About Jim
A career of service. A commitment to Sarasota.
Jim DeNiro retired from the Sarasota Police Department as a Sergeant after a 30-year career spanning criminal investigations, narcotics enforcement, patrol operations, traffic and marine units, emergency management, and leadership of the Underwater Search and Recovery Unit.
In leadership roles, Jim managed unit budgets, personnel deployment, training costs, and equipment purchasing—experience he believes is essential as county spending continues to rise.
Jim is running to bring careful scrutiny, continued oversight, and renewed fiscal discipline to the Commission—while ensuring Sarasota County grows responsibly. That focus is especially critical after the County Commission approved a record $2.5 billion budget, drawing roughly $23 million from reserves.
- 30+ years in Sarasota County
- Retired SPD Sergeant (30 years)
- Community involvement: Environmentally Sensitive Lands Oversight Committee; Traffic Advisory Committee; human trafficking boards
- Leadership: Venice Yacht Club Board (2013–2017), Commodore (2016); Sarasota Crew Treasurer & Board (2021–2025)
Awards & Recognition
- Distinguished Service Award (2002)
Off-duty bank robbery apprehension - Chief’s Award (2016)
Created TYLA (‘Turn Your Life Around’) anti-human trafficking program (adopted nationally)
Priorities for Sarasota County
Affordability
Jim has helped families, retirees, veterans, and first-time homebuyers as a Realtor® and mortgage loan officer. As County Commissioner, he will keep government efficient, property taxes low, and housing affordable—especially for seniors and working families on fixed incomes.
Public Safety
Jim DeNiro is a retired law enforcement officer who is committed to upholding public safety. As county commissioner, Jim will make sure our law enforcement and First Responders are fully funded and equipped to accomplish their mission.
Fiscal Discipline
County spending must be brought under control. Jim will fight to bring fiscal common-sense back to local government, eliminate waste, and stop bureaucrats from hiking your property taxes.
Environmental Protection
Protecting our barrier reefs, waterways, estuaries, and bays is essential to the district’s quality of life. Through his service on the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Oversight Committee, Jim has worked to ensure taxpayer-funded conservation efforts are transparent, effective, and focused on protecting water quality, wildlife habitat, and the places that make our district special.
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