The Florida Highway Patrol troop that oversees Manatee and Sarasota counties has a new commander.

On July 1, FHP Patrol Director Col. John Czernis announced that Maj. Brent Coates will be assuming the reigns for Troop F, which also covers Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, Lee, DeSoto, Hardee and Highlands counties.

Coates has spent 26 years with the patrol, and has demonstrated his ability to lead during the past year and a half while commanding Troop K, overseeing FHP enforcement on the Florida Turnpike.

“I have full confidence that he will bring the same dedication and professionalism to the troop in Southwest Florida,” Czernis said.

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