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Sarasota County Fire Department promoted Tim Beattie to Lieutenant. Tim is a firefighter/paramedic at station house 13.
 Jim Byrd, SCFD, was promoted to Captain and will oversee the Urban Volunteer Program.
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
Sarasota and Our Town 50 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.
Our Town 50 awards Lt. Terry Marshall,
Sarasota County Fire Department an Our Town 50's
Best Award. Terry is a 23 year plus veteran of the SCFD, initiated
a local fund raiser for the NYFD and provides numerous updates on all the
good things our Fire Department does for us. Our best to Terry and the
SCFD. "They are there when you need them."
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 50 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)
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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.
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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 |
* Sarasota Police Chief
runs a unsafe driving crackdown and nets 442 citations in 3 days.
Chief Abbott meets with Our Town 50 publisher Michael
Penn.
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.
* Sheriff Brad Steube
from Manatee County builds $32,000 basketball court (from
drug proceeds) to help keep kids out of trouble. Bravo!
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
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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
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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/
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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. Our Town 50 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.
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