SARASOTA – After an 18-year-old was shot at the Sarasota County fair Saturday night, the fair re-opened to guests as scheduled this afternoon.
“I figure it’s pretty safe, it think it was just a strange, off thing that happened, I still feel safe here,” said fairgoer, Jane Kehrle.
Shots fired and the chaos that followed Saturday night did not stop Fairgoers from making their way to the Sarasota County Fair Sunday afternoon.
“If you’re worried come towards the daylight hours, and leave the night out of it, that’s what I think,” said Kehrle.
“I ain’t scared, that’s all I can tell ya,” said fairgoer, Mike Maturo.
SPD plans to increase security measures at the fair. A spokesperson tells us “Our agency is continuing to partner with the Sarasota County fair board to keep the fair a safe environment for everyone.”
“I never would have thought anything like that would happen, because its just a bunch of families that come here,” said witness, Shane Gaines.
In a statement posted on the Sarasota County fairgrounds Facebook page, “Enhanced security protocols and staffing are being implemented to supplement existing levels.”
Security was seen on Sunday checking all bags with wands at the fair entrance.
The Fair is scheduled to remain open until the 28th.
As of now detectives say the suspected shooter is not in custody, and their investigation remains active and ongoing.
Anyone with information or video of the incident is asked to call the Sarasota Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 941-263-6070.
