- January 12, 2026
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The Sarasota Police Department has another wheeled asset in its arsenal, but rather than an assault vehicle, cruiser or mobile command unit, this one is outfitted with iPads, a smartboard, classroom supplies, satellite internet connection, 3D printer and more than 200 books.
It’s the new Sarasota Learning Center, a 28-foot, self-contained trailer to be employed by the SPD’s Community Relations Unit. Introduced by the SPD on Jan. 9, it is designed to provide a safe learning environment that supports academic growth and social development while children engage and foster trusting relationships with police officers.
At a cost of approximately $100,000, the unit was fully paid for by a philanthropic effort led by Sarasota resident Deb Kabinoff.
While officers will manage the trailer and participate in activities, the goal is for the vehicle to be used as an on-campus field trip experience or for special outreach events for youth in the city.
“I was very fortunate in my career. I started and sold several software companies,” Kabinoff said. “When I retired here to Sarasota, I wanted to take the opportunity to use the money that I had made with technology to help apply technology to not-for-profit organizations and to people who didn't have access to technology that might help them the way that it helps so many other people.”
To address that need, she founded the Deb Kabinoff Fund to provide capital for projects related to bringing technology to people who could not otherwise afford it.
Sarasota Police Chief Rex Troche has not shied away from taking advantage of Kabinoff’s largesse. The two have previously partnered in efforts to provide technology to underserved areas of the city.
“We pitched this idea of a trailer with the latest in technology, and then essentially tutoring kids and allowing our officers to ingratiate themselves with the kids and build friendships and partnerships,” Troche said. “At the same time, we can allow the kids to have an on-campus school trip where they can leave their classroom and come just be in a different environment.”
Books for the Sarasota Learning Center were donated by Felicia Donson of Mom’s Book Nook and the Early Learning Coalition of Sarasota County. The colorful wrap, which showcases the city’s skyline, was adapted from an image provided by Liesl Walsh Photography.
In addition to serving as a mobile classroom, the Learning Center is adaptable to other uses. Troche said, for example, it can be used as shelter if needed in emergency situations, an onboard generator providing air conditioning and the desks raised and secured to the walls for more space. Through an operable window on one of the trailer, it can be parked on a neighborhood street and serve as a free ice cream truck.
Those are just some of the possibilities. But the primary objective is use as an education tool.
To that end, Officer Whitney Bentz of SPD’s Community Relations Unit has stocked the trailer with everything a classroom would need, including school supplies, a map of the world, colorful seating, the 3D printer and more.
“We’ve outfitted it with everything a classroom would need,” said Bentz in a news release. “I want to see kids using it and enjoying how much work has gone into to creating this space. I want them to get excited when they see it pull up to the school and think ‘I get to do this today.’”
Kabinoff said her involvement with the unit began with sponsoring the wrap but gradually morphed into funding the trailer, then the iPads, furniture and other amenities.
“Chief Troche and I have worked together for several years,” Kabinoff said. “He really believes in community policing and establishing that relationship, so when he finds an opportunity to reach out to a group of children in the community who don't have access to technology the way other people might, he calls me.
“He had this idea and I went for it immediately.”
Initially the Sarasota Learning Center will be available at community events and at elementary schools in north Sarasota as part of a partnership with the Sarasota County School District.
