GUEST EDITORIAL: It’s been … a year

BY SHERIFF BILL PRUMMELL, CHARLOTTE COUNTY

It’s been a year. A year of highs and lows, leaving us with a broader appreciation for this journey we are on and those with whom we choose to surround ourselves. Although we may stumble sometimes, it’s important that we muster up the courage to get back up again. As a community, we have done that together. Charlotte County has strengthened its resolve in the wake of Hurricane Ian, and we at CCSO have been overwhelmed by the support you showed us following Deputy Taylor’s passing. I cannot express to you how much that has meant as we cope with the tragic loss of a brother.

It’s no secret that our area has experienced tremendous growth within the past several years. As a result, our Sheriff’s Office is facing many challenges and making the necessary adjustments to grow with the

community to ensure we are maintaining the highest level of public safety and service possible.

Charlotte County has been separated into four patrol districts for as long as I can remember. District 1 covers the area west of the Myakka River, including the surrounding waters and barrier islands. District 2 covers the area from Midway Boulevard and U.S. 41 to the Sarasota County line north and west to the Myakka River. District 3, though only 30 square miles, is the most densely populated of the four districts. Two of the county’s three hospitals, Fawcett and ShorePoint Health Port Charlotte, are in District 3. Finally, District 4, the largest of the districts, includes a territory of 432 square miles, covers all the areas south of the Baron Collier Bridge to the Lee County line, north and east of the Peace River Bridge on Interstate 75 to the DeSoto County and Glades County lines and east to the Glades County line.

In response to the extensive growth in our population, it was necessary to create an additional district to maintain our high standard of service. District 5 will be based in Babcock Ranch and we are hopeful that the groundbreaking of this new office will occur this year. With it, we will be expanding from 16 patrol zones to 24. We also anticipate groundbreaking for a new Administration Building on Loveland Boulevard as well as the new Training facility and new District 4 buildings on Airport Road this year. Even with completion dates in the distance, it’s invigorating to see the beginning of what’s to come.

I truly hope the best for you and your family in 2023 and beyond. I am excited to share the agency’s growth with you all as we work to keep Charlotte County the best place to live, work, and play. Be strong. Be safe. And never quit!

– Sheriff Bill Prummell

Charlotte County