Sarasota Torch Run Route Announced

SARASOTA, FL — Folks who drive through Sarasota Friday morning might get the chance to watch the city’s law enforcement officers take to the streets for a cause that’s near and dear to their hearts. The Sarasota Police Department has announced its participation in the 2017 Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics.

The agency has taken part in the fundraiser for Special Olympics each year for more than two decades. The relay-style event will kick off in the parking lot of the Paradise Publix, 3825 S. Osprey Ave., around 8:15 a.m. April 21 when a runner from the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is scheduled to pass the torch off to a police department runner. The police department’s team is joining more than 300 law enforcement agencies across the state in the effort to raise money to benefit the athletes of Special Olympics Florida.

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“More than 5,000 officers carry the torch on a 1,500-mile relay throughout Florida’s 67 counties annually,” an email from the police department said.

Folks who have come out to watch the relay in previous years may want to note a slightly different route this year through the city. Officers will run the relay in two legs. The first will take the torch north on Tamiami Trail, past the split with North Washington Boulevard, and then north with a right turn on Adams Lane. That leg will end at the department’s headquarters at 2099 Adams Lane.

The second leg of the run will pick up from Adams Lane and head north on East Avenue to Main Street, the police department reported. From there, runners will head west on Main Street through downtown to the Unconditional Surrender Statue at the Bayfront.

With the relay just days away, the agency is also collecting donations for Special Olympics of Florida. Donations may be sent to Officer Kenton Montegna at 2099 Adams Lane, Sarasota, FL 34237. The police department also has Torch Run T-shirts and hats available for sale with proceeds benefiting Special Olympics. Prices are as follows:

• Camouflage hat - $10
• Black hat - $15
• Cotton T-shirt - $13
• Dri-fit Shirt - $20

For more information about purchasing a hat or shirt, contact Officer Montegna at 941-366-8000, Ext. 7817, or email Kenton.Montegna@SarasotaFL.gov.

For more information about the Torch Run, visit Special Olympics Florida online.

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Photo courtesy of the Sarasota Police Department