Sarasota Community Reacts as Basketball Hoop Temporarily Removed Over Safety Concerns

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SARASOTA, Fla. (WFLA) — The basketball hoop at a local Sarasota park has been reinstalled after its removal due to a potential threat aimed at park-goers.

Jamika Williams mentioned that her children are frequent visitors to Mary Dead Park, spending nearly every afternoon there.

In related news, a Pinellas Park officer was deemed justified in the shooting of an Airbnb guest, as officials confirmed the officer feared for their life.

“After completing their homework, the kids head straight to the park,” Williams explained.

However, on Wednesday, her son discovered that the basketball hoop had been taken down.

The City of Sarasota said Wednesday they were made aware of a threat against people using the basketball hoop at the park. The city said the hoop was removed out of concern for the safety of the community. The Sarasota Police Department said this is an open, active, and ongoing investigation.

By Thursday afternoon the hoop was back up. Kids played on the court all afternoon, and the community came out to support.

Sarasota Commissioner Kyle Battie told 8 On Your Side the person who lived next door to the park was in question in the investigation.

“Once we saw that there was no imminent threat, you know, of any real degree. She complied to have us, you know, look at look at her house or what have you, you know, weapons,” Battie said. “I’ve had plenty of conversations with her, because she’s a member of the community.”

News Channel 8 tried speaking with the neighbor, who we are not identifying because she has not been charged with anything, but she declined to comment. Williams said she’s grateful everyone came together for the sake of the entire community.

“Instead of our kids picking up a basketball to play basketball, they can easily pick up a gun or drugs and all of that. We already have issues with that right now, today. So why not let it be a basketball that they want to pick up or a football and enjoy being a kid?” Williams said.

The commissioner said they will look for ways to accommodate everyone involved.