BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//ChamberMaster//Event Calendar 2.0//EN METHOD:PUBLISH X-PUBLISHED-TTL:P1H REFRESH-INTERVAL:P1H CALSCALE:GREGORIAN BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT RRULE:FREQ=YEARLY;BYMONTH=3;BYDAY=2SU DTSTART:20070101T000000 TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:Eastern Daylight Time END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD RRULE:FREQ=YEARLY;BYMONTH=11;BYDAY=1SU DTSTART:20070101T000000 TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:Eastern Standard Time END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261014T113023 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261014T130023 X-MICROSOFT-CDO-ALLDAYEVENT:FALSE SUMMARY:October 2026 Luncheon - Protecting Our Community: A Regional Law Enforcement & Fire Update DESCRIPTION:Check-in & Networking 11:30AM-12:00PM\nProgram 12:00-1:00PMPublic safety plays a vital role in maintaining a strong business climate and thriving community. Join the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance for an informative program featuring Lee Whitehurst (Chief of East Manatee Fire Rescue)\, Sheriff Rick Wells (Manatee County Sheriff's Office)\, and Sheriff Kurt Hoffman (Sarasota County Sheriff's Office) as they provide timely updates on the issues shaping public safety across our region. Learn valuable insights about regional crime trends\, emergency preparedness\, community policing initiatives\, fire and rescue services\, and the collaborative efforts underway to keep our businesses\, employees\, and residents safe.Gain a greater understanding of current public safety priorities\, emerging challenges\, and how partnerships between first responders\, law enforcement\, and the business community contribute to the continued success and resilience of the Lakewood Ranch region. Don't miss this opportunity to hear directly from our region's public safety leaders\, ask questions\, and stay informed about the issues impacting your business and our community.SpeakersKurt Hoffman\, Sheriff - Sarasota CountyKurt A. Hoffman is the 11th Sheriff of Sarasota County\, serving since January 5\, 2021.Sheriff Hoffman served his community for more than 35 years as an assistant state attorney for the 12th Judicial Circuit\, a deputy for the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office\, and as the general counsel for the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office (SCSO) since 2005. During his tenure at SCSO\, Sheriff Hoffman was promoted to captain\, major\, and colonel.He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Saint Leo College\, a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from International College\, and a Juris Doctorate degree from Nova Southeastern University. Sheriff Hoffman is a graduate of the FBI National Academy where he obtained a Graduate Certificate in Leadership from the University of Virginia.Sheriff Hoffman and his wife\, Teri\, have one son and currently reside in Venice.\n\nRick Wells\, Sheriff - Manatee CountySheriff Rick Wells was sworn in as Sheriff of Manatee County on January 3\, 2017\, and is currently serving his third term in office. A lifelong public servant with more than four decades of law enforcement experience\, Sheriff Wells has dedicated his career to protecting and serving the citizens of Manatee County and the State of Florida.Born in Tampa\, Florida\, Sheriff Wells relocated to Manatee County in 1978. He completed his high school education at Manatee High School in 1982\, attended Manatee Junior College\, and earned an Associate of Science degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Columbia Southern University. Additionally\, he is a graduate of the Command Officer Management Program at Saint Leo University.Sheriff Wells began his law enforcement career with the Manatee County Sheriff's Office in 1984 before serving 21 years with the Florida Highway Patrol\, where he rose to the rank of Sergeant. He later served as Chief of Police for the Palmetto Police Department from 2010 to 2015 before returning to the Sheriff's Office as second-in-command prior to being elected Sheriff in 2016. In total\, Sheriff Wells has accumulated over 35 years of experience in law enforcement.Throughout his career\, Sheriff Wells has emphasized community policing\, youth mentorship\, deputy safety\, and transparency in law enforcement. Under his leadership\, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office expanded community outreach initiatives\, strengthened partnerships with local schools and youth organizations\, and continued to build strong relationships throughout the community.Sheriff Wells has provided law enforcement training to governmental\, educational\, and community organizations throughout Florida. He currently holds the position of Executive Director of the Manatee County Police Athletic League (PAL)\, serves as Chairperson of the Manatee County Law Enforcement Council\, and is a Board member of the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches\, the Law Enforcement Advisory Board Council for Manatee Technical College\, the North Manatee Kiwanis\, the Replay Advisory Council\, and Strength in Action. Sheriff Wells has dedicated his career to serving the community.Sheriff Wells is married to Lupita Wells\, and together they have three sons. The Wells family resides in Manatee County\, where they remain actively involved in supporting community programs and local initiatives.Lee Whitehurst\, Chief - East Manatee Fire RescueChief Whitehurst\, 62\, is a 48-year veteran of the fire service of Manatee County\, Florida. He began his career at the age of 14 in 1978 as a Boy Scouts of America Explorer Post Cadet at the local Samoset Volunteer Fire Department. At the age of 18\, he became a full-fledged volunteer firefighter before moving to eastern Manatee County. Whitehurst joined the fledgling Braden River Fire Control and Rescue District in 1983.Due to his previous experience in Samoset\, he quickly moved up in the volunteer organization and was the Training Officer and a Lieutenant by the time he was 19 years old. By 1988\, he was a Captain and was then hired full-time\, becoming one of the first three employees of the District. Whitehurst became the Deputy Fire Chief in 1992 and for the next 25 years served in several capacities at that position\, from Chief of Operations to Fire Marshal to Administrative Chief. Braden River was renamed in 2005 and is now known as the East Manatee Fire Rescue District\, the largest fire district in Manatee County. Whitehurst was selected in 2017 as the 6th Fire Chief in the history of the District and is currently the most tenured Fire District Chief in Manatee County and the longest serving active member of the county fire service.Chief Whitehurst is a graduate of Manatee Community College (State College of Florida) majoring in Fire Science and now sits on the advisory board for their fire science program. He holds state certifications as an emergency medical technician\, firefighter\, fire officer\, fire instructor\, fire inspector\, and fire investigator.He is also a certified Special District Manager\, Florida Labor Relations Professional\, a nationally accredited "Chief Fire Officer"\, and a graduate of the prestigious Executive Fire Officer program of the National Fire Academy. Whitehurst lives in the Lakewood Ranch with his wife Carol-Ann and two Bernie-doodles\, Kramer and Newman. X-ALT-DESC;FMTTYPE=text/html:

Check-in &\; Networking 11:30AM-12:00PM
Program 12:00-1:00PM

Public safety plays a vital role in maintaining a strong business climate and thriving community. Join the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance for an informative program featuring Lee Whitehurst (Chief of East Manatee Fire Rescue)\, Sheriff Rick Wells (Manatee County Sheriff'\;s Office)\, and Sheriff Kurt Hoffman (Sarasota County Sheriff'\;s Office) as they provide timely updates on the issues shaping public safety across our region. Learn valuable insights about regional crime trends\, emergency preparedness\, community policing initiatives\, fire and rescue services\, and the collaborative efforts underway to keep our businesses\, employees\, and residents safe.

Gain a greater understanding of current public safety priorities\, emerging challenges\, and how partnerships between first responders\, law enforcement\, and the business community contribute to the continued success and resilience of the Lakewood Ranch region. Don'\;t miss this opportunity to hear directly from our region'\;s public safety leaders\, ask questions\, and stay informed about the issues impacting your business and our community.

Speakers

Kurt Hoffman\, Sheriff - Sarasota County

Kurt A. Hoffman is the 11th Sheriff of Sarasota County\, serving since January 5\, 2021.

Sheriff Hoffman served his community for more than 35 years as an assistant state attorney for the 12th Judicial Circuit\, a deputy for the Charlotte County Sheriff&rsquo\;s Office\, and as the general counsel for the Sarasota County Sheriff&rsquo\;s Office (SCSO) since 2005. During his tenure at SCSO\, Sheriff Hoffman was promoted to captain\, major\, and colonel.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Saint Leo College\, a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from International College\, and a Juris Doctorate degree from Nova Southeastern University. Sheriff Hoffman is a graduate of the FBI National Academy where he obtained a Graduate Certificate in Leadership from the University of Virginia.

Sheriff Hoffman and his wife\, Teri\, have one son and currently reside in Venice.



Rick Wells\, Sheriff - Manatee County

Sheriff Rick Wells was sworn in as Sheriff of Manatee County on January 3\, 2017\, and is currently serving his third term in office. A lifelong public servant with more than four decades of law enforcement experience\, Sheriff Wells has dedicated his career to protecting and serving the citizens of Manatee County and the State of Florida.

Born in Tampa\, Florida\, Sheriff Wells relocated to Manatee County in 1978. He completed his high school education at Manatee High School in 1982\, attended Manatee Junior College\, and earned an Associate of Science degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Columbia Southern University. Additionally\, he is a graduate of the Command Officer Management Program at Saint Leo University.

Sheriff Wells began his law enforcement career with the Manatee County Sheriff&rsquo\;s Office in 1984 before serving 21 years with the Florida Highway Patrol\, where he rose to the rank of Sergeant. He later served as Chief of Police for the Palmetto Police Department from 2010 to 2015 before returning to the Sheriff&rsquo\;s Office as second-in-command prior to being elected Sheriff in 2016. In total\, Sheriff Wells has accumulated over 35 years of experience in law enforcement.

Throughout his career\, Sheriff Wells has emphasized community policing\, youth mentorship\, deputy safety\, and transparency in law enforcement. Under his leadership\, the Manatee County Sheriff&rsquo\;s Office expanded community outreach initiatives\, strengthened partnerships with local schools and youth organizations\, and continued to build strong relationships throughout the community.

Sheriff Wells has provided law enforcement training to governmental\, educational\, and community organizations throughout Florida. He currently holds the position of Executive Director of the Manatee County Police Athletic League (PAL)\, serves as Chairperson of the Manatee County Law Enforcement Council\, and is a Board member of the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches\, the Law Enforcement Advisory Board Council for Manatee Technical College\, the North Manatee Kiwanis\, the Replay Advisory Council\, and Strength in Action. Sheriff Wells has dedicated his career to serving the community.

Sheriff Wells is married to Lupita Wells\, and together they have three sons. The Wells family resides in Manatee County\, where they remain actively involved in supporting community programs and local initiatives.

Lee Whitehurst\, Chief - East Manatee Fire Rescue

Chief Whitehurst\, 62\, is a 48-year veteran of the fire service of Manatee County\, Florida.  \;He began his career at the age of 14 in 1978 as a Boy Scouts of America Explorer Post Cadet at the local Samoset Volunteer Fire Department.  \;At the age of 18\, he became a full-fledged volunteer firefighter before moving to eastern Manatee County. Whitehurst joined the fledgling Braden River Fire Control and Rescue District in 1983.

Due to his previous experience in Samoset\, he quickly moved up in the volunteer organization and was the Training Officer and a Lieutenant by the time he was 19 years old.  \;By 1988\, he was a Captain and was then hired full-time\, becoming one of the first three employees of the District.  \;Whitehurst became the Deputy Fire Chief in 1992 and for the next 25 years served in several capacities at that position\, from Chief of Operations to Fire Marshal to Administrative Chief. \;

Braden River was renamed in 2005 and is now known as the East Manatee Fire Rescue District\, the largest fire district in Manatee County.  \;Whitehurst was selected in 2017 as the 6th Fire Chief in the history of the District and is currently the most tenured Fire District Chief in Manatee County and the longest serving active member of the county fire service.

Chief Whitehurst is a graduate of Manatee Community College (State College of Florida) majoring in Fire Science and now sits on the advisory board for their fire science program. He holds state certifications as an emergency medical technician\, firefighter\, fire officer\, fire instructor\, fire inspector\, and fire investigator.

He is also a certified Special District Manager\, Florida Labor Relations Professional\, a nationally accredited &ldquo\;Chief Fire Officer&rdquo\;\, and a graduate of the prestigious Executive Fire Officer program of the National Fire Academy.  \;Whitehurst lives in the Lakewood Ranch with his wife Carol-Ann and two Bernie-doodles\, Kramer and Newman.

LOCATION:7650 Legacy Blvd Lakewood Ranch FL 34202 UID:e.2888.1374771 SEQUENCE:3 DTSTAMP:20260821T171822Z URL:https://lwrba.growthzoneapp.com/community-calendar/Details/october-2026-luncheon-protecting-our-community-a-regional-law-enforcement-fire-update-1622969?sourceTypeId=Hub END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR