Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman is thrilled to announce the successful results of the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) 2026 Block Party Food Drive. From March 13 to April 11, community members, local businesses, and sheriff’s office staff contributed non-perishable food items at various drop-off locations throughout Sarasota County. In collaboration with All Faiths Food Bank, these donations will be distributed to combat food insecurity in the community this summer.
The food drive amassed an impressive amount of food donations, completely filling an agency van, in addition to $2,770.20 in cash donations. Over 1,125 citizens attended the 2nd annual Block Party on April 11, where attendees could exchange donations for event T-shirts. The agency’s onsite Walk-On Clinic and SCSO played pivotal roles by each providing a $1000 cash donation which boosted the drive’s overall success.
“Helping provide food for families and children is always something we are glad to do!” said Sheriff Hoffman. “For the second year, we have asked the community to assist us with this food drive in conjunction with our block party, and our community showed up again in a big way!”
Besides the food drive, the event featured educational activities, games, and delicious food and treats -- all available at no cost. The families especially enjoyed the Agency Passport activity, along with the K-9, Marine Unit, and Aviation Section demonstrations. The event would not have been such a success without the generous help of community partners including Gecko’s Grill and Pub, Big Frog Custom T-Shirts, Tailored Thrones, Sue Ellen’s Floral Boutique, Caddy Carts, Chick-fil-A, Let’s Jump Events, Kona Ice, Bella’s Booth, JJ Fox’s Treehouse, Sam’s Club, and Sky Zone.