Sarasota Sheriff’s 6th Annual Halloween Drive-Thru
Hit the road for Sarasota County Sheriff’s sixth annual Halloween Drive-Thru on October 25, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at 6010 Cattleridge Blvd. Expect costumes, K-9 units, mounted patrol and nearly 100,000 pieces of candy; remain in your vehicle as there is no on-site parking.
Hop In: Sarasota County Sheriff’s Sixth Annual Halloween Drive-Thru
Think trick-or-treating with a newsroom edge and a seatbelt on. The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is rolling out its sixth annual Halloween Drive-Thru on Saturday, October 25, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Families can cruise through the action at the agency headquarters, 6010 Cattleridge Boulevard in Sarasota.
Why this event matters
It’s safe, it’s fast, and it’s fun—all the reasons busy parents and nostalgic Gen Xers love one-stop Halloween. Over six years this event has become a local ritual: community officers on display, families waving from cars, and a serious supply of candy. This year the sheriff’s office says there will be close to 100,000 pieces of candy handed out, making it one of the heavier-hit candy stops on the Gulf Coast.
When and where
Mark your calendars: Saturday, October 25, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The drive-thru begins at the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office headquarters, 6010 Cattleridge Boulevard. Attendees will be routed onto Cattleridge Boulevard between the Arby’s restaurant and the BP convenience store, then directed north toward the event entrance. Follow posted signs and officers’ directions for a smooth roll-through.
Logistics and rules
Because this is a drive-thru format, there is no on-site parking. All participants must remain in their vehicles for the duration of the visit. The format keeps traffic moving and limits foot traffic, which is why local families have embraced the model: it’s safer for kids and simpler for parents.
What you’ll see
Expect full-on Halloween energy with costumes and decorations at every turn. The sheriff’s office will put K-9 units and mounted patrol on display, giving kids an up-close look at community safety teams working in costume-friendly mode. It’s a chance to meet officers, snap a quick photo from the car window, and keep the candy haul flowing.
Tips for a smooth drive-thru
Arrive early if you want to beat the largest lines. Keep your headlights on when dusk falls and maintain the posted speed as marshals guide traffic. Make sure car windows roll down easily for quick exchanges and that children are safely belted. Remember: no on-site parking means you should plan to remain in your vehicle until you exit the event area.
Contact and more info
If you need details or have questions about accessibility, route adjustments, or other logistics, call the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Community Affairs Office at 941-861-4005. They can walk you through expectations and the best arrival windows.
Final word
This isn’t a spooky sideshow—it’s community outreach with personality. The sixth annual drive-thru blends safety with spectacle, giving Sarasota families a place to celebrate Halloween without the hassle. Pack a flashlight, wear a costume if you like, and bring an appetite for candy. The sheriff’s office will handle the theatrics and the treats; you bring the passengers.
See you in line on October 25.
