Sarasota Sheriff Sworn-in

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - The Venice Community Center was packed Monday as Sarasota’s law and order community came together to honor a changing of the guard.

Kurt Hoffman – whose career includes stints with the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, as Assistant State Attorney for the 12th District, and most recently as General Counsel and Captain -- then Colonel under Sheriff Tom Knight -- initially planned on doing the swearing in low key – at the judges offices… but admits this South County ceremony was appropriate.

“You know from interviewing me in the past that I’m a South County guy,” said the new Sheriff. “I went to Lemon Bay High School... I’ve been here for 40 years.”

In comments with reporters, Sheriff Hoffman said he’d keep a lot of what’s worked in place… especially the coperation between area policing agencies.

“And I think when we get on the backside of this Covid thing,” he said. We need to meet formally and share our intel and ideas. I don’t think criminals sholuld be able to escape because they’re crossing some imaginary line on a map.”

At the podium -- surrounded by family and friends -- and speaking to scores of command staff and supporters, Hoffman talked about his commitment to his County’s citizens.

“It’s not about me,” he said. “It’s about you in the community.”

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