Beneva Ridge Apartments, 4001 Beneva Road, in Sarasota, the county Communications Department has announced. The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is assisting in directing traffic around the fire in the … Continue reading →

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More charges filed against wounded burglary suspect

Posted on July 13, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office has connected at least five other burglary cases to Michael Sterlace, 26, of 4160 Fruitville Road, Apt. 5 Sarasota, who was arrested July 9 in connection with the burglary on Stone Ridge Trail in which … Continue reading →

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Commissioner to argue for funding request she opposed

Posted on July 13, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

Sarasota County Commissioner Nora Patterson this week found herself in the minority on a split vote that she will have to try to sell to another board next week. Applications from Sarasota County law enforcement agencies for Fiscal Year 2013 … Continue reading →

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A host of heavy issues faces city on Monday

Posted on July 12, 2012 by Stan Zimmerman

Call it ‘the leadership soap opera’ Several significant issues face the Sarasota City Commission on Monday, July 16. The top item is the selection (maybe) of a new city manager, but that is not the only thorny problem on the … Continue reading →

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Seventy-year-old Sarasota man reported missing

Posted on July 12, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a missing Sarasota man who was last seen leaving his home about 2 a.m. this morning, July 12. Family members say 70-year-old Herbert Boughn drove away from his house on Pasadena Court … Continue reading →

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Wounded burglary suspect located at hospital

Posted on July 10, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Michael Sterlace, 26, of 4160 Fruitville Road, Apt. 5, Sarasota, in connection with the burglary on Stone Ridge Trail Saturday night in which the homeowner fired two shots at the suspect before he … Continue reading →

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Public assistance sought in locating a possibly wounded burglary suspect

Posted on July 9, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance in locating a man who might have been shot during an attempted burglary Saturday night, July 7. A woman living in the 4600 block of Stone Ridge Trail in … Continue reading →

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Clerk of Court’s Office reduces operating hours

Posted on July 5, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

As of July 1, the Sarasota County Clerk of Court’s Office has reduced its hours of operation, in the wake of the Florida Legislature’s $31 million cut in funding this year for the clerks’ offices across the state. The new … Continue reading →

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Free towing offered to prevent holiday drunk driving

Posted on July 4, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is reminding July Fourth celebrants not only to avoid setting off illegal fireworks, but to drive safely and not get behind the wheel if they’ve had too much to drink. Gold Coast Eagle Distributing is … Continue reading →

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Final preparations under way for Siesta’s Fourth festivities

Posted on July 3, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office and Sarasota County Government are reminding the public about fireworks safety in advance of the July Fourth holiday. Deputy Matt Binkley told about 20 members of the Siesta Key Village Association during their regular meeting … Continue reading →

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Withdrawn Buchanan filing says media reports ‘disparaging’ the congressman

Posted on June 28, 2012 by Cooper Levey-Baker

As U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan’s legal troubles start to catch the eye of national news networks, it’s clear that his legal team is not pleased with how one Tampa Bay media outlet is covering the congressman’s ongoing dispute with a … Continue reading →

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New pain clinic ordinance to be targeted at methadone

Posted on June 21, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

Sheriff’s Office warns about abuse of addiction-treatment drug A year after winning plaudits for passing landmark ordinances regulating pain management clinics, the Sarasota County Commission has asked for a new measure to crack down on methadone clinics. On May 10, … Continue reading →

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Suspect in Siesta runner’s death released on bond

Posted on June 21, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

The 23-year-old Bradenton man charged in connection with the January death of a Siesta Key runner was released from the Sarasota County Jail on Wednesday, June 20, The Sarasota News Leader has learned. Blake C. Talman had been in jail … Continue reading →

Posted in Crime & Law Enforcement, Sarasota County, Siesta Key | 1 Comment

Killers with guns, go hide

Posted on June 15, 2012 by Stan Zimmerman

Violent criminals, beware. The Sarasota Police Department is about to corral 10 of you to serve as an example to others. It’s part of a new anti-crime strategy unveiled Thursday evening, June 14, at the Robert Taylor Community Complex in … Continue reading →

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Community forum to be held at Taylor Center

Posted on June 11, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

District 1 Sarasota City Commissioner Willie Shaw and District 1 County Commissioner Carolyn Mason will host a community forum Thursday, June 14, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex, 1845 34th St. the City of Sarasota has announced. … Continue reading →

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Sarasota County deputies, code enforcement officers undergo noise meter training

Posted on June 8, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

Siesta Key Association emphasizes cooperation on solving noise problems Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Sarasota County code enforcement officers spent about four hours the afternoon of Thursday, June 7, training on the sound meters used to handle noise complaints … Continue reading →

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Police union rejects contract proposal

Posted on June 7, 2012 by Stan Zimmerman

The rank and file of the Sarasota Police Department has unanimously rejected the city’s contract proposal. All 142 eligible officers, sergeants and specialists cast their votes against the contract agreement. Michael “Mick” McHale, president of the Southwest Florida Chapter of … Continue reading →

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Village Association members to request special meeting with deputies to discuss complaints

Posted on June 5, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

Siesta Key Village Association President Russell Matthes agreed with members’ suggestions June 5 that the organization should seek a special meeting with representatives of the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office’s Community Policing Station in the Village to talk about complaints regarding … Continue reading →

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No victim found in alleged Siesta mugging reported on Craigslist

Posted on June 4, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

The Sarasota County’s Sheriff’s Office has been unable to locate the alleged victim of a Siesta Key mugging reported early Saturday morning, June 2, which purportedly was elaborated upon in a Craigslist notice posted over the weekend, a Sheriff’s Office … Continue reading →

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$1 million grant secured for new county EOC

Posted on May 31, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

On May 22, the Sarasota County Commission heard a presentation about funding options for the new 911/Emergency Operations Center that will be built on county property at the intersection of Porter Road and Cattlemen Road. During that presentation, Steve Botelho, … Continue reading →

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Forgive us our trespasses

Posted on May 29, 2012 by David Staats

The chain of events that led to the shooting death of Trayvon Martin last February in Sanford began with the suspicion that the Florida teenager was trespassing and therefore was “up to no good.” Trespass laws in Florida are strict … Continue reading →

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