The Police Benevolent Association will hold a protest outside of City Hall July 1 to demand that City Manager Bob Bartolotta either make public safety a priority or resign.

“Sarasota police officers are undermanned and under siege,” said PBA President Mick McHale. “We are facing an unprecedented crime wave in our community, and the city manager has done absolutely nothing to help. He needs to either back the police or resign.”

At its rally, the PBA will unveil a public-outreach campaign designed to garner community support for more police officers and a “more supportive attitude by City Hall toward law enforcement.”

Bartolotta could not immediately be reached for comment.