Sarasota Police Department opens up to the community at Spring Fest

By Ian Swaby
| 10:45 a.m. April 15, 2026

Za'Tajh Coach, 3, climbs over a barrier in the obstacle course.

Sarasota
Neighbors

The Sarasota Police Department's Spring Fest grew out of its former National Night Out events held during the fall.

Officer Matthew Grochowski of the department's Community Relations Unit said the spring offered more desirable weather as people gathered outside the department's headquarters April 14.

Intended to build connections between members of the agency and the community, the family event showcased aspects of the department, with many community partners and vendors joining in.

Offerings included displays by specialty units like the Marine Patrol Unit, a junior SWAT obstacle course, a K-9 Unit demonstration, a petting zoo, a Grave Digger monster truck, free food and a DJ.

"We love the community that comes out and supports us, and we love all the entertainers that come out, so each year keeps getting bigger," Grochowski said. "I think it's probably the most important event for us to really get out there in the community and showcase what we have, and thank you to all our specialty units that come out and put on such a great show as well."

Staff from the Sarasota Police Department serve in the color guard.

Mia Martinez, 6, emerges from a tunnel in the obstacle course.

Seniors Oscar Ramirez and Bodhi Kirschner, and sophomore Dylan Bird, of Sarasota High School, perform in the drum line.

Sophomore Anthony Soos performs in the Sarasota High School drum line.

Marsha Stanisic of the Humane Society of Sarasota County's Pet Therapy Team brought along Dolly, who came dressed like one of the team.

Olivia Silva, 7, Stevie Aldrich, 8, Harper Rossnagle, 8, Kendall Silva, 9, and Hailey Rossnagle, 6, pet Dolly, who came dressed as a police officer.

Athena DeChant, 7, gets a lift from her mother Leah DeChant, to look inside a car on display.

Liam Kai, 5, steps through a row of tires in the obstacle course.

Cory Gallagher, his kids Paislee Gallagher, 10, Brooks Gallagher, 6, Brantley Gallagher, 12, and his wife Kaitlyn Gallagher, enjoy the Grave Digger.

Staff including Officer Andrew Capozzi watch as Brody gets target, led by his handler, Officer Jacob Nelson.

Officer Michael Colatorti, with his protective wear in the grip of Brody's jaw, offers a demonstration of the K-9 unit.

Gabriel Robles, 12, pets a pig at the petting zoo.

Jack Nichols, 3, ducks during the obstacle course.

Officers Matt Hughes, Jenna Harper and Aaron Modrow showcase the SWAT vehicle.

Aaron Elazzaoui and his son Jordan Elazzoui, 6, came from the skate park to check out the Grave Digger.

author

Ian Swaby

Ian Swaby is the Sarasota neighbors writer for the Observer. Ian is a Florida State University graduate of Editing, Writing, and Media and previously worked in the publishing industry in the Cayman Islands.