SPD takes the torch for Special Olympics run

Continuing a tradition more than two decades old, the Sarasota Police Department will participate in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics on Friday, April 21.  

Officers and civilian runners will join more than 300 Florida law enforcement agencies in the statewide torch run to benefit the athletes of Special Olympics Florida. More than 5,000 officers annually participate in the 1,500-mile relay across the state.

The SPD will take the torch from members of the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office in the parking lot of Paradise Plaza Publix, 3825 South Osprey Ave., at approximately 8:30 a.m. 

The first leg of the route through the city will take the torch north on Tamiami Trail past the split with North Washington Boulevard, and continue north with a right turn on Adams Lane, ending at SPD headquarters. 

The second leg will continue north on East Avenue to Main Street, then turn west through downtown to the Unconditional Surrender statue at the bayfront.

Donations may be sent to Sgt. Kenton Montegna at SPD headquarters. He may be contacted at 941-263-6773 or at [email protected]. All proceeds will support the Special Olympics athletes.