Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman is pleased to announce the agency’s 4^th annual open house on Saturday, December 10, 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 6^th annual holiday toy drive benefitting the 12^th Judicial Circuit of Florida’s Guardian ad Litem program, Teen Court of Sarasota, and All Star Children’s Foundation. 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.

“This event has truly become one of the highlights of our year,” commented Community Affairs Director Kaitlyn Perez. “What began as a ribbon cutting in 2017 has evolved into a massive, annual event that celebrates the connection we have with the community we serve.”

“It is our pleasure to welcome the community to our headquarters for this celebration each year,” said Sheriff Hoffman. “Coming together to have fun and enjoy the holiday season is special, but the real gift is working with the citizens of Sarasota County to collect toys for those in need and make the holidays bright for as many children as possible.”

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.