Sheriff Brad Steube from Manatee County builds $32,000 basketball court
(from drug proceeds) to help keep kids out of trouble. Bravo!
Sarasota Sheriff, Leon D. Hodges, Bob Snell collection.
Sheriff Tom Knight is one of the first local Sheriff's to implement a
management plan to improve the local SCSO department. He initiated an
analysis of the department that came up with 165 strategic plan objectives
for improvement. In his first two years 138 of those goals were
accomplished. The others are ongoing and to be completed. Tom Knight
backed is election speeches with sound results in a short period of time.
Congrats to Sheriff Knight and the men and women in the department who
helped make those changes.
Sheriff Tom Knight presents a check for $15,000 to the Boy's and Girl's
Club. Nice job!
We met with Sarasota Sheriff Tom Knight to see how his
first year went. By most counts it seems to have gone well. In the past 30
odd years we have had only 4 Sheriffs including Sheriff Knight. Sheriff
Knight seems to be the exception in his first year.
One of the first things you will notice is that Sheriff
Knight is not only personable but, utilizes strong management techniques.
To quickly assess the condition of the department he hired a
consultant/professor to get a pulse on the agency. From there he took off
running, trimming staff/budget; increasing the number of marked cars on
the road; establishing open communication with the public, county
commissioners and press. Recently, he established a teen driving safety
program because school driving safety programs had been cut. To be
continued....
Chief Abbott meets with Our Town Sarasota publisher Michael Penn.
A car burns to smithereens on Clark Road, just east of Swift. Traffic was
shut down going eastbound. Drive safely this weekend.
Firefighters gather before the start of the MDA "Fill the BOOT" drive.
Firefighters Snyder and Hickox raise money for MDA on
U.S. 41 and Gulfstream Ave.
SCFD, Newtown Station, at the end of the day of the MDA Boot drive.
(Center MDA Coordinator.
Sarasota County Fire Department
Our Town Sarasota salutes the Sarasota County Fire
Department Honor Guard. They took First Place in national competition.
Photo Lt. Terry Marshall.
Sarasota County Fire Department just received new Thermal Imagers that
can detect humans or fire hot spots from within a burning building.
Photo: Lt. Terry Marshall.
66 law enforcement units gathered at
Ed Smith stadium, to compete in the State run offs to see who will go to
the nationals. The dogs above were at ease prior to the gun fire attack
victim competition.
"Lights On Campaign"
Our Town Sarasota is sponsoring an "Lights On" Campaign. We ask all
Sarasota and Manatee County drivers to remember turn your driving lights
on any time it is raining (even in the daytime). Florida law requires
drivers to have their lights on when it is raining (even in the daytime)
---------------------------------------------
Sarasota County Fire Fighters held their annual Chili Cook Off at Morton's
Market. .2002
To check on a drivers license status
click below:
https://www2.hsmv.state
.fl.us/dlstatus.html
The Suncoast Fire Fighters and Paramedics hold a
luau for children at the MDA camp. Photo: Lt. Terry Marshall.
Annual Suncoast Firefighter's Dinner Dance Photos.
Firemen Honor Guard presents colors at their
local annual dinner. See "There're the best" in Commentary.
Local firemen gather at the dinner dance with Katherine Harris for a
photo.
Everyone enjoyed the Alday Barbeque feast.
Mike Stephenson, President of the SCFP, addresses the firemen at the
dinner.
Lt. Mike O'Conner from the Venice Fire Department demonstrates their
Children Fire Prevention class. The VFD has a special trailer that depicts
a house and teaches children how to escape a fire.
The day shift from the Venice Fire, Lt. Mike O'Conner, Mike Stephenson
FEMT, Capt. Randy Behling, Steve Armstrong FEMT stand in front of their
1973 fire truck.
SCFD honors its own with
Service Awards
Photos: Lt. Terry Marshall
Sarasota County Fire Department, Wins
National Honor Guard Competition:
The Sarasota County Fire Department Honor Guard was in Jacksonville
this past weekend, where they competed against other Honor Guards from
around the country.
The out come was a First Place for the team and a Best Honor Guard
Commander Award for their commander.
The Honor Guard competition members where: Commander Steve Coffin,
John Elwood, Rich Bartoszek, Bruce Lee, Wade Chappell, Tod Mercer, Mark
Blinkhorn, Hoot Williams, and Pete Zappulla. Congratulations to all.
Sarasota Police Office C.S. Hunt with his K-9 partner "Brisco" a Dutch
German Shepard on Main St.
Florida Consumer Complaints:
Under Florida law, consumer complaints are administered
by the state Division of Consumer Services under the direction of
Agriculture & Consumer Affairs Commissioner Bob Crawford. To contact the
Division, consumers may call toll-free in Florida 1-800-435-7352. Outside
of Florida, call (850) 488-2221.
The Attorney General's Office investigates and litigates
civil cases involving certain Florida Statutes, including civil theft and
deceptive trade practices
Chief Peter J. Abbott, center, swore
in new officers Bryant Singley, left, and Travis L. Forrister, right.
Sarasota Firemen train in a new ladder
truck at their fire house on S. Tamiami Trail on Saturday.
Sarasota County Deputies collar a man on an arrest warrant.
12 year old missing Bradenton girl, Margarita Aguilar-Lopez,
found alive and good shape in South Carolina last evening. Paulino-Perez
on the right was arrested.
Update on Bank Robbery
Case #05-32857
The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a bank
robbery that occurred on April 15, 2005 at 2:06 p.m. at the Flagship
National Bank at 5931 Cattleridge Blvd in Sarasota. The suspect is
described as a white male, in mid 40’s to mid 50’s, with black hair,
approximately 5’7 to 5’9, and 130 to 150 pounds. The suspect entered the
bank and demanded money. No weapon was seen or implied. The suspect then
fled on foot heading East, with an undetermined amount of money.
The suspect was last seen wearing a white pinstriped sports jersey style
shirt, blue jean pants, sunglasses, and a Kansas City Royals baseball cap.
This robbery appears to be related to two other bank robberies. One in
Venice that occurred at the Bank One located at 1320 E. Venice Avenue
(Venice case# 05-2689) and the other was in Punta Gorda at the SouthTrust
Bank located at 401 Taylor Street (Punta Gorda PD Case# 05-03659).
Sheriff’s Detectives are requesting the public’s help in identifying this
suspect. Various photos of the suspect from different bank robberies will
be provided to aid in the apprehension of this suspect.
Anyone with information regarding this case should contact the North
District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 861-4900 or leave anonymous
information on the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 366-TIPS (8477).
Sarasota County Sheriff's look for a car break in suspect by Robb
and Stuckey in Sarasota Tuesday evening. Later they searched by a creek in
Gulf Gate Woods while a Sheriff's helicopter flew overhead.
Officer Doug Peters and Officer Eddie Howell, both assigned to the
Sarasota Police Department Marine Patrol, have been named dual City of
Sarasota Employees of the month for January.
Sarasota County Deputies set up a speed trap on S. Tamiami Trail
this week by Sarasota Square Mall.
* Two men
busted for drugs on Kennsington Ave. by Sarasota
Richard Thomas Morgan
County Deputies. A pit bull was shot during the bust when he became
aggressive.
The Sarasota Police Department promoted 3 officers Detective
Sergeant Wade McVay to Lieutenant. Officer Jason Reed to Sergeant. Officer
Steven Shoemaker to Sergeant.
* Almost 9,000 aggressive driving
tickets issued in Florida by the
FHP. Now they plan on cracking down using 18 new Stealth vehicles that
are unmarked. Colonel
Christopher A. Knight above who heads the FHP grew up in Sarasota. 11.04
* Two Hispanics rob Gold Bank on
Beneva Road in Sarasota.
They are thought to be the "Band-Aid Bandits" who have robbed a string of
banks along the West Coast of Florida. Anyone with information can call
Detective Kevin Pingel at 941-861-4921 or Crime Stoppers at 366-TIPS.
12.04
Rosanna Mae Nickle, an 18 year old
Sarasota woman, has been missing since November 4th. Anyone with
information should call the Sarasota Police Department. 11/10/04
The Sarasota Police Department's first female motorcycle policeman
Kim Stroud graduates from the MC training school. SPD Officers K. Stroud,
E. Howell, Sgt. K. Stiff, Bradenton PD Officer B.L. Thiers.
Sarasota County Sheriff's Office who participated in the International
Police & Fire Games
Gold 100 Meter Run Lt. Gordon Hoffmeister
Gold Table Tennis/Singles Lt. Gail Gutoski
Gold Bench Press School Resource Officer/Detective Al
Ainscoe
Gold Shot Put Lt. Johnny Yong
Silver 400 Meter Run Lt. Gordon Hoffmeister
Silver 200 Meter Run Lt. Gordon Hoffmeister
Silver 50 Meter Run Lt. Gordon Hoffmeister
Silver Table Tennis/Doubles Lt. Gail Gutoski
Silver Table Tennis/Doubles Cynthia Van Dyke
Silver Discus Lt. Johnny Yong
Silver Bench Press Lt. Johnny Yong
Silver Pistol/Doubles Captain William Sullivan
Silver Pistol/Doubles Lt. Ed Anderson (retired)
Bronze Horseshoe/Doubles Lt. Gail Gutoski
Bronze Horseshoe/Doubles Sgt. Cynthia Van Dyke
Bronze Pistol/Singles Lt. Ed Anderson (retired)
Elton Brutus Murphy has been arrested for the murder of a Sarasota
shop owner. He is being detained in Texas after a DNA match by the FDLE.
* Sarasota GTE
Credit 
Union robbed. This surveillance photo was released by the Sarasota County
Sheriff's Dept.
|
The Sarasota County Sheriff's Department wins National Award for it's work
on reducing prescription drug fraud.
Sarasota County Sheriff's Office starts a new Crime Tracking map where
citizens can look online for recent crime in their neighborhood.
www.sarasotasheriff.org and click on the Crime Tracking icon on the
menu to the right.
Sarasota recent SCSO Citizens Graduate Academy.
Sheriff Tom Knight today
presented a Certificate of Recognition to United States Army Staff
Sergeant Eddie Peoples for disarming and subduing the man who robbed the
Bank of America, 3600 Bee Ridge Road.
Florida Highway Patrol lines up to nab drivers who run red lights or speed
on U.S. 41 Wednesday afternoon. Two other FHP Troopers were writing
tickets to drivers along the road.
Sarasota County Sheriff, Tom Knight, did the right thing by terminating
Deputy who used excessive force and language on a special needs student.
We don't think we would have seen this swift justice with the previous
Sheriff. This should help to restore faith in local law enforcement. One
bad egg doesn't make a bad batch. But, the public needs to see that at
least the department can police itself.
A robbery home invasion on Siesta Key
Monday evening has residents shaking their heads. The robber took a shot
at the victim but missed. It happened in the 5600 block of Midnight Pass
Road.
The Sarasota County Sheriff's Appreciation Day sponsored
by Prestencia has every type of law enforcement vehicle at Phillippi Park
Saturday. The most popular for the kids was the boat.
A Sarasota
man, Timothy Bidwell, was arrested/charged with attempting to have sex
with minors via the internet in Pinellas. Internet doomsayers will say
it's the Internets fault. Not. The Internet helps to put distorted people
behind bars. What do you think?
Two Sarasota County Deputy's patrol Siesta Key Beach over spring break.
Be careful on the roads. This muti-car accident on U.S. 41 Wednesday tied
up traffic. Our highest traffic season is upon us and the holidays have us
harried. If we slow down on the roads we'll be sure to get there safer.
New
Sheriff for Sarasota County, Tom Knight, takes swift steps to overhaul
department. He announced plans to cut $600K in management
positions and increased DUI
enforcement staff.
Sarasota County Deputies collect toys for local tots.
This man, Beau Diamond, almost looks indignant, appeared to have no
conscious as he soaked local invests for around $32 million and then went
and gambled in Las Vegas.
Sarasota County firemen ready the trucks to
back into their garage after making an emergency run.
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12.jpg)
Sheriff Tom Knight has taken 59 unmarked vehicles and made them marked
Sheriff vehicles. A move to show more police presence. He has also taken
SUV's from the upper ranks and moved them to road patrol.
Kudos to the Sarasota County Sheriff's Department and the
Sarasota Police Department for their crackdown on crime and 181 arrests in
north Sarasota. 02/12
 Sarasota
Police don't release sketch or issue press release on attacks on
New College students for a year? What? We replace legs with
bionic legs, send people to live in a space station, and we
can't issue a press release that may help prevent attacks?
A woman was carjacked at the Ashton Post Office Thursday evening before 10
PM. She screamed and got away. The suspects took her vehicle a Tan/Gold
color 2001 Chrysler Plymouth Voyager, FL. Registration: WTRCOLR. 10/11
Man in rear of video arrested for fatally shooting James Brotherton
pictured.
SCSD helicopter assists squad cars on the ground to keep an eye on
suspects. We have heard that it only costs $100 an hour to run the
helicopter.
Holly Elaine Connelly 28, arrested for reportedly stealing somewhere
around $387,000 from the Holmes Beach Key Royal Golf Club while a
bookkeeper there.
Sarasota City, County, Longboat Key and Fish and Wildlife law enforcement
participate in ocean rescue training in the Big Pass channel Thursday.
With his back to us on the boat is local Olympic Silver swimming winner
Tripp Schwenck who now works for Sarasota City Police.
City of Sarasota Police
shoot radar and hand out tickets on N. Tamiami Trail by the airport.
The Sarasota County
Sheriff’s Office has arrested Bernard Chojnacki, DOB 8/19/74, for exposure
of sexual organs following an undercover investigation into indecent
activities on Caspersen Beach. In December 2009, the Diocese of Venice
appointed Father Bernard Chojnacki as Parochial Vicar of St. Charles
Borromeo Parish in Port Charlotte. More details:
http://www.sarasotasheriff.org
/press_detail.asp?r=11-090
These two women are wanted for questioning in a Holmes Beach home invasion
earlier this week. 2/2011
Just when you think the world is right along walks a Sarasota man accused
of renting out homes he didn't own, such as one Joel McNair. Virginia
Schiller of Sarasota reported he just moved into a home she owned and
changed the locks. Via a Google search the SHT reports that one Joel
McNair was arrested 10 times between 1981-1987 for various schemes and
served 7 years for defrauding $2 million in a time share scheme. Update:
Joel committed suicide in May of 2011
Deputy Paul Ceransky provides a new bike helmet to a Venice Garden
Elementary student. One of 70 helmets given out by the Sarasota County
Sheriff's Dept on Friday to those who didn't have one. Bravo SCSO! photo:
scso
A Sarasota Sheriff's Deputy races to a scene on
Siesta Key Friday evening. Three other cars responded, we have no idea
what happened.
A Sarasota Deputy pulls over a pickup truck
Tuesday, hmmmm speeding ? Nice to see our law enforcement in action, it
makes you proud of them.
This guy has been burgarlarizing homes in the Venice and Sarasota area.
If you have any info contact the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office. ,
861-4926
Sarasota County Sheriff's were out
enforcing the speed limit over the weekend on U.S. 41. The Deputy had just
given a person a ticket. It's so nice to see law enforcement in this
town again with a new Sheriff.
A Sarasota County Sheriff
helps two drivers that had a fender bender.
"People
must reach beyond the attitude of complacency that is so prevalent today.
If they take an active role in their community, together we can make a
difference." Daniel Thorpe, retired, Police Chief, . Thorpe receives the
"OurTownSarasota Noblese Award" for this very accurate and thoughtful
comment.
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Sarasota County Sheriff, Tom Knight says he is going to crack down on
drivers, red light runners, speeders and DUI's. He says accidents and
DUI's have gotten out of hand with large increases in both of them.
Detective Kim Northfield was named Local
Law Enforcement Officer of the Year by the Florida Missing Children’s Day
Foundation. She accepted the award from Governor Charlie Crist during a
ceremony Monday in Tallahassee. Photo courtesy Sarasota County Sheriff's
Dept.
Beware of this man
he has been telling local residents he is a bug exterminator. He enters
homes sprays the occupants tells them to take their jewelry off and wash
their hands while he steals their jewelry. If you see this man contact the
Sarasota County Sheriff's Department.
Sarasota County sheriff's detectives seized 96 mature
marijuana plants from a North Port grow house. photo sarasota
sheriff's office
'Now look at the jam I got myself in':) 38 year old Michelle L.
Blalock, the Lipstick Bandit, arrested in Sarasota on multiple bank
robbery charges.
The lady we dub "the
lipstick bandit' is thought to have made 3 local bank robbery attempts
in two weeks. She struck two banks on Wednesday. One was foiled when an
employee walked up to her and asked her to take off her sunglasses and
hat.
Neil Mohammed Husani,
Sarasota accused of $83 million bank fraud scammer arrested in Jordon.
Sarasota Sheriff Knight announced that
Margaret “Peggy” McGarrity has joined the Sheriff’s Office in the position
of Fiscal Director. She commences her employment today, February 5th,
2009. Sheriff Knight sees this appointment as a step in adding more fiscal
accountability to his office.
Deputies are looking for Selah Ramirez who is missing
from Manatee Glen in Bradenton on Tuesday night. The girl is reported
to have been suicidal. (Manatee County Sheriff's Office) 12-08
Donna L. Andree, a 43-year-old
Bradenton
woman was arrested Saturday on charges of having sex with a 15-year-old
boy while her teen daughter and a female friend watched. 11-08
Photo: Manatee Sheriff
This missing woman, Sabine Musil-Buehler, from Bradenton is being
sought to see if she is ok. Her car was found but there is no trace of
her. One man has been detained who was found with her car. Another man,
her boyfriend who just got out of jail is being interrogated. 11-08
Leesa Heiman was charged with defrauding local residents out of $700,000
plus. They invite you to a free dinner seminar and then set up the sting.
There are no FREE dinners:)
A 14-year-old Bradenton girl is missing, the Manatee County Sheriff's
Office reported.
Sarasota County Deputies ticket a speeding driver on U.S. 41 on Tuesday.
Piece of garbage, Todd Bowman, charged with sexually molesting a 3
year old in Bradenton.
Daniel Prewett was a
local hot shot club owner and tax preparer who led local investors down a
$18 million dollar loss and tax liabilities. He was sentenced to 18 years.
He got piggy, piggy, piggy:)
This ice cream man, Galen L. Yoder, 38, is accused of molesting a 12 year
old girl in Sarasota. Sic puppy!
42 year
old, Deborah Bingham, busted on running a prostitution ring in Sarasota.
Man poses as Stephen King's
assistant and takes limo driver for a free ride. He was later busted.
Sarasota County Sheriff's office
seeks persons of interest in home burglary. The woman shown above
was caught on camera leaving the house that was burglarized.
This man is being sought
for stealing a car and a woman's wallet. He is shown here entering a store
before using the woman's credit card. Anyone who knows this man can call
the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office
The Sandwich Thief has struck the area by ordering over $1000 in
sandwiches and then paying with a bogus check.
Bradenton man Kelley McDermid arrested for child abuse on a 12 year
old. 2/08
Sarasota County Sheriff's Department is still looking for the killer of
Brian Morrisey on December 3rd 2007
Wanted by Sarasota Police
Department. DEANDRE ‘D’ TUNSTALL
Black/Male
02/19/90
6’1”/160 lbs.
2728 Palmadelia Avenue
Tattoos of CUT THROAT and YOUNG SAVAGE on forearms.
The Sarasota County Sheriff's Dept confiscated the above bogus attachment
to an ATM machine in Venice. The device is designed to record your account
information and could be used to steal money from
your account. 11/07
Crystal Bashford from North Port was charged with having sex with a
14 year old boy.
James Warren was arrested in Sarasota on a Spokane warrant of rape of a
child. Some have accused him of rape on a local child.
Sarasota County Sheriff’s Detectives arrested Martin S.
Moore, W/M, DOB 9/9/65, of 3349 Bee Ridge Road #10b, in Sarasota,
yesterday at approximately 3:50 p.m. Moore has been charged with 10 counts
of Sexual Battery on Child by Person with Custodial Authority and Unlawful
Sexual Activity with Certain Minors. The 17-year old victim disclosed to a
teacher that she had been sexually involved with Moore since she was 13
years of age. At the time of his arrest, Moore was the director of the
Youth for Christ Christian Teen Center, in Sarasota. The victim became
acquainted with Moore through this program.
There is something wrong with smiling when you are dressed
in an orange jail suit. This man, Joseph Arsenault, was arrested on
charges of drugging and raping a Sarasota area woman and drug possession.
 Aaron Giles
This piece of garbage is accused of fracturing a 4 month old baby's head,
arm and rib.
Manatee Sheriff's office looking for this missing woman and her two
children.
In a separate incident this man, Thomas Gale, 42, a UPS driver, was
arrested in the attempted kidnapping of an 11 year old girl at
Southside Elementary in Sarasota. A citizen recognized his car from a
photo in the media and reported him on 12th Street. 2-23-07 |
17 year old Jasmine Thompson a cheerleader at Bayshore H.S. was
shot to death Friday evening. Our condolences to the family. And you
wonder why some want gun control.
45 year old woman found dead in Gulf of Mexico after she was
reported missing. Her dog was still on the boat.
 
Sarasota Deputies nab over $20K in drug cash and bust grow house
operators.
33 year old male dental hygienist murdered Saturday morning after he
observed two men robbing and beating a man. Senseless.
13 women come forward
after Dr. Rao from Bradenton is accused of fondling a woman in his office
during an exam.
Thomas Knight elected Sheriff of Sarasota County. Photo: Knight, white
shirt.
* Sarasota Police Chief
runs a unsafe driving crackdown and nets 442 citations in 3 days.
By law you are
supposed to move over to the next lane when a police or emergency vehicle
is on the highway.
 Long established local Sarasota
used car lot owner and son busted for ripping off man to the tune of
$560,000. The son, 37, Jeffrey Olgivie is pictured above.
DA drops charges against accused smiling Sarasota rapist due to
lack of more evidence. Since when do you see a normal person smiling for a
mug shot?
Trooper Pope has the distinction of being the only trooper ever selected
as “Trooper of the Month” three times in one year for his acts of bravery
and excellence in police work. While operating stationary radar in
Charlotte County, Trooper Pope was informed of a suspected stolen vehicle
parked on the roadside. His subsequent investigation revealed that the
vehicle was stolen from Fairfield County, Ohio, and led to the discovery
of a trailer and a large quantity of equipment stolen from an Ohio Home
Depot as well as a case of motor vehicle insurance fraud involving the
suspect and another
individual.
Following a “Be on the Look-out” notice on a particular vehicle, Trooper
Pope’s attention to detail resulted in the arrest of the vehicle owner for
felony possession of marijuana. On another occasion, Trooper Pope’s
determination and quick thinking helped locate a suicidal individual and
get emergency medical assistance before tragedy occurred. In yet another
incident, while working a traffic accident on Interstate 75, Trooper Pope
single-handedly removed two men from a sinking vehicle and brought them
both to safety.
Nicholas E.
Vuolo, 71, Sarasota, formerly of Mahopac, N.Y., died Dec. 26, 2007. He
was born in the Bronx, New York. Sarasota. He was a member of the
Sarasota Police Department Citizen Volunteer program, where he
volunteered 1,936 hours of his time. Nick was the recipient of the
Sarasota Police Department Citizen Certificate of Merit, the Dynamic Duo
Award, and the Brachle Award.
Bank robber hits BB& T bank on Christmas Eve 2007 around the 1220
block of S. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota..
Sarasota Deputies set up a speed limit detection sign along Curtiss
Avenue by the Gulf Gate Library. They use the sign to let people know how
fast they are going.
Sarasota Sheriff Deputy hands out a ticket over the weekend.
Sarasota resident, Glenn Shelton, arrested on child sexual assault charges |
Bradenton
teenager, Zoey Freedman, runs away from home for the 2nd
time. Police are still looking for her.
He was from Ohio, a 30 year Sarasota resident,
a pillar in the community. Active at St Thomas Moore church, Sailor
Circus and the father of 3 lovely daughters. Yet something didn't
seem right years ago when he got fired by one company after another.
He worked for two companies at the same time without telling one of
his employers and made false claims that he owned one of them.
George O'Neil Jr. was found guilty on money laundering charges and
faces up to 60 years in jail. 3-24-07
Sarasota County
Sheriff’s Captain Jon Goetluck and Lieutenant Scott Ortner graduated
from the Southern Police Institute’s 50th Command Officers
Development Course on Friday, February 16, 2007. The course
consisted of five 2 week sessions with participants from 23 various
law enforcement agencies from Florida, South Carolina and
Mississippi. Sheriff Balkwill is also an SPI graduate of the 6th
class. He also recently graduated from the FBI National Academy in
December of 2006.
23 year old
Norberto Rivera arrested for robbing and killing a neighbor. 2-07
Have you seen
this man he is wanted for kidnapping Clay Moore at his bus
stop, on Friday. 2-23-07 The kidnapper tied him up in east Bradenton
and let him go. 2-23-07
13 year old Clay Moore kidnapped and released
in Bradenton. 2-23-07
 A 15 year old
girl in Sarasota wrote a school essay about being sexually
assaulted beginning at age 10. Sarasota Deputies later arrested
James Hughes above. 2-07
Sheriff William
F. Balkwill helped to save the Sarasota Sailor Circus from
closing and it now operates under the auspices of the Police
Athletic League.
* The Sarasota Police Department traffic unit along
with several other department specialty units and patrol division
personnel conducted
“Operation Safe Driver” from Wednesday, January 31st through
February 2, 2007.
The operation was conducted to educate the public about local
traffic laws, and to seek out those driving with traffic violations.
The results of the operation follow:
· A total of 422 traffic citations were written with another
100 bicycle tickets issued.
· A total of 46-people were arrested, 40 of which were on
felony charges, and another 112 on misdemeanor charges.
· Eleven (11) people were arrested on outstanding warrants,
two (2) of which were federal warrants.
· In addition, two (2) people were arrested for trespassing,
which another two (2) were issued trespass warnings.
· And one person was arrested on a D.U.I. charge.
One of the traffic stops involved the recovery 85 bags of powder
cocaine, and a loaded 380 cal. handgun.
This man was
charged with impersonating an officer in Sarasota.
Woman that was
bound gagged and killed identified as Lisa Ardine. She was found
along I-75 in Sarasota.
Tampa Police release sketch of man believed to
have raped a Sarasota woman.
Sarah Wysocki, 23,
Bradenton, has been missing since Monday. She is 7 months
pregnant. Anyone with information can call the sheriff's office at
747-3011 or Crime Stoppers at (866) 634-TIPS
While Sarasota
County has 400 paid firefighters they also have a small volunteer
Fire Department that helps supplement the county employees.
Those wishing to volunteer can contact Capt. Tom King 941-861-2196.
ELEAZAR BRIONESVEGA
7/10/75 5’9” 200LBS.
LKA: 2023 HILLVIEW AVE. APT. 8
WANTED FOR SEXUAL BATTERY ON A 12-YEAR-OLD FEMALE. BRIONESVEGA IS
STILL BELIEVED TO BE IN THE AREA. ANYONE HAVING ANY INFORMATION
ABOUT THE WHERE-A-BOUTS OF THIS MAN OR ANY OTHER INFORMATION THAT
WOULD BE HELPFUL, PLEASE CALL 941-954-7070 AND ASK FOR DETECTIVE
RIFFE.
Man robs Bradenton bank Tuesday and escapes.
This man is wanted for questioning by the Sarasota Sheriff's
Department regarding vandalism at Phillippi Shores school and
approaching elementary school students.
Who says crime is only committed by the young, Dombro above
78 years old, was charged with ripping off an 89 year old lady in
Sarasota of $400,000.
Bank robber wanted by Sarasota Police.
Milk Bones as in doggy bones donates a rather large $5,000 check to
Police Chief Abbott for a new K-9 dog.
SPD DIVE TEAM TAKES HIGH HONORS
11/3/05
Member of the Sarasota Police Department Dive Team recently
competed
in the Public Safety Divers National Championships held in Orlando,
Florida
on October 17th through the 21st, 2005. The results of that
competition
have now been released.
The SPD team of Officers Bruce King and Tripp Schwenk took
overall
first place in the obstacle course and second place in the evidence
grid
search competition.
The team of Officers Bo Potter and Ford Snodgrass placed
second
overall in shore sweep, and second in the anchor point evidence
search
event. They also took a third place in the vehicle salvage lift.
Team members Sgt. Jim DeNiro and officer Harry Ross placed
third in
the underwater navigation course competition.
In the past ten years the SPD Dive Team has finished first
eleven
times, second twelve times, and third eleven times in competition.
In 1995,
2001, and 2003 the team placed third overall as National Champions.
In
1996 the team finished as the National runner-up.
* 14 year old Bradenton girl being held against her will calls her
Mom.
 Andrea White, 14.
The Stickney Point Rd. fire station celebrates it's remodeling and
grand re-opening this past week.
* The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office will e-mail an alert when
a sex offender or predator moves within a mile of a registered
resident's home. Visit
www.sarasotasheriff.org
to sign up.
Top of Page
Front Page |
Florida's Most Wanted
Feds looking for local
sex offender, named Malloy.
Venice Police finally sign
new contract for higher wages. Seated from left, City Manager Marty
Black, FOP negotiator Paul Murphy, Sgt. Keith Harvey. Standing from
left, Sgt. Tom McNulty, Chief Jim Hanks and Lt. Ron Solanes.
Suspicious Incident at Booker Middle School
The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is
investigating an incident of a stray bullet that came through the roof of
Booker Middle School, 2250 Myrtle Street, in Sarasota at approximately
10:10 a.m. today.
The bullet was found on the floor in a
classroom where students were present. No one was injured. While
authorities believe this to be an isolated incident, the school was placed
into lock-down status as a precaution. At this time, it appears that the
bullet was the result of someone firing a rifle into the air, some
distance from the school.
Anyone with information regarding this case
should contact the North District Criminal Investigations Bureau at
861-4900 or leave anonymous information on the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at
366-TIPS (8477).
Reverend Ritter, right, received the Florida Sheriff's Association
Correctional Officer of the Year. He is with the Sarasota County Sheriff's
Office. Congrats!
Sarasota County Sheriff's Office puts together composite sketch of man
wanted for trying to abduct a 19 year old female on the Bee Ridge Road
extension. Anyone with
information is asked to contact Detective Kevin Pingel at 941-861-4921 or
Crime Stoppers at 366-TIPS. Callers to the Crime Stoppers Tips Line will
remain anonymous.
* The National Sheriffs
Association (NSA) has invited Sarasota County Sheriff William Balkwill to
serve on its Homeland Security Training Advisory Group (TAG).
Sheriff Balkwill will be reviewing NSA's homeland security training
programs and participating in
open discussions with 10 other Sheriffs from around the country. Their
advice will be used to make
additions, deletions, and other changes to the training programs that will
meet the needs of
today's Sheriffs.
The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office has
identified the body of the female found Monday in the 8300
block of Palmer Blvd as Tammy Lee Lovell, maiden name Henry, white female,
DOB 10-8-77.
Lovell has been most recently listed as a transient. She resided in Lee
County as of 5-28-04, when she was last contacted by law enforcement.
Lovell previously lived in Michigan before moving to the Ft. Myers area.
She has no previous contacts with local law enforcement or known
associates in this area.
Anyone having recent contact or information pertaining to her activities
is urged to call the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office at (941) 861-4900 or
Crime Stoppers at (941) 366-TIPS.
Approximately 35 law
enforcement agencies from around the state of Florida participated in
“Operation Gotcha” which ran from May 28 through May 29. Operation
Gotcha was a statewide D.U.I. (driving under the influence) and Safety
Checkpoint created by the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office to coincide
with the Memorial Day weekend. All law enforcement agencies in Florida
were invited and encouraged
to join the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office in setting up D.U.I.
Checkpoints in their counties. On Friday May 28, State M.A.D.D.
(Mothers Against Drunk Driving) President Gary Sault and Executive
Director Andy Hindman attended a media kickoff at the Sarasota County
Sheriff’s
Office for Operation Gotcha. The following totals are statewide
results of Operation Gotcha:
- D.U.I. arrests - 123
- drug arrests - 19
- warrant arrests - 21
- other arrests - 100
- total citations - 1556
- officers involved - 507
- participating law enforcement agencies - 30 to 35
|
This Sarasota bank robber (left) looks
like he can't wait to rob this bank while he waits in line.
Crime scene above of woman store owner
in downtown Sarasota that was murdered.. A positive identification of the
victim has been made and a member of the victim’s family has been
notified. The victim is Joyce Wishart, 61 years of age. At this time there
is no motive and no suspects. This appears to be an isolated incident at
this time. There are indications that she could have been murdered last
week.
Anyone having
any information about this crime is asked to please call the Sarasota
Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division at 941-954-7070.
Additional information will be released when appropriate.
47 year old man represents himself as
a Sarasota doctor arrested for practicing without a license. Tammam Aikel
was placed on a $1,000 bond.
Jonathon Manley, from Bradenton, was
arrested for sexual assault. Detectives believe that there may be other
victims in Manatee County. Anyone with information about similar
un-reported crimes is asked to contact Detective Bill Waldron at Ext.
2534, or by calling Crime Stoppers at 866-634-TIPS.
The Sarasota County Sheriff’s
Office is investigating the disappearance of a
 German
citizen, 69 year-old W/F, named Annelise Schweickardt. Schweikardt had
been living in Sarasota since 1995 in a duplex style villa located at 5619
Monte Rosso Road. Based on the preliminary investigation, the Sheriff’s
Office believes Schweickardt has been missing since early April of 2003,
and that Schweickardt may be a victim of foul play. Schweickardt had a
tenant in April, a 44 year old W/M, named John Mellquist. Mellquist told
deputies, on April 28, 2003, that Schweikardt was out of the country.
Annelise was known to travel to Canada and Germany; however investigators
have been unable to substantiate that Schweikardt ever left the country.
Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact Det. Chris
Hallisey at 861-4923 or Crime Stoppers at 366-TIPS. Calls to the Crime
Stoppers Tip Line will remain anonymous.
The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office has
obtained an arrest
 warrant for Thomas
Gleason, W/M, DOB 5-15-40, of Sarasota, for failure to appear in court on
October 20, 2003. Gleason was charged with five counts of Lewd or
Lascivious Molestation and one count of Lewd or Lascivious Battery on June
5, 2002. Gleason had coached a BMX Team last year and developed a close
relationship with many of the riders. A mother of a 14-year-old boy, who
raced for Gleason, reported to the Sheriff's Office that Gleason molested
her son while sleeping over at Gleason's house. The investigations led to
five other victims, all teenage boys. Anyone who knows the whereabouts of
Gleason or has information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 366-TIPS.
Calls to the Crime Stoppers Tip Line will remain anonymous
GREEDY 89-YEAR-OLD IS SCAM VICTIM
It's that time of year again when the scam artists make their
appearance. This time it was an 89-year-old woman that was the victim of
the "Pigeon Drop" scam.
According to the report, The elderly female victim was approached by a
female stranger who showed the victim a bag full of money which she said
she found next to the victims vehicle. The scammer told the women she
would
split the money with her if she would give her $1,520.00. The victim went
to her bank and withdrew the money. The victim and the scammer drove to a
parking lot near Main Street where the victim gave the stranger the
money.
The scammer then proceeded to wash off the victims car, inside and out,
to remove any possible fingerprints. The scammer then told the victim she
would be right back and walked away
The scammer was described as a black female, about 5-foot 5-inches
tall and about 145 pounds with shoulder length hair, wearing a long brown
dress and she had on eyeglasses.
Sarasota Police are warning anyone that might come in contact with this
women, or anyone like her asking for money, to please call us at
941-954-7025.
Corrections ReAccreditation
Sarasota County Sheriff William Balkwill is
pleased to announce that the Sarasota
County Corrections Facility was granted
reaccredited status by the Florida Corrections
Accreditation Commission on October 7,
2003.
The reaccredited status is valid for three
years. The jail was originally granted Accredited
Status in 2000. During the process this
year, the facility and employees were found to be
in compliance with 263 accreditation
standards pertaining to all areas of the jail
operations. Some of the areas that
accreditation standards deal with range from security
and control, order and discipline, to
sanitation and hygiene and programs.
Florida Corrections Accreditation
Commission (FCAC) Assessors were at the facility
from August 13-15, 2003 to conduct
assessment and to verify that the Sheriff’s Office is
practicing its policies. Accreditation is
important because it raises the professional
standards of the agency, standardizes the
way the Sheriff’s Office operates with the
accepted standards of law enforcement
agencies throughout the Untied States, and
ensures that a high level of
professionalism is perpetuated within the Sheriff’s Office on a
continual basis.
The Sheriff is also pleased to announce
that Major Electra Bustle was named a
Commissioner of the Florida Corrections
Accreditation Commission. Major Bustle
oversees the Courts, Corrections, and Human
Services Division of the Sheriff’s Office.
The Sarasota County Sheriff's
Office ranked first place in Division II
during the 18th annual Florida Law Enforcement Games held from June 14 -
June 21, 2003, on the Treasure Coast (Martin, Indian River, and St. Lucie
Counties). Approximately 130 different agencies, including Federal
agencies, participated in various competitions ranging from bench press,
shooting, bowling and arm wrestling to track and field, power lifting,
triathlon, tennis and more. Sarasota County Sheriff's Office Employees
accumulated 38 gold, 28 silver, and 19 bronze medals. The Florida Law
Enforcement Games Board released the following Division winners.
----------------------------------------
 Peter
J. Abbott was officially introduced Friday as the new Chief Of
Police for the Sarasota Police Department. The new Chief
was welcomed during an informal reception with Department officers and
employees.
Abbott, 47 years old, a 22-year veteran of the New
York City Police
Department, retired in August with the rank of Inspector.
Abbott is a 1980 graduate of Hofstra University with a bachelor's degree
in Business Administration and completed the Police Management Institute
at the
Columbia University School of Business in 1997.
Sarasota Sheriff Bill Balkwill
Sarasota County Sheriff Dept Web Site
Born Port Huron, Michigan, January 1, 1952 Education St. Clair Community
College, Port Huron, MI, AA Criminal Justice; Ferris State University, Big
Rapids, MI, BS Law Enforcement; University of Louisville, KY Wife Gail
Children Two Church Presbyterian Career Sarasota County Sheriff's Office,
1976-2001; University of South Florida Police Department, 1975-76; elected
Sheriff Sarasota County 2000 Honors and Affiliations Eagle Scout, Sarasota
County Sheriff's Office 1979 Felony Arrest Award; Sarasota Jaycee's 1982
Outstanding Young Law Enforcement of the Year award; Sertoma Service to
Mankind Award; Board of Directors, Florida Association of School Resource
Officers, Safe Place & Rape Crisis Center; Sarasota VFW 1987 Law
Enforcement Officer of the Year; Sarasota Sheriff's Office 1989 and 1994
Meritorious Achievement Awards; Member, Florida Association of School
Resource Officers; President , co-founder and life member of National
Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO); NASRO 2000 Lifetime
Achievement Award; Member of Elks Lodge 1519, Sertoma Club of Greater
Sarasota, Police Athletic League of Sarasota County, National Consortium
on Alternatives for Youth at Risk, Inc.
http://legal.firn.edu/sheriff/sarasota/
-------------------------------------------
Venice Police Chief Jim Hanks was sworn in as the new police chief on
April 10th.
Hanks, a native of Dover, Ohio, has worked for the
department since 1976.
He earned a bachelor's degree in political science at Kent State
University in Ohio; a master's degree in criminal justice from Nova
University; and holds an associate degree in business administration from
Manatee Community College.
Hanks is a graduate of the FBI Academy and is an executive fellow at the
University of Florida in advanced management.
He says his achievements which stand out most at the
Venice Police Department are being part of the team effort which developed
the zoning grid system used for city patrols and working on technological
issues such as computer usage and radio improvements.
"The City should be proud of the Venice Police
Department," Hanks said. "The taxpayers are getting their money's worth.
The city is a much better place than it was 25 years ago. It has undergone
constant improvement. That is what I want for the department. It is great
now. I want to make it even greater."
Hanks says one of his greatest accomplishments was
marrying the daughter of former Venice Fire Chief Jim Culbert.
Hanks and his wife, Susan, have two children, Beth, 13, and Tommy, 8.
His hobbies include coaching Venice Little League baseball, computers
and being actively involved at his church, Epiphany Cathedral, as well as
the Presbyterian Church where his children attended the Early Childhood
Center.
A history buff, the new chief is serving as vice president of the
Triangle Inn Association.
Sheriff Balkwill holds a press conference on the progress
of the investigation. FBI Agent Whitehead, to the left, is assisting
along with 125 other investigators. Colonel Terry Lewis is to the
right.
A South Trail fire crew returns
from an emergency call
Sarasota County Sheriff's Deputies
were out in full force on Friday curtailing harried drivers.
Meet Patriot the 10 year old SCSO
patrol horse and Deputy Laster. They were on patrol on Clarke Road
when we caught up with them. In four hours Deputy Laster handed out 7
tickets of numerous sorts, gave a number of warnings and kept a look
out for suspicious activity all in 4 hours. There are six equestrian
patrols in the Sheriff's office. Deputy Laster is the lead trainer
for the department. See commentary below.
Sarasota County Sheriff's
department helicopter searches for suspects on Thursday afternoon.
The Sarasota City Community Police
Unit gathers at the "Night Out " event in Newtown along with a young
lady and Police Chief Abbott.
* The Sarasota County
Sheriff's Office reminds residents
to lock their parked vehicles. Sheriff Balkwill's STARTRAC Program has
shown that 79% of the vehicles that were burglarized in Sarasota
County from 02/05/03 to 7/16/03 were done to vehicles that were
unlocked. The following is a break down of vehicle burglaries in North
and South Sarasota County during that time period. North District
Vehicle Burglaries: Unlocked Vehicles 394; Locked Vehicles 73; Total
Vehicles 467.South District Vehicle Burglaries: Unlocked Vehicles 114;
Locked Vehicles 64; Total Vehicles 178. During the above mentioned
time period, there were 21 vehicle burglary arrests for North Sarasota
County and 12 for South County. Sheriff Balkwill also wants to remind
all citizens not to invite a vehicle burglary by leaving packages or
valuables in sight and to avoid transferring items to the trunk of a
vehicle where it is to be parked.
Sarasota Deputy Gene Nault readies
for a compliance run up the inter-coastal. OurTownSarasota spent an
afternoon with Deputy Nault on the inter-coastal waterway. His boat an
28' Intrepid is equipped with twin 225 HP Yamahas. One of the boaters he
stopped this afternoon had violated the law by towing a rafter in the
channel. Two Sarasota Marine Patrol Officers are responsible for the
Sarasota County (SC) waterways. There are around 20,000 boats in SC.
Deputy Nault along with Sarasota Police Officer Doug Peters have
sponsored legislation that would require boats to travel at slow speed
going under bridges in SC.
Divers from the Sarasota
County Fire Department dive for
a man that drove off Honore Ave. into a lake Saturday morning. Around 30
minutes after the car went under they retrieved his body. He was
pronounced dead on the scene.
* Sarasota County Sheriff's Department warns residents
that a young blonde man has broken into apartments in the north end of
town and by Sarasota Square Mall. Residents should always be sure to
keep their doors locked the Sheriff warned.
 This
man is wanted by the FBI and is suspected of being a terrorist. He was
known to have lived in South Florida.
 Sarasota County
develops a talking phone robot to help teach youngsters how and when to
call 911. Photo: Sarasota County.
Two motorcycle Deputies and three Deputy's cars participated in the speed
enforcement operation. 45 tickets were issued.
Green
light red light
We were happy to hear that local law enforcement is behind deterrents to
people who run red lights in town from Bradenton to Venice including
Sarasota. Estimates are that at least 10% of the drivers run red lights.
It has become so bad that most drivers should look both ways before
proceeding into a green light. Balkwill's office ran a speeding
enforcement crackdown this week on U.S. 41. Maybe he will run a red light
enforcement soon along with the other law enforcement districts.
No turn
signals
Ok, it's official you do have to signal when changing lanes and turning in
Florida. The FHP clarified the issue for us. Now count for us on your next
drive around town how many people don't signal when changing lanes:)
316.155 When
signal required.--
(1) No person may turn a vehicle from a direct course upon a highway
unless and until such movement can be made with reasonable safety, and
then only after giving an appropriate signal in the manner hereinafter
provided, in the event any other vehicle may be affected by the movement.
(2) A signal of intention to turn right or left must be given
continuously during not less than the last 100 feet traveled by the
vehicle before turning, except that such a signal by hand or arm need not
be given continuously by a bicyclist if the hand is needed in the control
or operation of the bicycle.
Officer Eric Bolden to the rank of Sergeant.
Sgt.; Sergeant Norman Stockton
to the rank of Lieutenant;
Lieutenant Lawrence Kimball to the rank of Captain.
Congrats to these fine Sarasota Police officers who were
promoted this week
Lt. Keith Harvey of the Venice Police Department, Officer
Dennis D. Silverio Jr. of the Longboat Key Police Department and Detective
Chris Hallisey of the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office received Law
Enforcement awards from the Sons of the American Revolution.
Sarasota Sheriff responds to an
incident on Friday evening. |