Sarasota fire stations vie for chili title at 26th cook-off

Sixteen Sarasota-area fire stations compete for the best chili title Sunday, Oct. 11, at the 26th annual Morton's Firehouse Chili Cook-Off.

The event runs from 2 to 5 p.m., with all proceeds going to the Sarasota Firefighters Benevolent Fund. Organizers expect between 3,000 and 5,000 people, according to ABC7, which first reported on the cook-off.

Todd Morton, owner of Morton's Gourmet Market and co-chair of the cook-off, told ABC7 the event started in 2000 with about 150 people gathered in a side parking lot.

Over 26 years, it has grown into a three-hour block of chili tastings, decorated booths and live music from Scott Serbin and his band Joyland. Morton said Serbin's crew has donated their time every year.

"I may be biased, but I think it's the best neighborhood event that Sarasota has to offer," Morton told ABC7 on Oct. 5.

Most competing teams come from Sarasota County fire stations, but departments from South Manatee, Englewood and Boca Grande have joined over the years. A Sarasota Police Department booth also competes alongside the firefighters. SPD's Community Relations Unit lists the cook-off among its annual community events, according to the department's 2023 annual report.

The competition gets fierce. Morton told ABC7 the firefighters are "a bunch of go-getters" who take the rivalry with the police booth seriously.

The benevolent fund supports firefighters and their families during difficult times, including housing and tuition assistance for families of fallen firefighters.

This year's judging panel brings local star power. Tripp Schwenk, a Sarasota native and two-time Olympic swimmer who won gold and silver medals at the 1996 Atlanta Games, retired from the Sarasota Police Department on June 26 after a 26-year career, Your Observer reported. He served on SPD's K-9 unit, marine unit and dive team.

Former NFL punter Mark Royals, whose career included stints with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Pittsburgh Steelers, and Adrian McPherson, a former Florida State quarterback from Bradenton who was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in 2005, round out the panel.

ABC7 chief meteorologist Bob Harrigan returns as emcee. Morton joked the event is not officially over until Harrigan does his signature headstand.

Awards for first, second and third place, along with a People's Choice Award, will be presented shortly after 5 p.m.

Upcoming Sarasota community events: