Officer "D" Retirement Party at Sarasota Yacht Club

Sarasota Police Officer Donzia Franklin at her "retirement" luncheon at Sarasota Yacht Club on Thursday

Nearly 200-people turned out at the Sarasota Yacht Club for a gala retirement party Thursday afternoon, including a number of Lido Shorians, to pay tribute to Sarasota police officer extraordinaire Donzia Franklin. Mc'ed by our own Bob Thill... Officer D was showered with accolades for her lengthy and legendary career patrolling the "islands", including Lido Key.

Andrew Vac introducing Officer D (in foreground)

Officer D, also known as Island Chick, heard tributes from Vice Mayor Willie Shaw, Police Chief Bernadette DiPino and another Lido Shorian Andrew Vac. There were light-hearted parody songs, heart-felt toasts, numerous standing ovations, and a fun video showing "D" patrolling as Bat Woman and telling Chief DiPino emphatically, "These are my islands."

Chief DiPino also let the crowd know that Franklin's retirement won't be long-lived. Thanks to an outcry of support, as well as meetings with police department officials by Lido Shores representatives Thill and Vac, D will be "re-hired" by the department on a part-time basis to teach community policing to newer recruits.

Beginning October 1st, Donzia will also resume her patrol of our neighborhood, as well as Bird Key and Lido Key, on selected nights and weekends. Thank you Officer D, we can't imagine life on the island without you!

Bob Thill hosted the Officer D event

Bob Thill, Police Chief Bernadette DiPino, Officer D, Andrew Vac

Officer D in video parody about her island beat

Miriam Cassell, Officer D, Jean Williams, Lisa Kates with daughter Hanna

~ Bob Thill
Photos by Janet Minker