Pinellas County Sheriff's Office

Why do our deputies drive Tahoes? Safety. Fleet Manager Michael Vecchione shares this answer with us and a slew of others on the latest episode of 56: A Pinellas County Sheriff's Office Podcast. 56 is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you prefer to listen to podcasts.

Congratulations to Law Enforcement Analysts Mary Ellis and Cristina Acevedo on graduating from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's Law Enforcement Analyst Academy (FLEAA)! The FLEAA program provides comprehensive training for analysts who play a critical role in supporting investigations and operations. Mary and Cristina dedicated weeks to mastering analytical techniques, data interpretation, and intelligence processes that help keep our community safe. While their training took place at PCSO and HCSO, they're now part of a statewide network of skilled analysts working across Florida's law enforcement agencies. Please join us in celebrating their achievement and welcoming them as FLEAA graduates! 🎓 Pictured left to right: Captain Kim Kilian, Law Enforcement Analyst Mary Ellis, Law Enforcement Analyst Cristina Acevedo, Major Jon Tobeck. Second photo: The entire FLEAA class in front of the Sheriff's Administration Building in Largo.

It's nearly time for one of our favorite holiday traditions, Ride And Run With The Stars! When: IN THREE WEEKS - Saturday, December 6, 2025 Where: Fort De Soto Park What: Tampa Bay's LARGEST law enforcement charity fundraiser! Since 1993, this incredible event has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to bring hope and help to Pinellas County children and families during the holidays. In 2023, we supported 229 families and 604 children! Choose Your Adventure: 25-Mile Bike Ride - $50 10K Family Bike Ride - $50 5K Chipped Race - $55 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk/Skate - $50 What's Included: Long-sleeved dry-fit shirt Food & refreshments Awesome giveaways Visit from Santa & Mrs. Claus Kids' activities & family fun! All proceeds benefit the Pinellas County Sheriff's Christmas Sharing Project, helping crime victims, children, and families through the holidays. Get more details and register at RideAndRunWithTheStars.com.

⭐ Community Policing in Action ⭐ Deputy Donohue with our Community Policing Unit met Mrs. Tanya, a local mother who shared that she needed help furnishing her home for herself and her children. She needed living room furniture, kitchen essentials, and additional bedroom furniture to make her house feel like a home. Deputy Donohue recalled meeting Candice from The Pineapple Projects at a back-to-school event. The non-profit helps families in need of home furnishings, so he nominated Mrs. Tanya for assistance. The Pineapple Projects responded and fully furnished her home, providing everything she needed to create a comfortable, welcoming space for her family. This is what community policing is all about: building relationships, recognizing needs, and connecting people to resources. Deputy Donohue saw someone who needed help and knew exactly where to turn. Thank you to The Pineapple Projects for the incredible work you do in Pinellas. Pictured left to right: Deputy Donohue, Mrs. Tanya, Candice from The Pineapple Projects

Yesterday, PCSO brought the classroom to life at the Great American Teach-In! Students across the county got up close with our helicopters, cruisers, and humvees, learning firsthand about the work that goes into protecting our community. Our K-9s stole the show (as usual), and our members answered everything from serious questions about police work to "What's your favorite snack?" The curiosity and enthusiasm from these young minds made the day truly special. A huge thank you to all the schools who welcomed us and to all the students who reminded us why community connection matters.

Lights, sirens, helicopters, K-9s, oh my! This is just a taste of what students experienced learning about careers with PCSO during the Great American Teach-In! Our members visited schools across the county, bringing the Eagle (our helicopter), vessels from the Marine and Environmental Lands Unit, K-9s including Zorro, patrol vehicles, and so much more.

This Veterans Day, we're proud to honor the PCSO members who have answered the call to serve in our nation's armed forces. Whether you've completed your service or continue to serve, thank you for your commitment to our country and our community. Happy Veterans Day!

More than a job. A career with options. At the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, Detention Deputies have opportunities in Honor Guard, Corrections Response Team, Strategic Planning, Media Relations, Human Resources, and more. We are currently accepting applications for Detention & Corrections Deputy Sheriff and Detention & Corrections Deputy Sheriff Recruit! Detention & Corrections Deputy Sheriff Recruit (No Prior Experience Required): Corrections Academy Sponsorship Paid salary of $68,960 while attending academy More information: https://bit.ly/47APqap Detention & Corrections Deputy Sheriff: Relocation stipend up to $3,000 Certified experience pay up to $73,374 More information: https://bit.ly/4n1jna3 On 12-hour shifts, deputies work just 14 days per month and earn generous paid vacation and sick time! There's also a 10% differential for night shift. Questions? Contact HR at employment@pcsonet.com or 727-582-6208.

With Halloween in the rearview mirror, here's a holiday plan worth making: bring your family to meet Santa, explore law enforcement vehicles, and support families in need, all in one unforgettable day. Ride and Run with the Stars is so much more than just an athletic event. Yes, you can tackle the 25-mile bike ride, join the 1-mile fun run, or compete in the chipped 5K. But even if running and cycling aren't your thing, there's plenty of reason to come out and celebrate. Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 6th, at Fort DeSoto for the 32nd Annual Ride and Run with the Stars. Explore law enforcement vehicles up close, watch an impressive K-9 handler demonstration, and catch a visit from one of our helicopters. Grab lunch from a variety of food trucks, and let the little ones share their Christmas wishes with Santa himself. Yes, he'll be there! Here's the best part: all proceeds support the Sheriff's Christmas Sharing Project, providing essentials and toys to families in need this holiday season. For more information and to register, visit RideAndRunWithTheStars.com.

You had to be there. (Or you can just watch this.) 🐾