SARASOTA, FL. – November 29, 2016   – 12:30 p.m.

The 21st Annual Downtown Sarasota Holiday Parade will be held on Saturday, December 3, 2016 at 7 p.m.  The parade will begin at Main Street and U.S. 301 in downtown Sarasota.  The parade will end at J.D. Hamel Park at Main Street and Gulfstream Avenue.

There will be several vehicle tow away zones and street closure notices in effect for the following times:

·       9 a.m.: Main Street closed from U.S. 301 to U.S. 41

·       12 p.m.:  Fletcher Ave., Wallace Ave., & School Ave. all closed between Main St. and Fruitville Rd.

·       12 p.m. : East Ave. closed from Fruitville Rd. and Ringling Blvd.

·       2:30 p.m.: Lemon Ave. closed from Main St. to 1st St.

·       5 p.m.: Gulfstream Ave. closed from U.S. 41 to McAnsh Square

·       5:30 p.m.:  U.S. 301 closed from Fruitville Rd to Ringling Blvd.

·       7 p.m.: Parade begins

Roads will re-open once the end of the parade reaches a two-block distance from each road closure.  Towing will begin at 5:30 p.m.  Vehicles not removed by the posted time will be towed at the owner’s expense.  For information on towed vehicles, contact Upman’s Towing at 941-365-7084.                                                          

SARASOTA, FL. – December 1, 2016   – 8 a.m.

Amanda L. Dean, 34, and Joseph P. Dromeshauser, III, 34, of 1315 18th Street, Sarasota, have been charged with five (5) counts each of child neglect without great bodily harm.  Dromeshauser has also been charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.

On Monday, November 28, 2016, Sarasota Police Officers responded to 1315 18th Street in reference to a welfare check.  When Officers arrived on scene, they located five children: 17 year old male, 12 year old male, 10 year old male, 2 year old male and 11 month old female.  During a walkthrough of the home, Officers determined the home was not suitable to live in. 

Officers observed broken glass scattered throughout the home, animal and human feces on the floor and multiple prescription pill containers left open within reach of children.  Officers also found trash, clothes, rotting food and a strong order of urine throughout the home. While speaking with Dromeshauser, Officers noticed countertops and sinks were filled with dishes, old rotting food, trash and bottles filled with urine.  Inside one of the bedrooms, Officers found a burnt brillo and a pipe used to smoke crack cocaine in plain view near additional empty pill bottles.

In addition to observations of the home, Officers learned from Dromeshauser that the home had no running water or means of disposal for human waste.  Dromeshauser told Officers the family commuted to a family member’s home once a week to shower the children and wash clothes. 

“The conditions in this home were the worst I’ve ever seen,” said Detective Megan Buck, Criminal Investigations Division.  “No child or adult should have to live in conditions like this.  Someone knew something wasn’t right with this family and called law enforcement.  I’m thankful they did,” said Detective Buck.

Sarasota Police Officers contacted Department of Children and Families to conduct an investigation.  The children were removed from the home.  After approximately one hour on scene, Officers located Dean hiding in a closet.  She told Officers she was afraid to go to jail.   

Dromeshauser and Dean are being held at the Sarasota County Jail.         
                                                                                  

SARASOTA, Fla. -- December 2, 2016 -- 8 a.m.

On Thursday, December 8, 2016 from 8:30 a.m. until 10 a.m., Officers from the Sarasota Police Department and community members will come together in an informal, neutral space to discuss community issues, build relationships and drink coffee.  The Coffee with a Cop event will be held at the 12th Street Café, 1100 North Tuttle Avenue, Unit 1, Sarasota.  Members of the public and media are invited to attend.

Coffee with a Cop provides a unique opportunity for community members to ask questions and learn more about the Sarasota Police Department’s work in the City of Sarasota’s neighborhoods.

The majority of contacts law enforcement has with the public happen during emergencies or emotional situations.  Those situations are not always the most effective times for relationship building with the community and some community members may feel that Officers are unapproachable on the street.  Coffee with a Cop breaks down barriers and allows for a relaxed, one-on-one interaction.

“We hope that community members will feel comfortable to ask questions, bring concerns, or simply get to know our Officers,” said Chief Bernadette DiPino. “These interactions are the foundation of community partnerships.”

Coffee with a Cop is a national initiative supported by The United States Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. Similar events are being held across the county, as local police departments strive to make lasting connections with the communities they serve.

The program aims to advance the practice of community policing through improving relationships between police officers and community members one cup of coffee at a time.  The Sarasota Police Department began holding Coffee with a Cop events in February 2014.

SARASOTA, Fla -- December 8, 2016 -- 2:30 p.m.

On Friday, December 9, 2016, Chief Bernadette DiPino will hold a swearing-in ceremony and promotional ceremony.  The ceremony will be held at 10:30 a.m. in the 3rd Floor Training Room at the Sarasota Police Department, 2099 Adams Lane, Sarasota.  Three Officers will be sworn-in and three Officers will be promoted.  Family, friends, community members and media are welcome to attend.

The following Officers will join the Sarasota Police Department as 2nd Class Probation:

·       Officer Kevin Cavallaro

o   Officer Cavallaro was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts.  He received his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Massachusetts at Lowell in 1993 and his Masters in Justice Studies from the University Southern New Hampshire in 2011.  Officer Cavallaro was a Lieutenant for the Londonderry Police Department before joining Sarasota P.D.  He was also Homeland Security Directory of Londonderry P.D., Department of Homeland Security Bureau and Coordinator of Londonderry P.D. Dignitary Protection Unit at Manchester/Boston Regional Airport.  Officer Cavallro received his LEO Training from St. Petersburg College in 2016.

·       Officer Corey Hart

o   Officer Hart was born into a Military family in St. Louis, Missouri, moving frequently, both within the United States and abroad.  In high school, Officer Hart was a member of the Police Explorer Program with the Chesterfield, Missouri Police Department.  He attended the United States Military Academy as well as the University of South Florida where he earned a Bachelor of the Arts in Criminology.  He also received his Associate of Science in Intelligence Operations from Cochise College in Arizona.  Officer Hart received his LEO Training Certificate from Hillsborough Community College LEO Academy.  He’s also currently serving as a Sergeant in the Florida Army National Guard.

·       Officer Ramon Iglesias

o   Officer Iglesias was born in Newark, New Jersey is bilingual.  He’s a graduate from Coral Gables Senior High School in Coral Gables, Florida.  Officer Iglesias received an A.A. Degree from Miami-Dade College and received his Correction Officer certification in 2014.  He also received his LEO Training certificate in 2016 from South West Florida Public Safety Academy.  Officer Iglesias has served as a Jail Deputy for the Glades County Sheriff’s Office and a Corrections Officer for the Florida Department of Corrections.

The following Officers will be promoted to Sergeant:

·       Officer Michael Gee

·       Officer Tyler Rossnagle

·       Officer Dwayne Shellhammer

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

The Sarasota Housing Authority, Sarasota Police Department and Target are partnering for the fifth year to provide 100 underprivileged children with a unique holiday experience in Sarasota.

‘Shop with a Cop’ pairs 100 local underprivileged children with local law enforcement to shop for holiday gifts at a local Target store prior to opening for the day. The event will be held on Saturday, December 10, 2016 from 6 a.m. until 8 a.m. at the Target located at 5350 Fruitville Road, Sarasota. **Media is welcome to attend**

IBERIABANK provided a significant grant and SHA received other donations from local organizations and individuals during the 2016 Giving Challenge. The money raised provides for a Target gift card the officers will use at checkout for each of the 100 children. A Public Service Announcement about the event can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJjBdcpNUhQ

“This is what the holiday spirit is all about,” said Chief Bernadette DiPino, Sarasota Police Department. “We want to help children in our community build relationships with our Officers. Shop with a Cop is a chance to help form relationships and educate our local families about the role that our Officers play in our community,” said Chief DiPino. “Having a safe and strong community begins with having mutual trust and respect between community members and the men and women sworn to protect them,” said Sarasota Housing Authority CEO William Russell. “Shop with a Cop’ builds positive relationships through this uplifting holiday event,” said Russell.

Those wishing to donate can do so through the Sarasota Housing Authority’s 501(c)3 affiliate, Sarasota Housing Funding Corporation (SHFC). Checks can be made payable to Sarasota Housing Funding Corporation with ‘Shop with a Cop’ in the memo line. Credit card donations can be made online at http://www.sarasotahousing.org/SHFC.aspx. Checks or cash donations can be dropped off at the Sarasota Housing Authority, 269 South Osprey Avenue, Sarasota; Monday – Thursday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. to Noon. For more information, contact the Sarasota Housing Authority at 941-361-6210. 100% of donations will be spent on Target gift cards for the children.

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SARASOTA, FL. – December 16, 2016   – 8:30 a.m.

In partnership with Culver’s, Regal Cinemas and Ringling College of Art and Design, the Sarasota Police Department will be hosting another free ‘Blue + You’ Movie Night featuring ‘The Angry Birds Movie’ this weekend. 

The free movie night will be held on the west end lawn of the Sarasota Police Department Headquarters, 2099 Adams Lane, Sarasota, on Sunday, December 18, 2016 at 6 p.m.  The lawn will open at 5 p.m.  This movie night is being held on a Sunday because students do not have school on Monday.

The community is invited to this free event and are welcome to bring blankets and chairs and invite neighbors, family members and friends.  ‘The Angry Birds Movie’ will be projected on the wall of the Sarasota Police Department Headquarters.  Complimentary snacks and drinks will be served.

‘Blue + You’ is an initiative that honors our community and connects them with the Sarasota Police Department.  The ‘Blue + You’ Movie Series began in April 2014.

SARASOTA, FL. – December 16, 2016   – 1:30 p.m.

On Tuesday, December 13, 2016, members of the Sarasota Police Department Street Crimes Unit, with the assistance of the Narcotics Unit and Patrol Division, conducted an undercover prostitution operation targeting individuals soliciting prostitutes.

The operation was conducted in the 4700 block of North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.  Seven (7) men were arrested and charged with Solicitation of Prostitution.  Five vehicles were seized under City Code 33-271.

Murad Agagishiev, 61
3515 59th Ave W, Bradenton
Charge:  Solicitation of Prostitution  

Jay Cavanaugh, 51
2100 Mango Street, Sarasota
Charge:  Solicitation of Prostitution  

Elier Gonzalez-Perez, 20
3708 McIntosh Road, Sarasota
Charge:  Solicitation of Prostitution  

Hilario Pacheco, 36
1608 12th Ave W, Palmetto
Charge:  Solicitation of Prostitution  

Larry Kramer, 64
314 65th Ave E, Bradenton
Charge:  Solicitation of Prostitution  

Faye Cohenour, 75
4254 Oak Terrace Circle, Port Charlotte
Charge:  Solicitation of Prostitution  

James Hunter, 66
286 Hood Road, Newman, Georgia
Charge:  Solicitation of Prostitution  

SARASOTA, FL. – December 16, 2016   – 2:30 p.m.

Detectives with the Sarasota Police Department are asking for the public’s help in identifying two suspects and a vehicle that was used in a drive-by shooting.  The shooting occurred in the 2000 block of 28th Street, Sarasota, at approximately 4:54 p.m. on Wednesday, December 14, 2016. 

Video of the suspects and vehicle can be seen at https://youtu.be/fGbCVUkpt_c

The suspects are described as two black males between the ages of 16 and 20.  They were last seen fleeing the area northbound on North Washington Boulevard.  Witnesses described the vehicle as a faded blue/purple 1996/1997 Chevy Cavalier with a sunroof and spoiler.

The male juvenile victim was shot twice and was transported to Sarasota Memorial Hospital Trauma Center where he underwent surgery.  Detectives do not believe this incident is a random act of violence.  Detectives are still working to determine the identity of the suspects responsible for the shooting.

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

SARASOTA, FL. – December 28, 2016   – 10:30 a.m.

The Sarasota Police Department has received a grant for a High Visibility Enforcement program for pedestrian and bicycle safety.  The safety campaign, which will begin the first week of January 2017, is in partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation and the University of South Florida’s Center for Urban Transportation Research. 

Officers will observe, educate and enforce traffic laws in the five chosen areas in an attempt to reduce the number of pedestrian, bicycle and motor vehicle crashes.  Officers will also be working to educate citizens about the importance of traffic laws.

The goal of the safety campaign is geared to increase awareness of pedestrian, bicycle and motor vehicle safety through education and enforcement.  The grant, provided by FDOT and USF, will allow officers to be present at five (5) key corridors in the City of Sarasota. 

The intersections in the City of Sarasota that were chosen were selected based on crash data involving both pedestrians, bicyclists and motor vehicles.  The intersections were also chosen for their volume of pedestrian traffic and number of accidents involving both vehicles and pedestrians or bicyclists:

·       North Washington corridor (SR 683 1000 Block to 2700 Block)

·       North Tamiami Trail Corridor (SR 45 – Mound Street to University Parkway)

·       South Tamiami Trail Corridor (SR 45 Mound Street to Hyde Park Street)

·       North Washington Corridor (SR 683 300 Block to 1000 Block)

·       Downtown Corridor (Main Street 100 Block to 2000 Block)

“The safety of our community is our number one priority.  We want every driver, pedestrian and bicyclist to know and understand the rules of the road,” said Sergeant Bruce King, Sarasota Police Department Traffic Unit.  “Safety doesn’t happen by accident.”

All contacts with citizens will be documented and results will be sent to the Florida Department of Transportation for evaluation at the conclusion of the safety campaign.

SARASOTA, FL. – December 29, 2016   – 8 a.m.

The men and women of the Sarasota Police Department are working to make sure our community can enjoy a safe start to the New Year.  To make sure our community stays safe, Officers are encouraging people to avoid driving while intoxicated and refrain from discharging weapons in the air as a way of celebrating the arrival of 2017. 

The annual Pineapple Drop will be held again in downtown Sarasota at Lemon Avenue and Main Street.  The Sarasota Police Department is asking those planning to celebrate to please leave backpacks, coolers and alcohol at home.

Some individuals have celebrated the arrival of the New Year by firing a weapon into the air.  This is known as celebratory gunfire and is dangerous and illegal.  “What goes up, must come down.”  A bullet fired into the air is going to come down and the unintended consequences can be tragic. 

It is against the law to fire a weapon in the City of Sarasota; Violators can expect to be arrested.  Please see our Public Service Announcement asking visitors and residents to refrain from celebratory gunfire at http://youtu.be/9MaODNzokxo

If part of your holiday celebrations include consuming alcoholic beverages, plan ahead by not driving while impaired.  There are safer and less expensive ways of travel:  Use a designated driver, take a taxi or take advantage of the free ‘Tow to Go’ service offered through AAA.  Tow to Go will be offered until 6 a.m. on January 2, 2017. 

For Tow to Go in Sarasota, you can call 1-855-2-TOW-2-GO (1-855-286-9246)  The Sarasota Police Department will be out on New Year’s Eve and there will be no tolerance for the dangerous act of drinking and driving.

Several roads will be closed for the annual Pineapple Drop on Saturday, December 31, 2016.  Vehicles not removed by the posted time will be towed at the owner’s expense.  For information on towed vehicles, please call Upman’s Towing at 941-365-7084.

·       5 a.m., December 30, 2016 – 9 a.m. January 1, 2017:  Central Avenue closed Main Street to 1st Street

·       5 a.m., December 30, 2016 – 9 a.m. January 1, 2017:  1st Street closed from Central Avenue to Pineapple Avenue

·       5 a.m., December 30, 2016 – 9 a.m. January 1, 2017:  Pineapple Avenue closed from 1st Street to Main Street

·       6 a.m., December 31, 2016 – 9 a.m. January 1, 2017:  Lemon Avenue closed from Main Street to 1st Street

·       6 a.m., December 31, 2016 – 9 a.m. January 1, 2017:  Main Street closed from Orange Avenue to Central Avenue

·       6 a.m., December 31, 2016 – 9 a.m. January 1, 2017:  Lemon Avenue closed from Main Street to State Street

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SARASOTA, FL. – January 10, 2017   – 8 a.m.

Rashad A. Johnson, 35, of 1300 block of 12th Street, Sarasota, was arrested on Friday evening.  He was charged with Possession of Cocaine within 1000 feet of a Park, Possession of Marijuana within 1000 feet of a Park and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

On Friday, January 6, 2017 at approximately 9 p.m., Officers were patrolling the area of Washington Court and Dr. Martin Luther King Way.  As Officers approached the gazebo at Fredd Atkins Park, Johnson was handling a small container and then threw it to the ground.

When Officers picked up the container, they noticed several small bags of packaged powder cocaine inside.  Officers also found Johnson wearing a backpack.  When they opened the backpack, they located a large amount of marijuana along with several small clear plastic bags and a digital scale.

While Officers conducted a test of cocaine in the presence of Johnson, he told Officers “you don’t have to test it, its cocaine.”  In total, Officers recovered 16 individual packaged bags of powered cocaine, 26 grams of marijuana, $960.50 in U.S. currency, several empty baggies and a digital scale.

Rashad A. Johnson, 35, of 1300 block of 12th Street, Sarasota, was arrested on Friday evening.  He was charged with Possession of Cocaine within 1000 feet of a Park, Possession of Marijuana within 1000 feet of a Park and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

SARASOTA, FL. – January 17, 2017   – 1 p.m.

On December 12, 2016 at approximately 5 p.m., two men walked into Art Avenue, 3501 South Tamiami Trail, Suite 119, Sarasota, and took two paintings off the walls without paying for them.  The two men then left the area on foot.

The two paintings are valued at approximately $7,500.  Several clear surveillance photos of the two men entering and leaving the art store are attached.

Anyone with information on this case, please call Detective Dan Riley at 941-954-7062 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 941-366-TIPS or online at www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com

SARASOTA, FL. – January 23, 2017   – 8:30 a.m.

Twelve (12) Sarasota Police Officers returned to the City of Sarasota Saturday evening after providing additional security during President Donald Trump’s inauguration parade in Washington, D.C.  Officers assisted with traffic and crowd control for the parade.

Ten officers and two supervisors left the City of Sarasota on Wednesday, January 18, 2017 and returned on Saturday, January 21, 2017.  They joined 5,000 National Guard troops and federal agents and nearly 3,000 police officers from outside the Washington, D.C. area.

In November 2016, the Metropolitan Police Department and the United States Secret Service requested assistance from Chief Kevin Vespia of the North Port Department to provide supplemental uniformed presence for the inauguration.  Chief Vespia extended the invitation to the Sarasota Police Department and other surrounding law enforcement agencies. 

Sarasota Police Officers received special training at National Guard Armory before being sworn in as U.S. Marshals for the inauguration.  They reported for duty at 2:30 a.m. on Inauguration Day and worked between 16 and 18 hours.

This is the second time Officers from the Sarasota Police Department have been invited to assist with Inauguration Day.  Sarasota Police Officers also provided additional security in 2009 when President Barack Obama took office.

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SARASOTA, FL. – January 25, 2017   – 7:30 a.m.

Dannie L. Berry, age 69, of 1130 40th Street, Sarasota, has been charged with 20 counts of possession of child pornography. 

In December 2016, members of the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force observed Berry’s IP address conducting keyword searches for files related to child abuse material including child pornography.  Berry is also registered as a sexual offender after pleading guilty to sexual offense charges in Jackson, Oregon in 1988.

On January 18, 2017, a search warrant was issued for Berry’s home and electronic storage devices.  On January 20, 2017, Detectives from the Sarasota Police Department and FBI Child Exploitation Task Force executed the search warrant.  After Detectives read the search warrant to Berry outside his home, he spontaneously said “this is about child pornography.”  Detectives told Berry yes and then he replied, “All we need to take is the thumb drive in the garage that has child pornography on.  It is above the computer in the garage.”

Detectives located the thumb drive and found numerous videos and images of child pornography.  The approximate total found on the thumb drive is 114 videos and four (4) images.

Berry was arrested and transported to the Sarasota County Jail without incident.  He’s currently being held at jail on $200,000 bond.

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Dannie L. Berry, age 69, of 1130 40th Street, Sarasota, has been charged with 20 counts of possession of child pornography.  

SARASOTA, Fla. -- January 25, 2017 -- 9:45 a.m.

Detectives with the Sarasota Police Department are attempting to identify three armed robbery suspects who showed a firearm and demanded cash at Dollar General, 2628 17th Street, Sarasota, at approximately 10:30 p.m. last night, Tuesday, January 24, 2017.

The three men walked into the Dollar General, confronted one store employee and then took her at gunpoint to the office where the second employee was working.  The three men then demanded cash from both employees.  The employees gave the three masked men an undisclosed amount of cash and they fled the store.  The employees were not injured. 

Anyone with information on this case, please call Detective Kim Laster at 941-954-7070 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 941-366-TIPS or online at www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com

Five (5) surveillance photos are attached.

SARASOTA, Fla. -- November 4, 2016 -- 9 a.m.

On Wednesday, a Sarasota Police Traffic Unit Officer was conducting traffic enforcement in the area of Southside Elementary when he observed a Jeep Cherokee traveling 38 miles per hour in the posted 15 mile per hour school zone.  The Officer followed the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop.

Tyran Wilkerson, 21, of Arcadia Avenue, Sarasota, turned into a parking lot, passing several open spots before parking between two vehicles.  When Wilkerson parked the vehicle, he opened his door immediately, closed the door and only put his window down several inches.  The Officer made contact with Wilkerson, who appeared very nervous, was shaking and stuttering his speech.

The Officer asked Wilkerson to keep the door closed and then would be back with him momentarily.  When the Officer returned to his patrol car, Wilkerson excited his vehicle and fled on foot.  After a brief foot pursuit, the Officer caught up with Wilkerson and took him into custody.  He stated, ‘he was dumb for running and shouldn’t have done it.’  Wilkerson was holding a red can which the Officer was able to unscrew and discover 9.7 grams of marijuana hidden inside.  After a search of Wilkerson’s vehicle, $1070 in U.S. currency was found, 6 cellular telephones, and a loaded 9mm Smith & Wesson firearm.

Wilkerson has been charged with:

·       Possession of a marijuana within 1000 feet of a church with intent to sell

·       Resisting law enforcement without violence

·       Carrying a concealed weapon

·       No Florida driver’s license

Tyran Wilkerson, 21

SARASOTA, FL. – January 31, 2017   – 9 a.m.

The Sarasota Music Half Marathon will be held on Sunday, February 5, 2017 from 6 a.m. until 11 a.m.  The 13.1 mile race and will feature bands, cheerleaders, lawn gatherings and more along the race course.  Runners should be in the Southside neighborhoods by 8 a.m. with streets re-opened by 11 a.m.  The course can be found at http://www.sarasotahalf.com/

The race will begin at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, travel over the Ringling Bridge and back, pass Selby Gardens, travel Orange Avenue into the Cherokee Park neighborhood, back through Selby Gardens and finish back at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

Lane closures are as follows for the day of the race:

Tamiami Trail (US41):

6 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

·       S/B traffic will be merged into one lane from 10th Street to S. Orange Avenue.

·       N/B traffic will be merged into one lane from Hudson Avenue to Gulfstream Avenue.

John Ringling Causeway and the Ringling Bridge:

6 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

·       W/B traffic will be merged into one lane form Tamiami Trail (US41) to Bird Key Drive.

·       E/B traffic will be merged into one lane from Adam’s Drive to Bird Key Drive.

·       E/B traffic will again be merged into one lane from Hart’s Landing to Tamiami Trail (US41).

·       East and West traffic will be redirected as two-way traffic in the south side lanes from Adam’s Drive to Bird Key Drive.

St. Armands Circle:

6 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.  (estimated)

·       St. Armands Circle - All lanes completely closed.

·       S/B lane of N. Blvd of the Presidents will be closed from Madison Dr. to St. Armands Circle.

·       N/B lane of S. Blvd of the Presidents will be closed from Monroe Dr. to St. Armands Circle.

·       All traffic will be re-routed via Washington Drive to Monroe Drive to S. Adam’s Drive for access to the John Ringling Causeway and Ringling Bridge.

South Orange Avenue:

6 a.m. – 10 a.m. (estimated)

·       All of S. Orange Avenue is completely closed from Mound Street (US41) until it becomes McClellan Drive and continues to be closed to the intersection of S. Osprey Avenue.

South Osprey Avenue:

6 a.m. – 10 a.m. (estimated)

·       All of South Osprey Avenue will be completely closed from McClellan Drive to Webber Street.

·       The S/B lane of South Osprey Avenue will be closed from McClellan Drive to South Drive.

Cherokee Park:

6 a.m. – 10 a.m. (estimated)

·       W/B South Drive will be closed from S. Osprey Avenue to Cherokee Terrace.

·       All of Cherokee Terrace will be closed from South Drive to North Drive.

·       The W/B lane only of North Drive is closed from Cherokee Terrace to S. Osprey Avenue.

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SARASOTA, FL. – February 1, 2017   – 8 a.m.

The Sarasota Police Department is taking you on another “virtual ride-along.”  Tomorrow, Thursday, February 2, 2017, beginning at 7 a.m., Twitter users can “ride along” for another ‘Tweet from the Beat’ with traffic officers during day shift.

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, users can follow @SarasotaPD

Throughout the shift, Traffic Officer Jason Frank and other Patrol Officers will share what they see and do through texts, videos, GIFs 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 while they are on patrol.

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

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SARASOTA, Fla. -- November 18, 2016 -- 10 a.m.

Fernando A. Palomino, 45, of 3360 South Osprey Avenue, Sarasota, has been charged with three (3) counts of sexual battery on a child 12 years of age or older but less than 18, after he inappropriately touched a 16 year old girl.

The sexual battery occurred in the afternoon of October 15, 2016 in the backroom of the Inkanto Peruvian restaurant, 4141 South Tamiami Trail, Suite 16, Sarasota.  Palomino was the victim’s employer.  She advised Palomino became flirtatious with her and told her he was a massage therapist before sexually battering her.

Detectives believe there could be additional victims.  Anyone with information on this case is encouraged to call Sarasota Police Detective Dustin Luciano at 941-363-5827.

Fernando A. Palomino, 45

SARASOTA, FL. – February 3, 2017   – 8 a.m.

A team of assessors from the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA) will arrive March 7, 2017, to examine all aspects of the Sarasota Police Department’s policies and procedures, management, operations and support services.  The Sarasota Police Department has to comply with approximately 260 standards in order to receive accredited status.  Many of the standards are critical to life, health and safety issues.

As part of the on-site assessment, agency members and the general public are invited to offer comments to the assessment team.  A copy of the standards is available online at http://www.flaccreditation.org/standards.htm under the 5.02 version.  For more information regarding CFA or for persons wishing to offer written comments about the Sarasota Police Department’s ability to meet the standards of accreditation, please write: CFA, P.O. Box 1489, Tallahassee, Florida32302, or email to info@flaccreditation.org.

The Accreditation Manager for the Sarasota Police Department is Cheryl Houpt.  Ms. Houpt stated the assessment team is composed of law enforcement practitioners from similar agencies.  The assessors will review written materials, interview individuals and visit offices and other places where compliance can be witnessed.

Once the Commission’s assessors complete their review of the agency, they report back to the full Commission which will then decide if the agency is to receive accredited status.  The Sarasota Police Department’s accreditation is for three years.  “Verification by the team that the Sarasota Police Department meets the Commission’s standards is part of a voluntary process to gain or maintain accreditation.  This is a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence,” said Chief Bernadette DiPino.

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