Photo by Hardy Custodio.

A brush fire tore through the Stoneybrook of Venice community on June 5, destroying forty-one acres of land within the neighborhood. In the face of this devastating event, the heroic efforts of our region’s first responders helped protect lives, safeguard homes and prevent the fire from causing even greater destruction.

Hardy Custodio, the Facilities Manager for Stoneybrook of Venice and a former fire department maintenance worker, witnessed the emergency unfold. Though he initially attempted to use a fire extinguisher, he quickly recognized the blaze was spreading too rapidly and alerted emergency services via 911. "I've been close to fires before, but this one was different," Custodio said.

The containment of the fire was a result of a coordinated effort between the Sarasota County Fire Department, the Florida Forest Service and regional partners from Venice, Englewood, North Port and Nokomis. “Protecting lives, property and our community is at the heart of everything we do," said Assistant Chief Philip Peickert of the Sarasota County Fire Department. "The successful containment of this fire reflects the professionalism, training and teamwork of the firefighters, paramedics and public safety personnel who responded from across the county. We are grateful for the support shown by the residents and proud to have been part of this collective effort."

To show their appreciation, residents gathered at the community clubhouse on Saturday, June 27, to host a private gratitude luncheon for the responders who protected their neighborhood. This heartfelt tribute honored the dedicated crews who served on the front lines, defending the community and ensuring that all residents could return home safely.

Luncheon coordinator Tiffany Foster, who witnessed the fire, emphasized the importance of the tribute. "We are incredibly grateful for the aerial and ground efforts that protected our homes," she said. "While we are saddened by the loss of our nature preserve, we are relieved that there were no casualties, so we had to show appreciation."

Photo by Hardy Custodio.