Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman is pleased to announce the agency’s third annual open house on Saturday, December 11, 2021, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Citizens are invited to visit the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office headquarters to enjoy a free, family-friendly event with food, music, demonstrations, and giveaways. Members of the agency’s SWAT and Emergency Response teams, Mounted Patrol, K-9, and Aviation units, among others, will display their equipment, offering attendees an inside look at the Special Operations Bureau. 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 annual open house coincides with the agency’s fifth annual holiday toy drive benefitting the 12th Judicial Circuit of Florida’s Guardian ad Litem program. 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. Clothing and stuffed animals will not be accepted. T-shirts are limited to one per person per gift.

“Our annual open house is the highlight of our year,” commented Community Affairs Director Kaitlyn Perez. “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. “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 Boulevard in Sarasota. Parking is limited, so attendees are encouraged to carpool if possible. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, contact the agency’s Community Affairs Office at 941.861.4005.

The 3^rd 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.