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Sarasota County Fire

Sarasota County Fire Stations Announce 2026 Open House Schedule: Free Family Events, Safety Demos & Blood Donations

| Suncoast Post Staff |

The Sarasota County Fire Department (SCFD) is gearing up for another year of community connection, education, and family fun with the return of its monthly Fire Station Open Houses in 2026. Launched as a countywide initiative in 2024, the program continues to grow—welcoming thousands of residents each year who come to meet their local firefighters, explore emergency vehicles, and learn lifesaving skills.

These free, family-friendly events take place on one Saturday each month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rotating through fire stations across Sarasota, Venice, and Nokomis. Each open house includes:

  • Fire engine and rescue vehicle tours
  • Meet-and-greet opportunities with SCFD firefighters
  • Fire safety and prevention demonstrations
  • Hands-only CPR instruction
  • AED demonstrations
  • Car seat safety checks
  • Bike helmet fittings
  • Interactive displays from community safety partners

SCFD leadership says these events are a cornerstone of building strong neighborhood relationships.

“We love hosting open houses—they allow us to meet our neighbors, share vital fire safety information, teach lifesaving skills like hands-only CPR and offer the opportunity to donate life-saving blood; all to make our community safer,” said Sarasota County Fire Chief David Rathbun. “Thank you to everyone who has attended our open houses over the years. We look forward to continuing these events throughout our community.”

2026 SCFD Fire Station Open House Schedule

January 10 – Station 2, 2070 Waldemere St., Sarasota
February 28 – Station 10, 35 Vic Edwards Road, Sarasota
March 28 – Station 21, 721 Center Road, Venice
April 18 – Station 9, 6750 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota
May 16 – Station 23, 1930 N. Tamiami Trail, Nokomis
June 13 – Station 6, 4100 Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota
July 18 – Station 19, 15911 Rawls Road, Sarasota
August 22 – Station 8, 840 Apex Road, Sarasota
September 19 – Station 22, 4531 Englewood Road, Venice
October 10 – Station 5, 400 N. Beneva Road, Sarasota
November 14 – Station 4, 3530 Old Bradenton Road, Sarasota
December 12 – Station 17, 5431 Desoto Road, Sarasota

Support SCFD’s Whole Blood Initiative

Open Houses also serve as a convenient location to donate life-saving whole blood—a critical resource for trauma patients and emergency responders. Donation only takes about 15 minutes, and eligible donors can give every 56 days.

Residents can donate by:

  • Visiting any SCFD Open House in 2026
  • Stopping by a SunCoast Blood Center location
  • Calling 1-866-97-BLOOD
  • Checking local blood drives on the SunCoast Blood Center website

SCFD partners with SunCoast Blood Center because whole blood is especially vital for fire rescue crews responding to severe trauma, mass-casualty incidents, and other emergencies.

More Ways to Stay Connected

For more details about the Sarasota County Fire Department, the 2026 open house series, or blood donation opportunities:

Sarasota County prohibits discrimination in all county-sponsored programs, services, or activities. View the full ADA compliance policy at scgov.net.

Photo from SCgov.net

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