“Band Together for Safety: Sheriff Potter’s Initiatives for the 2024 Fair”
As we eagerly approach the 2024 Annual DeSoto County Fair, I come to you with a sense of excitement and responsibility. The fair, scheduled to kick off on Friday, February 2, 2024, and run until Saturday, February 10, 2024, promises a week filled with fun, but safety remains a top priority.
In collaboration with the Arcadia Police Department and the DeSoto County Fair Association, Marshal Jones and I have been diligently working to enhance the safety measures at this year's fair. I am pleased to announce the introduction of our new Command Center, generously donated by the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office. Strategically located in the heart of the fairgrounds, law enforcement deputies will be stationed at the Command Center, enforcing safety measures to ensure a secure environment for everyone. It is our commitment to proactively address any potential issues and create an atmosphere where everyone can enjoy the fair without worry.
This year, we are implementing an innovative safety measure aimed specifically for our youngest people attending. Parents and guardians, if you’re interested in taking an additional safety step for your child, we will be administering safety bands to children attending the fair upon request and approval. Each child will receive a band featuring a unique number, and we will record the associated parent or guardian's contact information in our records. This initiative will be crucial in reuniting families quickly in the unfortunate event of a child going missing.
Children attending the fair will need to sign up for a new safety band each day, emphasizing our commitment to maintaining an up-to-date record of attendees. I encourage parents and guardians to visit our Command Center upon arrival to check-in their children and receive the safety bands. Your cooperation ensures a more efficient and secure fair experience for everyone.
As your Sheriff, I am dedicated to taking every extra necessary step to ensure the DeSoto County Fair is a place for safe and enjoyable family fun. The collaborative efforts with our law enforcement partners and the Fair Association, in addition to the introduction of the Command Center and our safety bands initiative, ensures our commitment to your safety and well-being.
I encourage you all to look out for one another and remember to report any suspicious activity to us through a deputy directly, or by contacting us through our non-emergency line at 863-993-4700.
Be Kind, Be Safe, God Bless.
Sheriff Jim Potter