SARASOTA POLICE DEPARTMENT
2099 ADAMS LANE, SARASOTA, FLORIDA 34237
Bernadette A. DiPino, Chief of Police
Our Mission Statement:
Professional, dedicated police service in partnership with our Community.
PROJECT LIFESAVER
Sarasota Police Chief Bernadette DiPino held a press conference today regarding PROJECT LIFESAVER. This program provides support and assistance to the families of individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s and related dementia disorders, as well as those with Down syndrome, Autism, traumatic brain injuries or cognitive impairments who are prone to wander away from their caregivers. Project Lifesaver uses state-of-the-art technology to help locate these missing individuals and return them home safely.
Sarasota’s Project Lifesaver was born out of a partnership between the Sarasota Police Department and the Boar’s Head Provisions Company, Inc. in November, 2007. The Boar’s Head Provisions Company, Inc. provided the initial funding for the tracking equipment and electronic bracelets, as well as donating a vehicle for use by the program. The Project Lifesaver program has served more than 280 individuals and their families, and has a 100% success rate since its inception. The age range of Project Lifesaver clients is between 5 and 95.
Mr. Michael Martella, President of the Boar’s Head Provisions Company, Inc., joined Chief DiPino at the press conference. The Project Lifesaver vehicle was on display and a demonstration of the GPS bracelet worn by Project Lifesaver clients was conducted.
The Sarasota Police Department has a dedicated sworn-staff overseeing the project with volunteers that work tirelessly to make sure each and every client is signed up properly. The staff issues each client a bracelet with GPS capability and makes sure the bracelet’s batteries are changed monthly. The Project Lifesaver officers and volunteers give training to the caretakers of the clients, in case their loved one or person they are guardian of should wander away from safety. Our volunteers travel to the Project Lifesaver clients for their convenience which is why the donated vehicle is such a great asset to the Sarasota Police Department and a must for the program. The Sarasota Police Department Project Lifesaver has 87 active clients; 27 are Autistic or Down syndrome children. This program saves lives each year and, the program in Sarasota, as well as nationally, has had a one-hundred percent recovery rate! We have already had four (4) call-outs this year with successful results!
Eight (8) Sarasota Police Officers are certified to use the tracking equipment with Project Lifesaver. The Police Department has also trained three (3) North Port Police Officers and provides North Port Police Department with a Project Lifesaver tracker. This has cut down on response time for north county calls for assistance. Sarasota Police Department has six Project Lifesaver tracking units, one of which is with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit.
Since 2007, we have had 47 call-outs, 26 of which were found by Law Enforcement patrol prior to Project Lifesaver tracking. Six (6) were found with the information on their bracelet and 15 were found by Project Lifesaver Staff.
At this time, 44% of Project Lifesaver clients are on scholarship making it easier for the clients to obtain the life-saving bracelet along with its battery, which must be changed on a monthly basis.
The national average cost of searching for an Alzheimer (or other disorder) patient who wanders from their residence without being a Project Lifesaver client, is $1,500.00 per hour. These searches are longer and more assistance and manpower is required. The average time searching and locating a Project Lifesaver client is about 30 minutes. It is a money, time and especially life-saving program.
We are proud of Project Lifesaver program, and we could not have started it without the generosity of the Boars Head Provisions Company, Inc. here in Sarasota. We would ask that anyone who would like more information on the program call Officer Danny Robbins at the Sarasota Police Department, (941) 954-7056, or check out the Project Lifesaver website at www.projectlifesaver.org.
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Officer Linda DeNiro
Public Information Officer
Sarasota Police Department
2099 Adams Lane, Sarasota, FL 34237
Office: 954-7094
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.sarasotapd.org
05/22/2013
Gillespie Park – Painted Benches Event
Please join the students of the Sarasota School of Arts & Sciences at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 23rd, in Gillespie Park (710 N. Osprey Ave) as they begin painting benches as part of a community project.
The Gillespie Park Neighborhood Association proposed a competition for the students at the Sarasota School of Arts and Sciences for designs to be painted on a number of benches in Gillespie Park. The students submitted graphic designs for specific areas including the tennis courts, basketball court and pond areas. The student winners of the competition were: Bridget Fitzgerald, Danika Schnell, Kyle Guay, Carrie Zieble, Brittany Friedman. David Carr is the Visual Arts Director of the SSAS and will oversee the project with the students. Both SSAS administration and GPNA members selected the winning designs.
For further information, contact: Linda Holland, President, Gillespie Park Neighborhood Association at 941 313-0201; Tara Tahmosh, Principal, Sarasota School of Arts and Sciences at 941 330-1855.
Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail. Distributed by the City of Sarasota Neighborhood Services
CLICK IT OR TICKET, MAY 20 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2013
The 2013 Click It or Ticket campaign runs from May 20 to June 2, 2013. In an effort to save more lives on America’s roadways, the Sarasota Police Department along with other state and local law enforcement agencies are teaming up across the nation to crack down on motorists who are not buckling up. This campaign will be enforced day and night by the Sarasota Police Department Traffic Unit as well as the Patrol Division.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports the use of seat belts in passenger vehicles was estimated to have saved over 11,000 lives in 2011. In fatal crashes during 2011, 77 percent of passenger vehicle occupants who were thrown from their vehicles were killed. However, only 1 percent of crash victims who were buckled up were totally ejected from their vehicles, compared to 31 percent of those who were unbelted. Motorists are 75 percent less likely to be killed in a rollover crash if they are buckled up. Wearing a seatbelt is the single most effective way to reduce fatalities in motor vehicle crashes.
The Sarasota Police Department urges you to belt up when you enter your vehicle, day and night, no matter how short your trip! We also ask that you remind your kids, your family and your friends to do the same. This issue is important to Sarasota Police Chief DiPino because she credits seatbelt usage to saving the life of her mother, daughter and nephew during a car crash in the early 90’s. Chief DiPino advises, “Seatbelts save lives, please remember to buckle up!”
So, buckle up today and every day, save yourself the expense of a ticket and possibly your life. It’s well worth it.
Click it or Ticket!
05/17/2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Art Uptown Gallery Features “Artists in Action” May 25
The artists of Art Uptown, Sarasota ’s oldest cooperative fine art gallery, invite the public to join them for Artists in Action, a daylong program of artist demonstrations on the sidewalk in front of the gallery on Saturday, May 25, from 11 am to 3 pm.
Among the artists participating will be Patricia Sorg, Amy Webber, Cecile Moran, Jacquie Clark and Karen Schunk. The artists will demonstrate, oil painting, acrylic painting and resist techniques, watercolor techniques and ceramics work.
The gallery, located at 1367 Main Street , Sarasota , has been continuously exhibiting the works of local artists for over 30 years. Regular gallery hours are Tuesday-Friday 11-5, Saturday 10-4, and Sunday 12-5. Tel. 941-955-5409. www.artuptown.com.
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Editorial Contact:
Christina Paluszek-McClure
Phone: 727-541-4934
MEMORIAL DAY PARADE PLANNED FOR DOWNTOWN MAY 27
Sarasota, FL: The City of Sarasota in conjunction with the Sarasota Patriotic Observance Committee will host the annual Memorial Day parade in downtown Sarasota on Memorial Day, Monday, May 27 starting at 10 a.m. The event will begin at Main Street and Osprey Avenue and will continue Sarasota’s longstanding history of honoring military personnel. At the conclusion of the parade, a ceremony will be held at Chaplain J.D. Hamel Park at Main Street and Gulfstream Avenue. The ceremony is expected to begin at approximately 11 a.m. The public is encouraged to attend.
The theme for this year’s Memorial Day ceremony is “Never Forget”. The keynote speaker will be John Rosentrater, who has served as Director of the Sarasota National Cemetery since May 2012.
Also during the ceremony, violinist Gracie Cespedes, a sophomore at Sarasota Military Academy, will perform the national anthem. Erin Smith, a recent graduate of Sarasota Military Academy, will sing ‘God Bless America’.
Schedule of events:
Signs will be posted along the parade route in advance indicating that parked vehicles must be moved or will be towed. Also, unattended bags/packages will not be permitted along the parade route.
For more information contact Jerry Derrick, Member, Sarasota Patriotic Observance Committee: 941-861-2899 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , Public Information Officer: 941-954-2613.
Community Cleanup
Do you have extra household chemicals, old furniture or electronics lying around your home that you are not quite sure what to do with?
Do you want to clean up for the upcoming holiday weekend?
The City of Sarasota, partnering with Sarasota County Environmental Ser-vices and Waste Management, are providing a one-day community clean up event to help you with all that extra stuff. We will be collecting items at the Newtown-North Sarasota Redevelopment Office.
The collection event is for residential generated waste only. Waste generated by businesses & other organizations will not be accepted but can receive information by contacting Oland Stokes at Sarasota County at 941-650-7143 or Alison Albee at City of Sarasota at 941-365-2200 ext. 4202.
Saturday May 18th, 2013
8 a.m. till noon
Newtown -North Sarasota Redevelopment Office
1782 Dr. Martin Luther King Way
Please see list for items accepted and NOT accepted.
Items accepted include:
Aerosol Cans
Paint Thinner
Solvents
Automotive Products
Adhesives & Glues
Paint
Cleaners
Pool Chemicals
Fertilizers
Weed Killer
Insect Killer
Mercury
Household Fire Extinguishers
Propane Cylinders (BBQ size only)
Small Rechargeable Batteries
Fluorescent Bulbs
Motor Oil
Oil Filters
Vehicle Batteries
Electronics & TVs
Tires
Furniture
Items NOT accepted include:
Yard waste/trimmings
Needles /Syringes
Ammunition
Fireworks
Flares
Radioactive Materials
Empty Containers >5 gallons
This week is National Law Enforcement Officer's Memorial Week, when we take time to remember fallen heroes, especially Sarasota Police Officer Warren David Jones whose End of Watch was on April 5, 1975. Officer Jones was overpowered by a suspect and shot during his tour of duty that day. Officer Warren D. Jones was the only police officer from the Sarasota Police Department to lose his life in the line of duty. The Sarasota Police Department has a memorial at the front of our new police department with a plaque in memory of Officer Jones.
The 28th Annual Law Enforcement Memorial Service, hosted by Sheriff Tom Knight of the Sarasota Sheriff’s Office, will take place on Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at 6:00 pm. It will be held at the Faith Lutheran Church at 7750 Beneva Rd, Sarasota, Florida. This service is to recognize the men and women who are committed to keeping our community safe and to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving. Sarasota Police Chief Bernadette DiPino will be attending and presenting a wreath during the ceremony with Chief Peter Cumming of Longboat Key Police Department. The public is invited to attend.
You can read more about Officer Jones at the Officer Down website: ttp://www.odmp.org/officer/7272-officer-warren-david-jones.
17th Annual Florida Neighborhoods Conference
When Thursday July 11, 2013 at 4:00 PM EDT -to- Saturday July 13, 2013 at 1:30 PM EDT
Where
Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
Driving Directions
Greetings! It's almost time for the annual Florida Neighborhoods Conference. The 17th Annual Florida Neighborhoods Conference will be hosted by Manatee County and held July 11 - 13, 2013, at the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.
To view the information about the 17th Annual Florida Neighborhoods Conference, you can visit our website:
www.floridaneighborhoodsconference.org/2013_Conference.html
Click on the link below to register today and take advantage of the early registration rates!.
Register Now!
I can't make it
If you have questions about the various workshops, tours or experiences, please e-mail Jeanne Watkins, Manatee County, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call her at 941-749-3029 ext. 3487. If you have questions about the registration, please contact me at the information provided below.
Thank you for your making a difference in our communities. We hope to see you in Manatee County in July!
Sincerely,
Susan Ajoc, AICP, FCP, FNC President
Florida Neighborhoods Conference, Inc
727-893-7356
SuperSlow Zone 7th Year Anniversary Celebration Saturday, May 18, 11am - 2pm SuperSlow Zone 1509 State Street, Downtown Sarasota (Next Door to Hyde Park Steak House) (941) 330-8100 SuperSlow Zone offers 20-minute workouts. Get safe, effective results with you certified personal trainer. Life Changing!
The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce (www.sarasotachamber.com) announced the winners of the 23rd annual Frank G. Berlin, Sr. Small Business Awards at a luncheon last Friday. The winners in all seven categories are: SouthTech, small business of the year; Center for Building Hope, nonprofit organization of the year; Cutting Loose Salon, young business of the year; Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, cultural organization of the year; Charity & Weiss International Realty LLC, international business of the year; Dulcy Kushmore, woman entrepreneur of the year; and Taelor Scheuer, young professional of the year.
Ten Year Old Boy Saves Three Year Old Girl from Drowning
The Sarasota Police Department congratulates ten-year-old Alexander Castanon for his part in saving the life of a drowning three-year-old. On April 20, 2013, in the evening, Castanon was swimming in his apartment complex pool at Signal Pointe Cr, along with a three- year-old neighbor, Natalee and her adult guardian. Natalee was wearing a floatation ring. The adult jumped out of the pool when a fire started in the grill nearby. While the adult put out the fire, Castanon noticed that Natalee was floating face down in the water. Castanon quickly pulled Natalee to safety and yelled for help. The adult ran over and began CPR. Natalee began breathing on her own. Natalee was transported to the hospital via Bayflite. She is doing just fine now, thanks to Alexander Castanon’s quick response. The Sarasota Police Department applauds Alexander Castanon for his heroism.
This Mother's Day, treat the #1 lady in your life to Brunch or Dinner! From classic frittatas to more creative pastas and paninis, we've got something your mom will love. Join us as we raise our glasses in honor of this special day. All Mother's will receive a vibrant carnation and a complimentary Mimosa or Bloody Mary between noon and 3:00 pm! Salute! -Cafe Americano
View our full menu
Exclusive Dinner Menu
Enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne. (Choice of one appetizer or salad, entree and dessert per person). Appetizer or Salad - Fried Calamari | Seafood Salad | Wild Mushroom Bruschetta & Shaved Parmesan | Spring Salad Entrees - Fusilli pasta with zucchini, yellow squash, peas, shrimp, basil, white wine and olive oil | Spinach fettuccini with mushrooms and cream sauce | Half roasted chicken with choice of side | Sauteed Grouper with asparagus, feta cheese, pine nuts and truffle oil | Short ribs with polenta Dessert - White chocolate mousse with strawberry topping (or) Pear and vanilla chiffon cake All inclusive for only $39.95 per person
FOLLOW US ON
The Arts and Cultural Alliance, in partnership with Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, will host a DSA member reception on Thursday, May 16. The event will be from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm in the courtyard of the Selby Mansion at the Gardens. In case of rain, the reception will be held inside of the Mansion. Guest speakers will include Tom Bucther, CEO of the Gardens who will share their plans for the exciting "Children's Rain-forest Garden" project and Jim Shirley, Executive Director of the Arts and Cultural Alliance.
Sarasota Citywide Mobility Plan - You Are Invited to a Public Workshop Sarasota’s Citywide Mobility Plan is an initiative to integrate land use, transportation system planning and design, and transportation funding. As part of this process, the City is exploring ways to provide more flexibility in how existing revenue sources and developer contributions can, in addition to traditional road improvements, be used to fund bicycle, sidewalk, and transit projects identified by the public. The City is also examining strategies to modify the development review process to be more consistent with the City’s adopted Future Land Use Map. To make sure the Citywide Mobility Plan is consistent with the City’s Comprehensive Plan and the vision and values of the community, we are seeking citizen input. You are invited to attend this public workshop and help shape Sarasota’s future. The public workshop will be held on May 16, 2013, and is an open-house style workshop from 6:00-7:30 PM. The meeting will be held in the Sarasota City Hall Annex, SRQ Media Studio on the 1st Floor (1565 First Street, Sarasota 34236). To learn more about the Citywide Mobility Plan, please visit the website at www.letsgetmovingsarasota.com! Please click here to download a copy of the meeting flyer.
We Are All One!
The Sarasota Police Department was sent a basket of cookies with a note saying, “We are all one!” The note was signed by Suzanne Willis whom we do not know, but we do want to thank her. The note also says “thank you all”, recognizing all police officers, not just the Sarasota Police Department. Chief DiPino said, upon receiving the basket, “People really care about our Police Department and we are grateful to our citizen partners.” The Chief also noticed that the cookies came from a company in Boston, MA. In light of the recent events, it is great that Ms. Willis supported a company based out of the Boston area. Thank you Ms. Willis for your support and for reminding us of that basic fact; We are all one!
04/25/2013
Wonderful performance...great talent!!
J
Bus Rapid Transit
Public Meeting
Monday, April 29, 2013
6:00 pm
City Hall - SRQ Media Studio
1565 First St - Annex Building, 1st Floor
Topics
Questions: 941-954-2612
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