Leslie Anne Adent

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She loved cruising throughout the Caribbean with her husband, family, and friends.

Leslie Anne Adent, 71, of Sarasota, Florida, entered eternal rest peacefully at her home on July 30, 2026, surrounded by those she loved. She leaves behind her loving husband, Ted; her children, Heather, Jesse, and Rachel; and her grandson, Trenton.

Leslie was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and respected colleague whose kind heart, warm smile, and dedication to serving others touched countless lives.

Born on February 22, 1955, in Wisconsin, Leslie attended grade school and graduated from high school in her hometown of Lake Geneva. She later relocated to Florida in 1986, where she would begin a remarkable career devoted to fire service, fire prevention, education, and public safety.

In 1989, Leslie began her fire service career as a volunteer firefighter with the Oneco-Tallevast Fire Department. She went on to serve as a Firefighter/EMT and Firefighter First Class/Engineer. In 1997, Leslie was hired by Southern Manatee Fire Rescue as a Fire Inspector and continued to advance through the ranks, serving as Fire Inspector II, Senior Fire Inspector, and Fire Investigator.

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Her contributions to the fire service and the community she served will continue to have an impact for years to come.

Throughout her career, Leslie remained committed to education, professional development, and improving fire safety within her community. She completed Juvenile Firesetter Programs at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland, and became a founder of the Manatee County Juvenile Firesetter Program, which continues to be utilized throughout the county’s fire departments.

Leslie was a certified Arson Investigator and certified Fire & Explosion Investigator. As a dedicated Public Educator, she developed and implemented numerous public education programs that continue to benefit schools and businesses. She was responsible for the district’s Annual Inspection Program and Self-Inspection Program and coordinated the district’s fire hydrant information and statistics program.

Her expertise also extended to new construction. Leslie assisted with construction plan reviews and served as a field inspector for new construction projects throughout all phases of development.

In 2009, Leslie was promoted to Deputy Fire Marshal, where she was responsible for the daily operations of the Fire Prevention Bureau. In 2011, she reached another significant milestone when she was promoted to Fire Marshal for Southern Manatee Fire Rescue District, a position she proudly held for ten years until her retirement in 2021.

As Fire Marshal, Leslie was responsible for the district’s administrative duties, oversaw the operations of the Fire Prevention Bureau, and served as second in command of the district. Throughout her distinguished career, she earned numerous certifications and awards and was instrumental in developing fire safety and public education programs.

Among her many professional accomplishments, Leslie was recognized by the State of Florida in 2006 when she was named Florida Fire Inspector of the Year. A State of Florida resolution was also affixed in Tallahassee in recognition of her outstanding accomplishment and service.

While Leslie's dedication to the fire service was an important part of her life, she also knew how to enjoy the world around her. She loved cruising throughout the Caribbean with her husband, family, and friends. Royal Caribbean International was her favorite cruise line, where she proudly achieved Diamond membership.

Leslie also enjoyed camping, peaceful moments outdoors, traveling to new places, and taking in the beautiful scenery at campgrounds. She especially adored her little Yorkies—at one time having five of them!

Leslie lived a life marked by service, accomplishment, adventure, love, and devotion to those around her. Her contributions to the fire service and the community she served will continue to have an impact for years to come. Most importantly, those who knew and loved Leslie will remember her for the woman behind those accomplishments—her smile, her kindness, and the love she shared with her family and friends.

Leslie will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Memories and condolances may be shared at www.shannonfuneralhomes.com