Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/239386
Sarasota News Leader January 10, 2014 Page 54 service level in conjunction with the mall's In an interview with The Sarasota News Leader last year, Sheriff Tom Knight discussed simidebut. larities between staffing near Benderson Park A Dec. 10 memo to the County Commission and his use of personnel on Siesta Key. "We're says the station is expected to be completed going to need a special group of deputies up about eight months after the opening of the there," he told the News Leader, especially mall. The fire facility will include 2,000 square given the number of international as well as feet of space for administrative offices and out-of-state and Florida visitors who will be storage area for the Sheriff's Office — includ- coming to the venue for competitions. ing room for all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), The office utilizes both ATVs and Mounted Hoag added. Staff is working with Benderson Patrol officers on a regular basis during seaDevelopment Co. on a land swap to allow for son and special events on Siesta Key. the construction of a facility for the Sheriff's Office Mounted Patrol to keep horses there as The commissioners voted unanimously during their regular meeting on Dec. 10 to well, Hoag said. move forward with design and permitting for The proposed site of the structure is the north four new fire stations, with a construction side of Desoto Road, just east of Honore contract expected to come before the board in early spring for the first one. Taking into Avenue, on property the county owns. A map shows the location of Fire Station No. 16 on Hummingbird Lane near Clark Road. Image courtesy Sarasota County