NORTH PORT — For the seventh year in a row, city police officers and firefighters will engage in a struggle that is sure to draw blood. But whichever side you’re on, Lakewood Ranch resident and basketball broadcasting legend Dick Vitale will have you know: “Blood donors are awesome, baby!” It’s time for the annual “Boots vs. Badges” blood drive. This year’s event, which Vitale is promoting, kicks off Monday at Sarasota Fire Department Station 5 on Beneva Road.

Each year, Sarasota County police officers and firefighters compete to see who can get more people to donate blood — always in short supply during the summer — to Suncoast Communities Blood Bank.