Za'Tajh Coach, 3, climbs over a barrier in the obstacle course.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Sarasota
Neighbors
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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.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Mia Martinez, 6, emerges from a tunnel in the obstacle course.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Seniors Oscar Ramirez and Bodhi Kirschner, and sophomore Dylan Bird, of Sarasota High School, perform in the drum line.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Sophomore Anthony Soos performs in the Sarasota High School drum line.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Marsha Stanisic of the Humane Society of Sarasota County's Pet Therapy Team brought along Dolly, who came dressed like one of the team.
Photo by Ian Swaby
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.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Athena DeChant, 7, gets a lift from her mother Leah DeChant, to look inside a car on display.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Jack Nichols, 3, feeds a goat.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Liam Kai, 5, steps through a row of tires in the obstacle course.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Cory Gallagher, his kids Paislee Gallagher, 10, Brooks Gallagher, 6, Brantley Gallagher, 12, and his wife Kaitlyn Gallagher, enjoy the Grave Digger.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Staff including Officer Andrew Capozzi watch as Brody gets target, led by his handler, Officer Jacob Nelson.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Officer Michael Colatorti, with his protective wear in the grip of Brody's jaw, offers a demonstration of the K-9 unit.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Gabriel Robles, 12, pets a pig at the petting zoo.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Jack Nichols, 3, ducks during the obstacle course.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Officers Matt Hughes, Jenna Harper and Aaron Modrow showcase the SWAT vehicle.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Cali Panton, 5, explores magnetism.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Aaron Elazzaoui and his son Jordan Elazzoui, 6, came from the skate park to check out the Grave Digger.
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.
