Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/264109
Sarasota County Sheriff Tom Knight received the Caring Heart of the Year Award from First Step of Sarasota Wednesday, Feb. 19, in recognition of his leadership in tackling the prescription drug problem with innovative solutions. The award was presented by Marcella Schuyler, chairwoman of the Caring Hearts Luncheon committee, who lauded Knight for being one of the people leading Sarasota through "murky times" with respect to the drug culture. In accepting, Knight noted he did so "on behalf of the Sheriff's Office" and not himself personally. Looking out on the 326 people who filled the banquet facility at Michael's On East in Sarasota, Knight commented, "It's great we have a community that gives so much." The Caring Hearts luncheon is an annual event, now in its 11th year, to benefit First Step's Mothers and Infants program. The pro- gram was launched in the 1990s in response (From left) First Step Board Chairman Peter Abbott, First Step Director Lynne D. Ross, First Step President and CEO David J. Beesley and Sheriff Tom Knight. Photo by Norman Schimmel FIRST STEP OF SARASOTA HONORS SHERIFF TOM KNIGHT AND UNDERSCORES THE IMPORTANCE OF ITS MOTHERS AND INFANTS PROGRAM BIG HEARTS By Vicki Chatley Contributing Writer