Sheriff's Office to Host Grand Opening Celebration

NEWS RELEASE 17-234 - NOVEMBER 6, 2017
Grand Opening Flyer revamp2

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is celebrating the agency’s relocation after 30 years in downtown Sarasota, with a free, family-friendly event at their new headquarters on Cattleridge Blvd.

On Saturday, December 9 beginning at 10:00 a.m., the public is invited to attend an official ribbon cutting hosted in partnership with Sarasota County Government, followed by an open house where attendees can enjoy food, refreshments, music, and demonstrations. Members of the agency’s SWAT and Emergency Response teams, Mounted Patrol, K-9 and Aviation units among others, will display special equipment offering attendees an inside look at the Special Operations Bureau. The Human Resources and Emergency Operations bureaus will offer information about career opportunities and the agency’s Animal Services Section will bring adoptable animals. The first 200 people to arrive will receive a complimentary commemorative sheriff’s office t-shirt.

The agency’s main headquarters known historically as “D1”, remains staffed by administrative and law enforcement personnel while the transition takes place. Eventually, the agency plans to house all sheriff’s office employees along the Cattlemen Road corridor. Select personnel will also remain at the sheriff’s office south county facility located at 4531 S.R. 776 in Venice, to offer services to residents in the area.

New enhancements at the 74,000 square foot building include better access to and from the I-75 corridor, improved public and handicapped parking, upgraded ventilation for property, evidence, and the agency’s drug lab, a new in-house television studio, and nearly 70% of the workforce under one roof. The facility, built in 2004, initially housed the Hoveround Corporation prior to the organization’s relocation in 2017. Unlike D1, the new facility can withstand winds in excess of 135 mph.

“We are immensely proud to offer the public an opportunity to see and enjoy our new headquarters during this commemorative event,” said Sheriff Tom Knight. “I am confident our new facility will only enhance and elevate our level of service to residents and visitors of Sarasota County.”

The Sarasota County Commission purchased the facility in 2016 with the goal of providing an opportunity for the county and sheriff’s office to work together to offer residents more accessible and centrally-located law enforcement services. Renovations to the facility were completed by the Starling Group in Sarasota.  

For more information about the grand opening celebration, visit www.SarasotaSheriff.org or call the agency’s Community Affairs Office at 941.861.4005.