Sarasota Power and Sail Squadron holds annual change of watch

The Sarasota Power & Sail Squadron, a local nonprofit, frequently operates in conjunction with the United States Coast Guard. 

In fact, it shares the feature, with that service branch, of a changing of the watch ceremony, which it held Jan. 19 at Laurel Oak Country Club.

The 73rd annual ceremony, the occasion welcomed the new Bridge, including the organization's sixth female commander, Barbara Warshaw.

"I'm excited for the challenge. It's a good organization and I really believe in the education that they offer to the public," Warshaw said, encouraging the public to take the boating classes. 

The organization offers the classes from its clubhouse on Hyde Park Street and Tuttle Road, and emphasizes civic duty through activities like boat inspections, and fire extinguisher demonstrations alongside the police. 

"You can tell when you're out there on a Sunday, who's taken the course and who hasn't," said former commander Susan Lomastro. "That's what our whole goal is: making the water safe."

The ceremony also honored the contributions of other members, including outgoing commander Austin Dickinson.

Dickinson said with many nonprofits to choose from, boat safety was still a critical need in Sarasota due to its geography, stating, "I'm especially excited for the incoming commander to be able to pick that up and really send the message to the community that we're here to help and we're here for any level of boater, whether beginner or advanced."