Retired Sarasota Police Department Sgt. Jim DeNiro has entered the race for Sarasota County Commission in District 4, setting up a Republican Primary challenge against first-term Commissioner Joe Neunder.
DeNiro, a lifelong Republican, said his campaign will focus on affordability, public safety, growth management, environmental protection and greater accountability in county government. He said his nearly 40 years of public service in Sarasota County has prepared him to oversee county operations and budgets.
DeNiro retired from the Sarasota Police Department after a career that included criminal investigations, narcotics enforcement, patrol operations, traffic and marine units, emergency management, and leadership of the Underwater Search and Recovery Unit. He was also responsible for managing unit budgets, personnel deployment, training expenses and equipment purchases during his tenure.
“Sarasota County families are paying close attention to rising costs, and county government should do the same,” DeNiro said in a statement. “When the County Commission approves a record $2.5 billion budget that draws roughly $23 million from county reserves, that level of spending warrants careful scrutiny, continued oversight, and a renewed focus on fiscal discipline.”
DeNiro said District 4 is under pressure from rapid population growth, raising concerns about traffic congestion, infrastructure capacity, storm preparedness and the preservation of neighborhood and coastal character.
“In District 4, we feel growth every day — on our roads, in our neighborhoods, and along our coastlines,” DeNiro said. “Growth must be managed responsibly, with infrastructure, public safety, and environmental protection keeping pace — not falling behind.”
DeNiro also highlighted his service on the county’s Environmentally Sensitive Lands Oversight Committee, where he worked to ensure conservation programs funded by taxpayers are transparent and effectively protect water quality and wildlife habitat. DeNiro also served on the Traffic Advisory Committee and was involved with local civic and nonprofit organizations, including efforts aimed at combating human trafficking.
DeNiro lives in Sarasota County with his family and is married with two children. Now working as a licensed Realtor and mortgage loan officer, DeNiro said his experience helping families, retirees, veterans and first-time homebuyers has reinforced his belief that county government should remain efficient and taxes kept low.
