Event will coincide with annual toy drive, benefitting the 12th Judicial Circuit of Florida’s Guardian ad Litem program
The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office will host its third annual open house on Saturday, Dec. 11, from 2 to 6 p.m., Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman has announced.
Members of the public are invited to visit the agency’s headquarters “to enjoy a free, family-friendly event with food, music, demonstrations, and giveaways,” a news release says. Members of the Sheriff’s Office’s SWAT and Emergency Response teams and the Mounted Patrol, K-9, and Aviation units, among others, “will display their equipment, offering attendees an inside look at the Special Operations Bureau,” the release notes.
Additionally, the Human Resources and Emergency Operations bureaus will provide information about career opportunities, and the agency’s Animal Services Section will bring adoptable animals. Santa Claus will also make an appearance,” the release says.
The annual open house will coincide with the Sheriff’s Office’s fifth annual holiday toy drive, benefitting the 12th Judicial Circuit of Florida’s Guardian ad Litem program, the release points out. The first 500 people to donate a new, unwrapped toy or gift card during the event will receive a free Sheriff’s Office T-shirt, the release adds.
“Clothing and stuffed animals will not be accepted,” the release emphasizes. T-shirts will be limited to one per person per gift.
“Our annual open house is the highlight of our year,” Community Affairs Director Kaitlyn Perez said in the release. “After several months of challenging times for our agency, engaging and connecting with our community during the holiday season is exactly what we need.”
“I am very excited to welcome the community back to our Sarasota headquarters after taking a break in 2020,” said Sheriff Hoffman in the release. “Not only is the open house a fun way for citizens to meet the individuals who keep them safe, but it is also a great opportunity for Sarasota County to help children in need by donating to our annual toy drive.”
The Sheriff’s Office headquarters is located at 6010 Cattleridge Blvd. in Sarasota. “Parking is limited, so attendees are encouraged to carpool if possible,” the release points out.
Sponsorship opportunities are available, the release continues. For more information, contact the agency’s Community Affairs Office at 941-861-4005.
The third annual open house is sponsored by the Sarasota Memorial Hospital Public Safety Department, Gecko’s Hospitality Group, U.S. Health Advisors, Kona Ice, Sam’s Club Cattlemen, Chick-Fil-A Pelican Plaza, the Baltimore Orioles, and Flowers Foods, the release notes.