SARASOTA, Fla. – March 1, 2016  – 1 p.m.

The Sarasota Police Department will be hosting a Click It or Ticket Safety Event.  The event will be Thursday, March 3, 2016 from 9:30 a.m. until 12 p.m. at the Mobil Exxon at 2525 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.

Sarasota Police Crime Prevention Officers will be checking and educating drivers and passengers about seat belt safety.  Officers will be offering to pump gas for drivers as a community outreach service.  The Safety Event is part of the Spring Click It or Ticket Campaign that is under way until March 14, 2016.

Officers will also be on hand to show parents and guardians the proper way to install car safety seats and check those vehicles that already have child safety seats installed.  There will be tables with free crime prevention tips and free safety handouts for children. 

“Buckling up when you’re in a vehicle can save your life or even the lives of others.  Statistics show more people are killed when they aren’t buckled up.  We want to change that.  This event is a chance for the community to learn the safe and proper way about buckling up and about vehicle safety,” said Chief Bernadette DiPino, Sarasota Police Department.

SARASOTA, FL. – March 4, 2016  – 11:30 a.m.

On Thursday, March 3, 2016, the Sarasota Police Department Narcotics Unit with the assistance of the Street Crimes Unit, executed a search warrant at 1054 40th Street, Sarasota.  The search warrant was obtained following an investigation stemming from complaints of drug sales from the residence.

As a result of the search warrant, the target of the investigation, who is a resident, was arrested as well as an additional person on the property.  Sarasota Police Detectives seized 5.7 grams of rock cocaine, 325 grams of marijuana, $2,487 US currency and two (2) firearms.

Arrested:                 Michael D. Humphrey Jr.
                                Date of Birth: 12/18/1982
                                1054 40th Street Sarasota, FL
                                Possession of Cocaine With Intent to Sell w/in 1000 Feet of a Park
                                Possession of Marijuana With Intent to Sell w/in 1000 Feet of a Park
                                Obstruction of the Execution of a Search Warrant
                                Violation of Injunction for Protection (Possession of a Firearm)

                                Najrangie P. Johnson Jr.
                                Date of Birth:  09/20/96
                                6224 12th Street Court East Bradenton, FL
                                Possession of Cocaine
                                Possession of Marijuana less than 20 Grams
                                Manatee County Warrant

Michael Humphrey

Najrangie Johnson

SARASOTA, FL. – March 7, 2016 – 10:30 a.m.

The Sarasota Police Department will hold the 2015 Awards Ceremony on Friday, March 11, 2016 at 2 p.m. in the 3rd Floor Training Room of the Sarasota Police Department. Friends, family, community members and the media are welcome to attend.

Designated awards being presented include:

 Officer of the Year: Officer Jeffrey Miller

 Civilian of the Year: Douglas Hockensmith

 Sworn Supervisor of the Year: Sergeant Bryan Graham

 Life Saving Medals

 Unit Commendations

 Unit Citations

 Several Citizen Certificates of Merit

 Humanitarian Award

 Armed Forces Services Award

We ask those planning to attend to please arrive at 1:45 p.m. so the ceremony can begin on time.

SARASOTA, FL. – March 8, 2016  – 9:30 a.m.

The First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon and Relay will be held on Sunday, March 13, 2016.  Race day packet pickup begins at 5:30 a.m. with the race beginning at 6:45 a.m.  The race is scheduled to end at 10:30 a.m. 

The start and finish line is at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.  Due to the race participants sharing the roadway along the race route, there will be temporary lane closures at the following locations:

• Southbound US 41 from University Park to Gulfstream Avenue
   
• Westbound University Parkway at US 41
   
• Gulfstream Avenue/ John Ringling Blvd at US 41
   
• Westbound Jon Ringling Blvd from US 41 to St. Armand’s Circle
   
• Eastbound John Ringling Blvd from St. Armand’s Circle to Bayfront Drive
   
• Southbound US 41 and Gulfstream Avenue (Beach traffic will be directed into one lane for Westbound turns)
   
• Northbound US 41 and Gulfstream Avenue (Only one lane for beach traffic, the second turn lane will be closed. Both Northbound US 41 lanes will remain ope)
   
• Southbound John Ringling Parkway will be detoured around St. Armand’s Circle
   

Boaters planning to use the 10th Street Boat Ramp on Sunday may wish to use the Ken Thompson Parkway boat launch due to the race traffic.  Drivers, residents and spectators are asked to have patience before, during and after the race with temporary lane closures.  Drivers are urged to use caution during the event. 

Drivers can expected delays due to temporary lane closures and the increase of traffic volume during the late morning hours.  Neighborhoods affected by the race cause are being asked to plan accordingly.  Sarasota Police Officers and Volunteers will be posted along the route to assist motorists and residents in congested areas and to ensure the safety of the Half Marathon participants.

SARASOTA, FL. – March 8, 2016  – 9 a.m.

In partnership with the Luhrsen Law Group, the Sarasota Police Department will hold another free “Blue + You” Movie Night on Saturday, March 12, 2016 at 7 p.m.

Field access begins at 6 p.m. and there will be a special live performance at 6:30 p.m. by the Players Kids from the Players Theatre who will perform songs from their upcoming performance of Annie Jr.  The movie ‘Annie’ will begin at 7 p.m. on the west end field area of the Sarasota Police Department, 2099 Adams Lane, Sarasota.

The community is invited to this free event and are welcome to bring blankets and chairs, invite neighbors, family members and friends and watch ‘Annie.’  The movie will be projected on the wall of the Sarasota Police Department Headquarters.  Snacks and water will be provided.

“Blue + You” is an initiative that honors the local community and connects them with the Sarasota Police Department.  The “Blue + You” Movie Series begin in April 2014.

SARASOTA, FL. – March 15, 2016  – 7:30 p.m.

On Monday, March 14, 2016, Sarasota Police Officer Juan Jaimes was charged with driving under the influence by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.  Officer Jaimes is on administrative leave for a previous matter which occurred on August 21, 2015.  Immediately following the DUI arrest, an internal affairs investigation was started by the Sarasota Police Department.

“DUI is a very serious allegation and one that we do not take lightly,” said Chief Bernadette DiPino.  “We are diligently looking into this matter per our policies and we are conducting a thorough internal investigation regarding this.”

Information regarding the DUI arrest can be requested from Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Director Dave Bristow.

Due to the ongoing internal affairs investigation, Chief DiPino is unable to discuss this case at this time.  Officer Jaimes is currently assigned to the Patrol Division and has been a Sarasota Police Officer since November 30, 2011.

SARASOTA, FL. – March 17, 2016  – 9:30 a.m.

The Sarasota Police Department is taking you on another “virtual ride-along.”  Tomorrow, Friday, March 18, 2016 from 6:30 p.m. until 11 p.m., Twitter users can “ride along” for another ‘Tweet from the Beat.’ 

To join the Sarasota Police Department in the virtual ride along:  If you already have a Twitter account, follow the Sarasota Police Department under the handle @SarasotaPD.  If you aren’t on Twitter, you can go to www.twitter.com and sign up.  It’s easy, quick and free.  Once an account is created, you can follow @SarasotaPD.

Throughout the shift, Patrol Officer Laura Markey and other Patrol Officers will share what they see and do through texts, videos and photos.  The Partnership Policing Communications Coordinator will tweet on behalf of the Officers.  People following @SarasotaPD will be able to ask questions and interact with Officers on the road.

“This is a great opportunity for our local and virtual community to interact and communicate with our Officers in the city we protect and serve,” said Chief Bernadette DiPino.  “Our ‘Tweet from the Beat’ program has been successful with residents and law enforcement from here in the City of Sarasota and all over the country as they interact with us.”

Sarasota Police Department’s ‘Tweet from the Beat’ program started in November 2013. 

SARASOTA, FLA. -- March 17, 2016 -- 2 p.m.

As Sarasota Police day shift Officers were starting their shift this morning, several Officers were dispatched to a call of a snake that was inside a porch in the 200 block of North Shade Avenue, Sarasota, at approximately 6:30 a.m.  When Officers arrived, they located a Boa Constrictor, approximately 4 feet in length, just outside the porch of an apartment. 

 Officer Todd Tschetter and Officer Sean Gleason worked together to capture the snake and called the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services to come and retrieve the animal.  Officer Tschetter used a pole that was already inside his patrol vehicle to wrangle the snake while Officer Gleason held a pillowcase, given to him by the homeowner who called Dispatch, to hold the snake.  Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services is now caring for the reptile.

Video of the capture along with interviews with Officer Tschetter and Officer Maiah Taylor (another Officer who responded) can be seen below.

SARASOTA, Fla. -- March 21, 2016 -- 1:30 p.m.

On Friday, March 18, 2016, the Sarasota Police Department Narcotics Unit, with the assistance of the Street Crimes Unit and Patrol Division, executed a search warrant at 1951 24th Street Apartment B in the City of Sarasota. The search warrant was obtained as a result of an investigation into illegal drug sales from the residence.

Upon execution of the search warrant, two individuals were arrested and charged with drug related crimes.  Detectives seized a trafficking amount of cocaine (34.2 grams), a trafficking amount of heroin (19.5 grams), marijuana (36.4 grams), MDMA (ecstasy) (6.7 grams), five loaded handguns and $2,379 in U.S. currency.

The investigation is ongoing with more arrests and charges expected.
 

Lamont W. Brookins
                                Date of birth:  1/5/1989(Age 27)
                                1875 24th Street, Sarasota, FL
                                Charge:  Possession of Cocaine

Curtis E. Butler
                                Date of birth: 12/30/1987(Age 28)
                                604 60th Avenue Drive West Bradenton, FL
                                Charge:  Possession of Marijuana less than 20 Grams

SARASOTA, Fla. -- March 21, 2016 -- 2:15 p.m.

Officers with the Sarasota Police Department continuing to investigate a single-vehicle accident involving a 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis that occurred at approximately 3 a.m. today in the westbound lanes of University Parkway between Old Bradenton Road and DeSoto Road in Sarasota.  Three victims are deceased.  A fourth person survived and was transported to Sarasota Memorial Hospital with injuries and is expected to survive.

Deceased:

• Driver:  Wesley C. McCurley, DOB 3/17/1995 (age 21), of Sarasota

• Passenger:  Michael P. Duffy, DOB 9/27/1994 (age 21), of Sarasota

• Passenger:  Dane W. Custer, DOB 4/13/1994 (age 21), of Bradenton

Survivor:

• Passenger:  Thomas Bentley, DOB 3/21/1995 (he turns 21 today), of Sarasota

At this time, Officers believe the vehicle was traveling westbound on University Parkway at a high rate of speed and for an unknown reason left the road, went over the curb and struck several trees.  Currently it’s unknown what caused the crash.  Officers do believe speed was a factor.  It’s unknown at this time if alcohol or drugs were a factor.  Toxicology tests will be conducted by the Medical Examiner to determine if drugs and alcohol were a factor.  These tests can take several weeks.

SARASOTA, Fla. -- March 22, 2016 -- 3:45 p.m.

At approximately 8am today Sarasota Police Officers responded to the 3200 block of Fruitville Road in Sarasota for a vehicle crash involving four vehicles.

A white 2004 Toyota 4-Runner was traveling eastbound on Fruitville Road and for an unknown reason, the 4-Runner crossed the median and went into the air.  The 4-Runner was driven by Maria Fuentes of Sarasota, with Rocio Alanis, of Sarasota, as a passenger. 

The 4-Runner went from the eastbound lanes into the westbound lanes and struck a silver 2002 Mercedes driven by Vincent Serio, of Port Charlotte and also struck a 2016 Acura driven by Randy Hensen of North Port.  To avoid the crash, a 2004 Mercury Mountaineer, driven by Sherley Hairston of Arcadia, maneuvered around the crash and struck a tree in the median.

Hensen was pronounced dead at the scene.  Alanis, Hairston and Fuentes were transported to Sarasota Memorial Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.   Serio was treated and released at the scene.

Fruitville Road was closed at approximately 8 a.m. and all lanes were reopened at approximately 1 p.m.  The crash remains under investigation.

Detectives with the Sarasota Police Department are currently searching for a missing endangered family, a mother and her two daughters, who were last seen at their home in Friendship Village, 1187 N. East Avenue, Sarasota, over the weekend.

Daughters Noemi Olivares, date of birth 8/23/2002, Claudia Olivares, date of birth 5/19/2006 and mother, Hidalia Bernal, date of birth 7/6/1985, were last seen Saturday.  The children have not attended school since March 11, 2016.  They also have not had contact with friends or family since the weekend which is very unusual for the family.

Anyone with information on this case, please call 911, Detective Megan Buck at 941-954-7067 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 941-366-TIPS or online at www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com
 

SARASOTA, Fla. -- April 1, 2016 -- 1:45 p.m.

On Thursday, March 31, 2016, the Sarasota Police Department Street Crimes Unit, in conjunction with the Narcotics Unit, conducted a prostitution operation targeting individuals soliciting prostitutes; "Johns."

The operation was conducted in the 4700 block of North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.  Five (5) men were arrested and charged with Solicitation of Prostitution.  Four vehicles were also seized under City Code 33-271.

Daniel J. Meisner, 57

3451 Queens Street, Sarasota

Charge:  Solicitation for Prostitution        

Calixto C. Rivera, 46

4003 East 7th Street, Bradenton

Charge:  Solicitation for Prostitution      

Myer Kolker, 87

700 Ringling Blvd. Apt 310, Sarasota

Charge:  Solicitation for Prostitution        

David B. Bates, 67

3386 West Chelmsford Court, Sarasota

Charge:  Solicitation for Prostitution        

Paul R. Chapin, 67

6507 West 11th Avenue, Bradenton

Charge:  Solicitation for Prostitution     

On Friday, April 8, 2016, the Sarasota Police Department Narcotics Unit, with the assistance of the Street Crimes Unit and Intelligence Unit, executed a search warrant at MB Customs Auto Shop, 1940 11th Street, Sarasota.  The search warrant was obtained as a result of an investigation into illegal drug sales from business by the business owner.

As a result of the warrant, Melquisedec Betancourt, Jr., was arrested and charged with numerous narcotics related charges.  At MB Custom Auto Shop Detectives seized:  22.7 grams of powder cocaine, 12.9 grams of rock cocaine, 292.9 grams of marijuana, 1.8 grams of MDMA (ecstasy), $745 U.S. currency and (2) vehicles. (2006 Cadillac DTS and 2006 Mercedes Benz CLK330).

A second search warrant was then executed at 1296 32nd Street, the home of Betancourt, where he resides with a girlfriend and three children.  From the home, Sarasota Police Detectives seized:  556.7 grams of powder cocaine, 94.3 grams of rock cocaine, (1) firearm, $25,000 U.S. currency and a 2004 Infinity QX56.  The investigation is ongoing.

Arrested:  Melquisedec Betancourt Jr., 31
Date of birth 1/29/1985,
1296 32nd Street, Sarasota, FL
Charges: Trafficking in Cocaine Over 400 Grams (Felony)
      Possession of Marijuana With Intent to Sell/Deliver (Felony)
      Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon (Felony)
     Possession of a Controlled Substance With Intent to Sell/Deliver (Felony)
      Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Misdemeanor)

On Thursday, April 7, 2016, the Sarasota Police Department Narcotics Unit, with the assistance of the Street Crimes Unit executed a search warrant at 1156 Cocoanut Avenue, Sarasota.  The search warrant was obtained as a result of an investigation of illegal narcotics being sold by the residents of the address.  Upon execution of the warrant, two individuals were arrested and charged with drug related crimes.  Detectives seized:  29 grams of rock cocaine, 9.3 grams of marijuana, drug paraphernalia and $2,155 U.S. currency. The investigation is ongoing.

Arrested:   Arthur Brantley III, 37
Date of birth:  8/31/1978
1156 Cocoanut Avenue, Sarasota, FL
Charges:   Trafficking in Cocaine 28-200 Grams(Felony)
                   Possession of Marijuana less than 20 Grams(Misdemeanor)
                   Possession of Drug Paraphernalia(Misdemeanor)

 
Arrested:    Kishuan D. Pearson, 32
Date of birth:  07/2/1983
3206 Gillespie Avenue, Sarasota, FL
Charges:     Possession of Marijuana less than 20 Grams(Misdemeanor)

1156 Cocoanut Avenue, Sarasota, FL

MB Custom Auto Shop Search Warrant

Melquisedec Betancourt Jr

Arthur Brantley III

Kishuan D. Pearson

SARASOTA, Fla. -- April 14, 2016 -- 8:30 a.m.

On Monday, April 18, 2016 at 11 a.m., the Sarasota Police Department will receive 160 trauma kits from the Sarasota Police Foundation.  The trauma kits will be presented to Chief Bernadette DiPino and Deputy Chief Pat Robinson in the 2nd floor Community Room of the Sarasota Police Department Headquarters.  All 160 kits will be on display.  The public and media are invited to attend.

The trauma kits are individual-carry trauma packs that each Sarasota Police Officer can carry in a cargo pocket of their uniform pants.  The trauma kits can be used to treat an on the spot gunshot or deep puncture wound.  The Sarasota Police Foundation ordered 160 kits, one for each Officer, valued at nearly $7,000.  The money to fund the purchase was donated by Mary Jean Williams, widow of Noah Williams, a former Sarasota Police Department Volunteer Ambassador.

Each trauma kit includes a tourniquet, compression bandage, gauze, medical gloves and an instruction card.  Before an Officer carries a trauma kit, they will receive in-house training by the Sarasota Police Department Training Unit.

“The fact that the Sarasota Police Foundation has been able to raise the funds to be able to provide trauma kits for our Officers is very much appreciated,” said Chief Bernadette DiPino.  “The Sarasota Police Foundation was established to keep our community and our Officers safe and these trauma kits will do just that.”

SARASOTA, Fla. -- April 14, 2016 -- 1:45 p.m.

Sarasota Police Detectives are attempting to identify an armed robbery suspect who showed a firearm and demanded cash at Sarasota Wine and Liquor, 1303 North Washington Boulevard at approximately 10 p.m. on Sunday, April 3, 2016.  The video can be viewed at https://youtu.be/CJzC0EJcODs

Officers were dispatched to a hold up alarm and when they arrived they made contact with the store clerk.  The clerk told Officers a subject, possibly a white male, came into the store while he was taking out the trash.  The clerk stated the subject walked towards him and engaged in a friendly conversation and walked to the front of the store. 

When the clerk got behind the counter, the subject showed a firearm that was in his front right pants pocket and demanded money from the cash register.  The subject did not point the firearm at him but started banging his hands on the counter demanding money.  The clerk handed the subject an unknown amount of cash and the subject left the store.

The clerk told Officers the subject was wearing a long sleeve, dark colored hoodie with the hood over his head.  The subject had on light blue pants and white tennis shoes.  The clerk told Officers the subject was 6’1” to 6’2” and heavy build.  The clerk could not see the subject’s whole face, only his eyes and nose because the subject had his shirt up around his mouth. 

Anyone with information on this case, please call Detective Maria Llovio at 941-364-7336 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 941-366-TIPS or online at www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com

SARASOTA, FL. – April 21, 2016   – 8:30 a.m.

For the last 20 plus years, the Sarasota Police Department has been participating in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics.  This year our team will take to the streets of the City of Sarasota again!

Officers with the Sarasota Police Department will join more than 300 Florida law enforcement agencies in the state-wide torch run to benefit the athletes of Special Olympics Florida.  More than 5,000 officers carry the torch on a 1,500-mile relay throughout Florida yearly.

The Sarasota Police Department will receive the Torch from the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office in the parking lot of Paradise Publix, 3825 South Osprey Avenue, Sarasota, at approximately 8:15 a.m. on Friday, April 22, 2016.

Members of the Sarasota Police Department and Special Olympics Florida athletes will run the torch into the City of Sarasota on a route that takes the torch north on Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41), right on Osprey Avenue and left on Main Street and ending at Five Points Park at the intersection of Main Street and Pineapple Avenue.  The run is approximately 3.2 miles.

Torch Run Gear purchases, including a Torch Run t-shirt for $12, hats for $10, dry first shirts for $20, dry fit hats for $15 and donations for Special Olympics Florida, can be sent to Sergeant Mark Opitz at the Sarasota Police Department (2099 Adams Lane, Sarasota, FL 34237) or he can be contacted at 941-954-7025. All proceeds go towards supporting the Special Olympic athletes. For more information and routes for other counties in Florida, please visit http://specialolympicsflorida.org/get-involved/law-enforcement-torch-run/torch-run

SARASOTA, Fla. -- April 25, 2016 - 11:15 a.m.

The Sarasota Police Department is informing the public that Jack Edward Nersinger, 65, has registered as a Sexual Predator living in the City of Sarasota.  Nersinger’s address is 1645 Pine Tree Lane, Apartment #3, Sarasota, FL 34236.

Nersinger was designated as a Sexual Predator on July 20, 2006 in Sarasota.  His past charges include lewd or lascivious molestation of a victim under 12.  Nersinger is a white male, 5’9” tall, 174 pounds, brown eyes and grey hair.

Photographs and additional information on sexual offenders and predators can be retrieved on the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) website at www.fdle.state.fl.us  Residents can also sign up to receive notifications from FDLE of sex offender and predator registrations and address changes.

The Sarasota Police Department distributes this information to area schools, state registered daycare centers and posts the information on all social media outlets including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and the Sarasota Police Department website, www.sarasotapd.org

Jack Edward Nersinger

SARASOTA, FL. – April 26, 2016   – 2 p.m.

The Sarasota Police Department is inviting all cowboys and cowgirls, ages 5 to 12 years old, to grab their bicycle, bicycle helmet and their parents and come on down to a free Bicycle Rodeo Round-Up hosted by the Sarasota Police Department at Ed Smith Stadium, 2700 12th Street, Sarasota, on Saturday, April 30, 2016 from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m.

The Bicycle Rodeo Round-Up is an opportunity to teach cowboys and cowgirls the proper way to ride their bicycles, learn the rules of the road and the proper way to wear a helmet, use equipment and how it can all help reduce unintentional injuries by falls.

According to Safe Kids Worldwide, more children ages 5 to 14 are seen in emergency rooms for injuries related to biking than any other sport.  Helmets can reduce the risk of severe brain injuries by 88 percent.

All Rodeo Round-Up riders will be eligible to enter a drawing for a free bicycle.  A limited supply of bicycle helmets will be available for children who do not own a helmet or whose helmet does not fit.  For more information, contact Sarasota Police Department Crime Prevention Officer Cherie McKeon at 941-364-7345.

SARASOTA, Fla. -- April 27, 2016 -- 11 a.m.

On Tuesday during the meeting of the Florida Cabinet in Tallahassee, Florida Governor Rick Scott and Volunteer Florida awarded the Sarasota Police Department Volunteer Ambassadors with the Champion of Service Award.

The Champion of Service Award is the only statewide volunteer recognition award.  This honor is awarded to volunteers and organizations who go above and beyond in service to their community.  Volunteer Florida presents the Champion of Service Award at Cabinet meetings and other events across the state of Florida.

There are 70 Sarasota Police Volunteer Ambassadors in the City of Sarasota.  In the month of March, they gave an all-time department records of 1,809 hours of service.  Sarasota Police Volunteer Ambassadors help at the front desk, deliver mail, send alarm letters, handle trespass signs, track lost patients for Project Lifesaver, patrol neighborhoods, walk along Main Street, conduct citizen surveys, block intersections at parades and marathons and work major events.

“The relationship between our police department and our volunteers exemplifies the definition of partnership policing,” said Sarasota Police Deputy Chief Pat Robinson.  “They provide an additional layer of public safety in our most in-demand areas.  They enhance the ability of our police department to provide excellent public service to our community.”

“Our Volunteer Ambassadors are amazing,” said Michelle Rinaca, Sarasota Police Volunteer Coordinator.  “They volunteer for different reasons but overwhelmingly they do it because they want to find a way to show love, respect and support for the work the men and women of the Sarasota Police Department do every single day.”

“As we continue to celebrate Florida Volunteer Month in April, we are especially proud to recognize the Sarasota Downtown Ambassador Program for connecting volunteers to opportunities to serve,” said Volunteer Florida CEO Chester Spellman They embody service leadership at the community, school and individual level and they are using innovative ways to make volunteering easy and accessible.”

Pictured left to right:  Volunteer Florida CEO Chester Spellman, Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, Florida Governor Rick Scott, Sarasota Police Volunteer Shirley Shaw, Volunteer Coordinator Michelle Rinaca, Volunteer Anne Bianchi, Sarasota Police Deputy Chief Pat Robinson, Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater and Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam.