Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office To Host Second Annual Drive-Thru Halloween Event

SARASOTA COUNTY, FL — The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is hosting its second annual drive-thru Halloween event Oct. 30, 6 to 8 p.m., at its headquarters at 6010 Cattleridge Blvd. in Sarasota.

The program was created last year as a safe alternative to trick-or-treating in response to concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, the agency said in a news release.

Personnel staged static displays in the agency’s headquarters parking lot, distributing an estimated 80,000 pieces of candy to more than 1,100 attendees.

“If you stopped by (or tried to stop by but got stuck in traffic) last year, you will remember this was a hugely successful event where we welcomed an estimated 1,100 kids,” the sheriff’s office shared on its Facebook event page. “It was pretty much insane, but really well-received.”

Despite the wait, all attendees “who came through the line (were) excited and grateful despite sitting in line for several minutes, and some a few hours,” SCSO said.

The agency plans on “doing things a little different this year,” but said it expects a big turnout.

“We received great feedback from our community following last year’s event," Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman said. “Which is why we decided to open this event up again to the residents we serve. Not only are we getting kids out of the house, but we are doing so in a safe way while building relationships and showcasing the great work of our personnel and specialty units.”

Last year, the sheriff’s office ran out of candy in the middle of the event and had to go to Sam’s Club in the middle of it to buy more.

Deputies are seeking candy donations from businesses and individuals to be handed out during this drive-thru trick-or-treating event.

Those interested in donating can drop off sealed and individually wrapped candy at the agency’s headquarters any day between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. through Oct. 22 or call 941-861-4005.

The evening of the event, attendees will be directed to enter Cattleridge Boulevard between the Arby’s restaurant and BP convenience store, before heading north. To streamline traffic flow, drivers will enter the north parking lot in two lanes and follow instructions from Traffic Unit deputies, the sheriff's office said.

Because this is a drive-thru program, there will be no on-site parking and all attendees are asked to remain in their cars.