Gulf Coast Builders Exchange Board Chairman Jeff Charlotte & Executive Director Mary Dougherty-Slapp coordinated GCBX members on August 8th at Knight Trail Park to build a new obstacle course at Knight Trail Park. Helping the GCBX members was Sheriff Tom Knight and members of Boy Scout Troop 50. This community service project will benefit area youth that have been referred to Sarasota County’s Teen Court. Many of the youth, ages 10-17, are charged with the possession of illegal substances or have tested positive during their initial assessment in the Teen Court office. To reduce further crime among that most at-risk population, a sanction was developed to provide these at-risk youth a hands-on opportunity to learn both the negative impact that bad choices have on their lives and their families.
Each year more than 125 youth are required to complete 18 hours of services that will include Camp-XRAYD-Examining Reality About Your Decisions. The Police Athletic League of Sarasota County (PAL) coordinates deputies from the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office who conduct a 12-hour day that consists of physical activities emphasizing the advantages of personal fitness, teamwork and good decision-making. Also incorporated into the reality based experience are tours of the morgue, emergency room and jail to demonstrate the results of drug overdoses, DUI accidents, and the harsh realities of incarceration. Following the 12-hour day, Teen Court requires the youth and their families complete substance abuse education classes, provide six months of case management which includes random drug testing and school attendance checks. Failure to complete the six-month sanction results in referral into the juvenile justice system. Successful completion will give the juvenile offenders a 2nd chance due to their charge being dismissed.
A ribbon cutting celebrating the GCBX Community Service Project and dedication of the new course took place at Knight Trail Park, 9 am, September 10. Among the dignitaries attending were Sarasota County Commissioners Shannon Staub and Jon Thaxton and Sheriff Tom Knight.
This was one of the nicest community projects I have ever known to take place in this community. Thanks to Mary Dougherty-Slapp, Exec. Director of GCBX for inspiring their Membership to get involved and for Sarasota County Parks and Recreation for their cooperation. Honoring Major Kevin Gooding, wife Karen, and their commitment to saving the lives of children at the dedication of the O Course was very special for all of us at Teen Court and PAL. And special appreciation to Jon Swift for stepping in and taking care of the expenses at the end of the project. So many caring people made it happen.