PHOTO GALLERY: Firefighters Rib Cook-Off

Dan Armstrong says the City of Venice’s ribs are made with love.

Firehouses arrived as early as 6 a.m. to start their smoking ribs.

Joni Walker, Amy Brooks and Natalie Shrek pick up some ribs.

Doug Brett pulls out a rack of ribs from St. Cedar Hammock's Smokersaurus.

Kevin Vreeland of St. Cedar Hammock firehouse says the secret to their recipe is “sweet heat.”

Payton Snyder, Hayden Taylor, Julia Jekonski and Ethan Snyder hang out behind Station 1 of downtown Sarasota.

Volunteer firefighter, Taylor Smith, helps Helaine Yedkoin to sauce.

Station 16 offered guests a variety of secret homemade sauces including “Feeling Lucky.”

Catherine McDonnell helps daughter, Francesca, keep her hands clean.

Justin and Debbie Kiner

Ltn. Hollins and Bill Manning of Sarasota Station 7A are Ltn. Dan and Forrest Gump.

Lacey Currier, Ryelee Lococo and Alyssa Currier finish their plate of ribs.

Bob and Bryan Combs say Station 16’s ribs are really good.

Jaxon Cail tries his first rib.

Tom Cail teaches son, Jaxon, how to eat ribs.

Erin Atkinson welcomes Jackson Brock to the Volunteer firefighter’s tent The Spice is Right.

Tegan Hoffman bites into a rib.

Beau Bailey