Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/320652
vice president of that group, Larry Reinebach, called LaHurd "a master storyteller who has preserved the legacy of Florida and Sarasota." BIDDING ADIEU TO THE CHIEF On May 21, the Commission Chambers was filled as board Chairman Charles Hines called Tobias and the chief's wife of 38 years, Sharon, to the front of the room. "We really, really appreciate what you've done," Hines said after noting that Tobias, who has been a county resident since 1965, joined the Fire Department in 1979. Tobias was promoted to chief in August 2011, Hines pointed out, and then promoted to director of emergency services in July 2012. The commissioners presented Tobias with a framed canvas of a photo of Tobias taken by Norman Schimmel, a member of the county's (From left) County Administrator Tom Harmer, Commissioner Joe Barbetta, Commissioner Nora Patterson, Sharon Tobias, Chief Mike Tobias, Commission Chairman Charles Hines, Vice Chairwoman Christine Robinson, Commissioner Carolyn Mason and Norman Schimmel mark the occasion of Chief Tobias' retirement on May 21. Photo by Steve Dawson, Sarasota County Communications Department Without a doubt, the primary feedback I have received is 'Mike [Tobias] is going to be missed, but please hire somebody just like Mike.' Tom Harmer County Administrator Sarasota County Sarasota News Leader May 30, 2014 Page 55