BRADENTON – The 37-year-old mother of two little girls, Sara Danielle Holmes, was struck and killed in a crash by a suspected drunk driver on Cortez Road on the way home from her job at Swordfish Grill Saturday night, Nov. 2.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise funds for funeral expenses and for her two daughters. Donations may be made using the following link:
On Sunday, Swordfish Grill posted the following on its Facebook page:
“It is with a heavy heart that we share the devastating news that our beloved bartender, Sara, tragically lost her life after being struck by a drunk driver. Sara was so much more than a coworker — she was family. Her warm smile and kind spirit lit up our restaurant, bringing joy not only to our customers but to every member of our team.
Sara leaves behind two young little girls, who will now need all the support they can get. To honor her memory and help her family through this unimaginable time, we’re sharing a GoFundMe link to assist with her funeral costs and to help care for her little ones.
Please keep Sara’s family, friends, our staff, and all those who loved her in your thoughts. And let this be a heartbreaking reminder of the importance of never drinking and driving. We hope Sara’s story can help prevent another tragedy like this.”
According to a press release, the Bradenton Police Department’s Traffic Homicide Unit is investigating the fatal crash involving a suspected drunk driver.
According to investigators, at approximately 10:40 p.m. on Nov. 2 Cesar Navarrete, 25, was speeding westbound on Cortez Road in his Nissan Altima. Navarette ran a red light and slammed into the passenger side of a Chevrolet Equinox that was turning onto northbound 43rd Street West.
The passenger in the Equinox, Holmes, was transported to a nearby trauma center and succumbed to her injuries the morning of Nov. 3. The driver of the Equinox and Navarrete both received non-life-threatening injuries in the crash.
BPD arrested Navarrete on an outstanding warrant for driving with a suspended license. Investigators suspect Navarrete was impaired at the time of the crash and conducted a DUI investigation. Additional charges are pending the outcome of the investigation.
HOLMES BEACH – After impacts from two hurricanes, the city of Holmes Beach was left with a disaster, including limited utilities, enforcement of a curfew and trying to keep the city safe for residents. Over the past few weeks, Holmes Beach police officers have received a helping hand from other Florida police departments, allowing officers time to take care of their own homes and families while also continuing to serve the Anna Maria Island community. Tokajer said Panama City Police Chief Mark Smith organized an entire contingent of officers who came down from the Florida panhandle to help HBPD officers. Those officers were joined by officers from the Miami area.
Tokajer thanked the officers who came to assist the HBPD, noting that due to the help from other law enforcement officials, his officers were able to take care of their own families and the community was kept safe. He said there were no instances of looting in the city in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Assisting officers came from:
Panama City Police Department
Panama City Beach Police Department
Gulf Breeze Police Department
Fort Walton Beach Police Department
Pensacola Police Department
Port St. Joe Police Department
Aventura Police Department
Miami-Dade Police Department
Pinecrest Police Department
Coral Gables Police Department
Bradenton Police Department
Palmetto Police Department
New College Police Department
Sarasota-Manatee Airport Authority Police Department
BRADENTON BEACH – Along with FEMA guidelines and city flood ordinances, fire code and setback regulations have become part of the discussion about the continued existence of 86 mobile homes at the Pines Trailer Park.
Following the storm surge from Hurricane Helene, Building Official Darin Cushing said in October that FEMA guidelines characterized the subsequent water intrusion into the Pines’ mobile homes as major damage triggering a city ordinance requiring elevation of the units.
On Oct. 29, West Manatee Fire Rescue District (WMFR) Fire Marshall Rodney Kwiatkowski drafted a letter outlining fire safety and regulatory standards to be followed for all new mobile home installations at the Pines.
Citing Florida Administrative Code 69A-42: Uniform Fire Safety Standards for Mobile Home Parks and Recreational Vehicle Parks, Kwiatkowski’s letter states “Specific attention must be given to Section 69A-42.0041, which governs the required setbacks between structures.”
That regulation states that no portion of a mobile home, excluding the tongue, shall be located closer than 10 feet side-to-side, 8 feet end-to-side, or 6 feet end-to-end horizontally from any other mobile home or community building.
“The city has reached out to the property owner to discuss some of the concerns about the health, safety, and welfare there and I’ve had a number of conversations with Shawn Kaleta and Sam Negrin about what their plans are and how we can all work together to save as much of the community there as possible,” City Attorney Ricinda Perry said on Nov. 1.
Kaleta is the manager of Pines Park Investors, LLC, which owns the Pines Trailer Park. Negrin has been the spokesperson for the LLC at recent public meetings.
“I think we’ve come up with a solution that complies with the FEMA regulations and the city’s floodplain ordinance as well as the Florida Building Code,” Perry said. “We’re looking forward to solidifying that plan and putting it forward at the city commission meeting to the commission for approval in as much of an expedited timeframe as possible.”
Perry said the Pines Trailer Park will be a topic of discussion at the Nov. 7 city commission meeting. Public comment will be allowed at that meeting.
“Because of a discussion in the field with the West Manatee Fire Rescue (WMFR) District about elevating the buildings and also some fire separation, a large number of trailers in the Pines are actually out of compliance with setbacks as it relates to the city’s codes as well as the West Manatee Fire District codes, so Rodney (Kwiatkowski) issued a letter saying as you’re doing the restoration it needs to meet those setback requirements,” Perry said.
“Ultimately the property owner has the right to make sure that that development, as it relates to public health, safety, and welfare, addresses their concerns. You don’t want to have another situation where every single structure floods out,” Perry said. “They’re working with the city to find a way to make that happen.”
Perry said the Pines ownership’s goal is to have the Pines community stay in that section of the city.
“There are setbacks that we know about, there are densities and intensities, there’s zoning and comp plan provisions, so it’s just a matter of laying that all out and coming up with an organized game plan to get that park staying a part of the community here in the city,” she said.
West Manatee Fire Rescue letter
Kwiatkowski said he drafted the Oct. 29 letter at the request of the city and a copy was made available to the city and Kaleta.
“Please be advised that all new installations at your park shall meet the NFPA 501A: Standard for Fire Safety Criteria for Manufactured Home Installations, Sites, and Communities, 2017 Edition,” the letter states in part. “This standard outlines critical fire safety criteria for the construction, installation, and maintenance of manufactured homes and their surrounding areas.”
In addition, the letter states that compliance with the Florida Administrative Code 69A-42: Uniform Fire Safety Standards for Mobile Home Parks and Recreational Vehicle Parks is mandatory.
Setbacks must be adhered to unless one of the following conditions is met:
The exposed composite walls and roof of either structure are without openings and constructed with materials that provide a one-hour fire resistance rating.
A one-hour fire-rated barrier separates the structures.
The Bradenton Beach City Commission meeting will be held at 6 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 7 at the Katie Pierola Commission Chambers, 107 Gulf Dr. N.
CORTEZ – With weeks of hard work behind them of cleaning up flood damage caused by Hurricane Helene, Star Fish Company Dockside Restaurant and Seafood Market reopened on Oct. 31.
“Mother Nature always wins, but human nature will always come back,” Star Fish manager Jim Gowett said seeing the full lunch crowd at the outdoor landmark restaurant.
Customers enjoying lunch at Star Fish Company restaurant’s Oct. 31 reopening following hurricane clean up. – Leslie Lake | Sun
Gowett has worked at Star Fish Company for 26 years and as manager for eight. He said the buildings there had never gotten water before.
Following the storm surge from Hurricane Helene on Sept. 27 more than two feet of water got into the buildings, carrying along with it mud and silt.
“We came here right after the hurricane and we were in shock,” he said. “We didn’t even know where to start.”
Gowett said the staff then got to work on cleaning every item in the restaurant and seafood shop.
“We cleaned every shell, every bottle,” he said. “We had this cleaned up and ready to go a week ago, but like everyone else, our coolers and equipment got destroyed with the water, so we were waiting for new ones to be delivered.”
Following Hurricane Helene, broken dock planks were scattered on the dock and tables were overturned by the force of the water.
Star Fish owner Karen Bell said it took a lot of work to get everything back together.
“The docks were a mess, and we are still missing the floating dock,” she said. “All the kitchen equipment had to be replaced due to flood water. But we got it done and I am so happy to be open.”
The docks at Star Fish Company were damaged by storm surge from Hurricane Helene. Following repairs and cleanup, the restaurant and seafood market reopened on Oct. 31. – Leslie Lake | Sun
Star Fish has a long history as a Cortez landmark.
According to the Star Fish Company website, it was started in the early 1920s by Judge Millis. Gaylord Garner purchased the business in the 1950s and his son Allen took it over in the late 1980s.
It was primarily a wholesale company before the addition of the retail market in the 1960s.
“In 1996 Allen Garner sold the company to its current owner, Karen Bell. Karen felt that in addition to offering the public fresh seafood in the retail market, it made sense to start offering cooked seafood also. A small kitchen was upgraded and eight picnic tables were placed on the back dock. A restaurant was born,” the Star Fish website states.
The Star Fish Company restaurant serves locally harvested seafood from Cortez fishermen. Outdoor seating provides views of the local commercial fishing fleet and Sarasota Bay.
The Star Fish Company Seafood Market features seafood from local waters including grouper, snapper, mullet and stone crab claws.
Star Fish Company is located at 12306 46th Avenue W. in Cortez.
CORTEZ – The storm surge from Hurricane Helene not only flooded homes in Cortez, but it also destroyed many vehicles there.
To help residents recover their means of mobility, The Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island has initiated a vehicle and bicycle donation program.
“A significant number of our neighbors have lost their vehicles during the recent hurricanes and are now left with no transportation to work and do simple things, such as buy groceries,” The Rotary Club posted on its Facebook page,
The club is accepting donations of used cars and bicycles to help these individuals get back on their feet.
“Do you own a car that you no longer need? We would love to take it off your hands and are able to offer drivers for vehicles not located on the Island. This is a way to truly make a difference in our community while making a tax-deductible donation for the value of your vehicle,” the Facebook post continues.
“We’re working from a list,” Rotary Board Member Bob Slicker said. “We’re starting first in Cortez village then on to Sunny Shores and then we’ll move out from there.”
Slicker said the first on the list is an 87-year-old individual with cancer who needs a means to get back and forth to treatments.
“Three people in their home, the car was ruined in the storm. The oldest person in the home is going through cancer treatment,” Slicker wrote on his personal Facebook page. “This car will help them get to and from, treatments and work. I know someone knows that somebody that has a car they are not using. Won’t you consider this life-changing donation?”
Slicker said 17 donated bicycles have been distributed and donations of working bikes will be appreciated. He said Bring on the Ministry is repairing some donated bicycles.
Slicker said he has been involved in hurricane relief efforts for more than 20 years.
“I know what people need right away after a storm,” he said. “There are health needs now and financial needs.”
The Rotary Club also provides meals daily at the Sunny Shores distribution center.
They also provided dehumidifiers to locals including the Cortez Cultural Center, the Cortez Church of Christ and multiple residences. The Rotary has donated 20 mini-refrigerators to residents.
Slicker has been personally affected by recent hurricanes both at his home and his restaurant, Slicker’s Eatery.
“We are all in this together,” he said.
At a recent fundraiser, more than $17,000 was raised for The Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island to benefit Cortez and the surrounding area.
“Thank You, Harbor Landings. A two-hour party, just over 50 people, live music, thank you, Mike Sales, silent auction and a live auction, BYOB, that’s all it took,” Slicker wrote on his Facebook page following the fundraiser.
Those having a car they wish to donate can call Slicker at 941-650-2333.
As a way of helping restaurant workers who have been out of work since the hurricanes, Slicker’s will be hosting a hurricane relief party in the parking lot at 12012 Cortez Road W. on Saturday, Nov. 2 from 2-7 p.m. Live music will be provided by Billy Rice from 2-4 p.m. and Dos Macs with Smokin’ Joe from 5-7 p.m.
Food and drinks are free to hurricane victims and all donations will be given to employees of four local restaurants.
Hopefully, Debby with her rain, Helene with her surge and Milton with his wind are in our rearview mirrors by now, not forgotten, but we survived. Next, we can look forward to more mundane real estate issues like insurance.
What if you were ready to close on a new property and the possibility of a named storm was on the horizon? This situation could be the ultimate inconvenience since there is a very good chance you may not close your sale on time, costing money and delays with movers, utilities, and possibly short-term living arrangements. This is an important thing to keep in mind when you live in a hurricane zone like we do. Since both buyers and sellers are in a real estate transaction together, they both should be motivated to give allowances if this is happening.
This sometimes little-known insurance issue is called a moratorium, also known as a binding prohibition. They are issued by insurance companies for certain high-risk areas. During hurricane season, insurance companies wait until 24 to 48 hours before the impact to issue a moratorium on buying new policies. This could delay a closing since the insurance companies will not bind or cover the property in question until the storm has passed. If this happens to you, there is almost nothing you can do about it short of closing the property without property insurance – a non-starter if you are financing any part of the sale.
Since we’re talking insurance, there have been some recent problems in the area of title insurance. Just to review, when you take out a mortgage, one part of your closing costs will be title insurance. If you aren’t taking out a mortgage, you will not be required to purchase title insurance, but most buyers do and all lenders insist on it and expect buyers to pay. The premium for title insurance is a one-time charge and the policy protects the lender. You also can purchase owner’s title insurance to protect yourself but that is optional.
Title insurance covers third-party claims on a property that don’t show up in the initial title search and arise after the closing. The title company searches for public records related to your home to try to find any title defects that could affect the lender’s or buyer’s property rights such as liens, including tax liens or unpaid bills; easements that give others the right to use your property; and encumbrances like zoning laws and covenants imposed by homeowner associations. A “cloud” on the title can usually get resolved with the cooperation of the previous owner and/or the entity placing the lien.
In the wake of the National Association of Realtors settlement over real estate brokerage commissions, government officials are looking at compensation paid to real estate professionals who recommend title companies. This is happening without the knowledge or disclosure to the buyers who are paying the fees, therefore, potentially elevating the fees charged for the title insurance. The title insurance industry is under scrutiny by the federal government in an effort to lower the upfront costs of obtaining a mortgage.
The crackdown on partnerships with title companies is the same general trend as addressing brokers’ commissions. Just to be clear, this partnership arrangement with title companies is not happening all over, and carefully analyzing the title fees before you close a property is a wise thing to do.
Title insurance is just one more type of insurance a property owner needs to be aware of. We’ve turned the corner and it’s time to pick up the pieces and move on.
ANNA MARIA – The adult co-ed soccer league at The Center of Anna Maria Island started last Thursday night’s play with the two undefeated teams going head-to-head. Teams Pool America and Solid Rock Construction played 40 minutes of regular time with only one squad on top.
Starting the game off with a strong 2-0 lead at halftime, the Solid Rock team managed to hold off their strong opponent, letting them score twice.
Team captain Dean Hinterstoisser and Sam Parker shot the goals for Pool America, with assists by Parker’s husband, Eduardo Schlueter, and Octavious Cole. Cole, known for his flag football talents, joins the Island soccer family on the pitch this season.
Solid Rock’s win came off the boots of Julio Cantu, Leo Gonzalez, Raul Loera, Erica Nielsen and team captain Keith Mahoney. Loera and Mahoney are credited with a total of three assists in the team’s victory.
Currently ranked seventh, team Bubble Binz received a notch in the win column thanks to a forfeit by the Sato Real Estate team.
Winning by two goals in the second game played, Moss Builders defeated team AMI Dolphin Tours. Alex Villanueva scored the solo goal for the AMI Dolphin Tours team.
Also finding his footing on the soccer field as a transition from flag football, Karri Stephens is credited with a goal in the Moss Builders’ win. Teammates Stephen Adair and Greg Moss scored the remaining two points.
The Ross Built Custom Home team beat Gulf Drive Café 2-1. James Noblett and Jake Moss each got a strike past the Gulf Drive goalie.
Tyler Brewer put the single point on the scoreboard for team Gulf Drive Café. The loss drops the team to eighth in the team rankings going into week four play.
Finishing the night in a tie, Hampton Painting and Language Services Associates each scored five points, earning each team a point in the standings.
Alex Quintero had the only hat trick of the week, while teammate Juan Rodriguez scored two goals for the Language Services squad.
Leading the scoring for Hampton Paintings was Ethan Hampton. Team captain Danny Hampton, Moises Martinez and Austin Nutting each put up a single point to end another night of soccer on the Island.
Brunch for The Bay will feature speakers that will address current threats to our island environment.
Suncoast Waterkeeper is holding its annual brunch for the bay fundraiser at a different venue this year. Get ready for an inspiring and impactful event featuring a powerhouse lineup of expert speakers at the Sarasota Yacht Club! Here’s what you can look forward to on Sunday, Nov. 3 at 11 a.m.
Justin Bloom, Esq. – Founder of Suncoast Waterkeeper and leader of the Sick of Sewage campaign, Justin will reveal how grassroots action has begun to turn the tide on pollution (including their suit against the City of Bradenton) and share critical lessons learned from the 2024 hurricane season.
Dr. Gary Mitchum – Associate Dean of USF’s College of Marine Science, Dr. Mitchum will shine a spotlight on extreme weather events and sea level rise, offering insights on what the Suncoast can expect now and in the future.
Dr. Colin Polsky – Founding Director at FAU’s School of Environmental, Coastal and Ocean Sustainability, will explain how the Florida Wildlife Corridor is a vital model for intentionally designing regional spaces for climate resilience.
Alexis Meschelle – Executive Director of Organized Fishermen of Florida, Alexis will talk about her work to ensure commercial fishermen and women are represented at all levels of government. She will discuss the impact of extreme weather events on Florida fishermen, their livelihood and the fisheries we depend on.
Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with leading voices on climate action, water protection, and environmental resilience. This fundraising brunch will also include delectable food, drinks, and the chance to connect with fellow advocates committed to protecting and preserving the waters of our beloved Suncoast!
Suncoast Waterkeeper’s mission is to ensure the Suncoast has swimmable, drinkable and fishable water for all. Their mission, which has never been more important, is to defend our coastline through advocacy, monitoring, community engagement and legal action.
This is an excellent opportunity to learn about Suncoast Waterkeeper’s work, get involved and help ensure that current and future generations can enjoy a healthy environment. Let’s join forces and fight for our beautiful coastline! If we don’t do it, who will?
Please note that this article contains elements that could potentially be disturbing or triggering to some individuals.
UPDATED: Thursday, Oct. 31, 5:30 p.m.
On Thursday, Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer issued a statement regarding the state attorney’s office reviewing the police body camera and dash camera footage of the Sept. 10 arrest and tasing of an autistic man, Francisco Diaz, and the arrest of his father, Orlando Diaz.
“The tape was reviewed by State Attorney Ed Brodsky, and by Cynthia Evers and Dawn Buff, also with the state attorney’s office, who all said the charges were appropriate and the officers appeared to act within policy,” Tokajer stated.
The Sun then contacted Brodsky to confirm Tokajer’s statement. After noting that he cannot speak in great detail regarding a pending case, or cases, Brodsky said, “We determined the actions of the officers were appropriate.”
Speaking in general terms, not specific to any case, Brodsky said, “Typically what happens with a case is law enforcement’s report comes into us with the charges they’ve referred to us. We’ll review those charges then the prosecutor will make a filing decision as to whether to go forward on those charges.”
According to Manatee County court records, the charges filed by the prosecutor currently match the five charges recommended by the Holmes Beach Police Department for Francisco Diaz (including battery on a law enforcement officer) and the two charges recommended for his father, Orlando Diaz (including resisting, obstructing or opposing an officer without violence).
When asked if a person’s medical condition or other mitigating factors factor into a prosecutor’s decision-making when filing a charge, Brodsky said, “In every circumstance, we’re always going to consider all the facts and circumstances and that’s a factor in deciding the charge, whether to charge it, how to charge it and how you ultimately seek to resolve a case.”
(See the original Oct. 29 story below)
HOLMES BEACH – On Sept. 10, Holmes Beach Police Off. Christopher Liotti arrested 72-year-old Bradenton resident Orlando Diaz for driving with a suspended driver’s license. His 30-year-old autistic son, Francisco Diaz, tried to intervene and was later tased and arrested for alleged battery on a law enforcement officer.
Before the local media could get to this story – in part due to two consecutive hurricanes striking Anna Maria Island – a Telemundo news report and another news report from the London-based Daily Mail were shared on Facebook and local, national and international outrage quickly ensued.
On Oct. 28, The Sun spoke with Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer about the arrests and the tasing as he reviewed the officers’ body camera videos again.
Later that day, The Sun spoke with Francisco’s Bradenton-based attorney, C.J. Czaia. The Sun also conducted its own review of the 16 body camera videos Tokajer provided.
The arrests
According to the significant incident report filed by Sgt. Joshua Betts, at approximately 10 p.m. that night the police department’s camera-based license place recognition system issued an alert regarding a vehicle traveling through the city potentially being driven by someone with a suspended driver’s license. Liotti then conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, Orlando Diaz, in the plaza parking lot in front of the Dollar Tree store at 3260 East Bay Drive.
Officer Christopher Liotti spoke with Orlando and Francisco Diaz before the chaos ensued. – HBPD | Submitted
According to Liotti’s body camera footage, he then approached the driver’s side of the car. He asked Orlando Diaz to step out of the car, where he was going and whether he spoke English.
“A little,” he responded, noting he was driving someone in the vehicle for work purposes.
Liotti asked if anyone in the car spoke English. Francisco Diaz then exited the passenger door and walked around the front of the car to assist his father.
When Liotti asked Francisco Diaz if he spoke English, he said, “A little.”
Can you ask him if he’s been to court for his driver’s license issues? I already know the answer,” Liotti said.
Orlando Diaz acknowledged he had been to court for the driver’s license suspension.
“Was he found guilty?” Liotti asked.
Diaz acknowledged he had been found guilty.
When Liotti asked Diaz why he had not had his driver’s license renewed for more than 20 years, Francisco’s response was inaudible.
“So, he knows that he’s not supposed to be driving?” Liotti said.
“That’s why he cannot renew,” Francisco Diaz said.
“Has he ever been arrested for this?” Liotti asked.
Orlando Diaz shook his head, indicating he had not.
“Okay. Tell him he’s being arrested today,” Liotti said. “You’ve had multiple chances. You’ve been found guilty three times. You’re going to be arrested today. Turn around and place your hands behind your back.”
“But sir, he has work,” Orlando Diaz said in an apparent reference to his son, who was the only male passenger in the car. Francisco Diaz’ mother also was in the car.
As the tension rose and Orlando Diaz began to verbally protest the arrest, Liotti repeatedly asked Francisco Diaz to ask his father not to make the arrest any more difficult.
The mother then joined the conversation pleading for her husband’s release before returning to the car as directed.
When Liotti placed the first handcuff on Orlando Diaz’ wrist, the man began screaming and wailing.
At that point Franscisco Diaz came toward Liotti and tried to free his father from the officer’s grasp, making contact with Liotti in the process. The mother restrained Francisco and led him back to the car. Liotti then swept Orlando Diaz to the pavement, turned him on his stomach and placed him in handcuffs.
Diaz remained handcuffed on the pavement for several minutes, continuing to loudly scream and cry as he lay there despite no further physical contact. He was not tased and he did not appear to be physically harmed.
With the assistance of another officer, Diaz was brought to his feet and led toward one of the police vehicles to be placed in the back seat.
Liotti then asked Off. Alex Hurt to handcuff Francisco Diaz, cautioning that “he’s going to fight.”
The probable cause affidavit filed by Liotti states, “The defendant had to be physically removed from the vehicle, at which time he began to resist and struggle with officers, eventually striking an officer in the face.”
Francisco Diaz was tased by Officer Alex Hurt, center, with assistance from Officer Christopher Liotti. – HBPD | Submitted
According to Liotti’s body camera video, Liotti’s dash camera video and Hurt’s 25-second body camera video, Hurt asked Francisco Diaz to step out of the car and turn around. Diaz stepped out of the car and asked “Why?” three times without turning around. Hurt then grabbed Diaz’ left arm and took him to the ground using an arm bar takedown before attempting to handcuff him. During the ensuing struggle, which Liotti joined, Hurt was struck in the face, which Tokajer later said may have been unintentional due to Diaz’ autistic state.
According to Tokajer, Hurt’s body camera stopped working before he tased Diaz. A second 17-minute Hurt’s body camera video shows him later interacting with witnesses and asking them to share copies of their cell phone video footage, to be used as additional evidence.
As the struggle continued, with Francisco Diaz laying on his back, screaming and resisting, Liotti said, “You’re gonna get tased. You’re gonna get tased. Turn around or you’re gonna get tased. Turn over now. Turn around or you’re gonna get tased.”
Using a handheld Taser Stun Drive device that does not utilize probes, Hurt then discharged the Taser approximately 11 times, with some of those discharges apparently not making full contact with Francisco Diaz as he screamed and rolled on the ground, at one point yelling, “That’s no fair.”
After several directives to put his hands behind his back, Diaz said, “Okay,” and complied with the officer’s command.
Francisco Diaz’ mother then approached Liotti and repeatedly said, “Mi hijo has autismo (my son has autism),” as Liotti told her to go back to the car. That was the first time the officers were told he had autism.
After being handcuffed, Francisco Diaz compliantly walked toward a police vehicle and was placed in the back seat.
Liotti also checked on the father, who had been lying on the ground apparently unconscious, but breathing and with a pulse, near the rear door of the police vehicle he resisted getting into.
Sgt. Betts’ body camera footage shows Orlando Diaz slowly collapsing to the ground after he resisted being placed in the police vehicle. Calls were issued for medical assistance and Manatee County EMS and West Manatee Fire Rescue quickly responded.
When one of the paramedics asked Francisco Diaz if he needed medical attention, he said “No, I’m good.”
When speaking to Francisco Diaz a short time later, Liotti said, “Just to let you know, when you tried to fight with us, that’s against the law.”
“That’s my parents. The police always trap everybody like us,” Francisco Diaz replied.
“Your father has been found guilty for driving without a driver’s license. He’s got too many charges, which is why he’s going to be placed in jail,” Liotti said.
“My parents come first man,” Francisco Diaz replied.
“I understand that you want to defend your father and your parents, but you went about it the wrong way. You cannot put your hands on a police officer, which is why you’re now going to jail tonight,” Liotti said.
With the assistance of a Spanish-speaking bystander, Liotti explained to the mother what was happening.
“Her husband is going to jail for the driving violations. Her son is going to jail for striking me,” he said.
“He’s autismo,” the mother said.
“It doesn’t matter. He knows what he was doing,” Liotti said, noting Francisco Diaz cursed at him and tried to fight him. “That’s why he’s going to jail.”
When the mother said Francisco Diaz was trying to protect his father, Liotti said, “That doesn’t make it okay.”
Orlando Diaz was placed on a gurney and transported to the hospital for examination before being transported to the Manatee County Jail. According to Tokajer, Francisco Diaz was also taken to the hospital and examined before being transported to the county jail.
As these chaotic scenes unfolded in the plaza parking lot, several spectators videotaped the incident on their phones. The officers never asked them to stop.
The following day bail was posted for Orlando. He was released on two bonds totaling $3,000 for driving with a license canceled, suspended or revoked after prior conviction and resisting, obstructing or opposing an officer without violence.
Orlando Diaz
According to court records, Orlando Diaz has received at least five citations for driving with a suspended or expired driver’s license since 2018, including one in Holmes Beach that year.
Francisco Diaz
Francisco Diaz remained in jail until Oct. 3 or 4, when he was released on five $10,000 bonds totaling $50,000. He is currently charged with two third degree felony counts of battery on a law enforcement officer, two third degree felony counts of resisting an officer with violence and one first degree misdemeanor count of resisting an officer without violence. According to court records, this is Francisco Diaz’ first arrest in Manatee County.
Chief’s response
While reviewing the most significant body camera footage with The Sun on Oct. 28, Tokajer addressed the events of Sept. 10.
He began by saying he incorrectly told a Telemundo reporter that Francisco Diaz attempted to kick the officer when he first exited the family’s car. Tokajer said Diaz did not attempt to kick an officer and that was something he confused with another arrest that happened within that same week.
When reviewing Liotti’s body camera footage, Tokajer noted Francisco Diaz was calm and helpful until the first handcuff was placed on his father.
“The officer was making a lawful arrest of the father, then the son pushed the officer and interfered with the lawful arrest,” Tokajer said, noting Orlando Diaz was not injured while being taken to the ground and handcuffed.
When watching the footage of Francisco Diaz getting tased, Tokajer said, “As soon as they got his hands behind his back, they de-escalated the situation.”
He also noted the man’s autism was not mentioned until the tasing occurred.
“Had the family, at the beginning of the interaction, told the officer their son was autistic, things might have gone differently. The officers had no knowledge that he was autistic. What got him agitated was his mom and dad screaming and getting agitated. That is what triggered his reaction,” Tokajer, said, based on his recent conversations with an autism specialist.
Tokajer said his officers will now receive training on how to recognize autism and interact with autistic people.
When asked if it’s standard procedure to arrest someone for driving with a suspended or expired license, Tokajer said, “It’s at the officer’s discretion. The officer was able to look up the driver’s record and see that he had several citations for driving with his license suspended. Giving him a ticket was not getting the desired effect of getting him to comply to go get his license. I think he was justified in doing so. And keep in mind, he’s been driving on a suspended license for over 20 years. And if you don’t have a driver’s license, the chances are you’re also not insured.”
When asked if he feels Francisco Diaz’ arrest was justified, Tokajer said, “The son interfered with a lawful arrest. Had the officers been aware that he had autism they might have looked at it differently, but that was not told to them until after they made contact with him.”
When asked if he feels Francisco Diaz’ tasing was justified, Tokajer said, “The drive stun is a useful tool to get compliance. The officers did not strike him. They did not kick him. They were merely trying to get him to comply so they could affect the arrest.”
“Although the optics with the drive stun seems to some to be wrong, it is a tool that’s used to lessen the chance of injury to the arrestee rather than using physical force such as strikes, blows, kicks, a baton or pepper spray. And the officers’ firearms were never in play,” Tokajer said.
He noted there was one Holmes Beach tasing in 2020, none in 2021 and one each in 2022 and 2023.
“That’s not a pattern of abuse,” he added.
Tokajer said there is currently no formal internal or external investigation taking place, but Lt. Brian Hall is conducting an extensive review of the officers’ body cameras, dashboard cameras and in-car cameras. The three officers remain on active duty pending the results of Hall’s video review.
When asked if Francisco’s charges might be reduced because of his autism, Tokajer said, “We do the initial charges and then it’s up to the state attorney’s office to review it to see if that’s a mitigating factor that warrants a lesser charge or no charge. That is not something we will oppose.”
Attorney’s response
When contacted late Monday afternoon, attorney C.J. Czaia noted he is representing Francisco Diaz but he is not representing his father.
Czaia said he watched the video footage broadcast by Telemundo and some of the phone videos taken shot by bystanders, but he had not yet obtained or viewed the police officers’ body camera and dashboard camera footage.
Attorney C.J. Czaia is representing Francisco Diaz. – CzaiaLaw.com | Submitted
Czaia acknowledged the incident would not have happened in the first place had Orlando Diaz not been driving with a suspended license, but he questions why the two men were arrested, why Francisco Diaz was tased, and why it took so long to get him out of jail.
“When people ask me if someone’s guilty, I say I don’t know until I work the case and look at everything, including why the stop occurred and why the officer was upset. If the kid did commit a crime, did the officers overdo it? Right now, I don’t know,” Czaia said.
“Until we look at all the evidence and depose the officers, it’s very hard to judge what really happened. But this kid was in jail for three weeks and could not get a hearing to get a bond reduction or explain his situation. That I do know for a fact. And I do think there’s a problem with how law enforcement handles people with autism and Aspergers,” he added.
“The big question to me, regarding Francisco’s autism, is why do you have to put this young man in a jail full of bad people? I really have an issue with that. This kid was in jail for three weeks,” Czaia said.
Czaia said a “good Samaritan” who has a family member, or family members, with autism, put up Francisco Diaz’ bail bond money.
Regarding the intense scrutiny this case has already generated on social media, Czaia said, “The Latin community is up in arms. They’re upset, and maybe it has to do with what’s happening around us on TV and the politics of the moment. This is a very sensitive time for this community and the optics don’t look good. The father is a mild-mannered man. He’s not a threat to anybody and his family can’t function without him.”
Regarding Orlando Diaz’ arrest, Czaia said, “It’s at their discretion if the stop is legal and legitimate. He’s not a criminal and in 15 other states, undocumented people have the right to get a driver’s license. This state is not one of them, and I often tell people to go to a state where you can drive legally because you have to drive. I don’t represent his dad, but Francisco has DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) status and if they convict him that could affect his status here,” Czaia said.
Czaia said he’s known and respected Tokajer for a long time.
“I have fond memories of him working at the Bradenton Police Department and I told the family and Telemundo that he’s a straight-up guy,” Czaia said.
Czaia said he would have more to say about the case once he’s reviewed the police department videos and has a better understanding of what actually happened.
Please note that the videos linked below contain content that could be disturbing or triggering for some individuals and should be watched at your own discretion. Videos have been edited for length and file size. Due to size, all videos link to Facebook.
CORTEZ – A community supply distribution hub for all Cortez residents at the Sunny Shores Park clubhouse opened up shortly after Hurricane Helene and will be in place as long as possible.
“We want to give hope to people. The other day when I was leaving here, someone said to me, ‘Are you leaving this week too?’ They were referring to the Red Cross,” coordinator Betsy Plante said. “I said, we’re going to be here as long as we can be here.”
Many homes in Cortez were flooded during Hurricane Helene’s storm surge and some sustained further damage from Hurricane Milton.
The distribution center contains donated food and household items and is open every day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with lunch served between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
The hub services residents of Paradise Bay, Sarasota Bay, Cortez Village and Cortez Park.
“We have to keep it positive because now is when the people need us,” Plante said. “There’s been a lot of support the past two weeks and you can see people getting back to normal. It’s communities like this is where they really need us right now and we’re going to be here.”
The Cortez supply hub at Sunny Shores clubhouse is distributing household goods, cleaning supplies and food. – Leslie Lake | Sun
Plante is the president and co-founder of Bradenton-based Blessing Bags Project. The stated mission of that organization is to provide basic critical needs to homeless and less fortunate people.
“The Blessing Bags Project bought 25 air conditioners,” Plante said. “We’ve got tarps, big fans, air conditioners. We have small appliances, some dehumidifiers and grills.
I’ve done hurricane relief before and I started ordering all this stuff the day after the hurricane so we’d have it all in stock.”
Perry Webre from Houma, Louisiana heard about the hurricane damage in Cortez from a friend and made the 16-hour drive to Sunny Shores with a trailer full of donated food items.
“This is my vacation week from work,” Webre said. “I put an Amazon shopping list online and I posted a Walmart shopping list and people made donations. We brought prepared frozen meals.”
“One thing that is so great is, people are here that came for vacations and they’re all here volunteering,” Plante said.
ANNA MARIA – The city of Anna Maria is done removing hurricane-related household debris and the removal of any remaining household debris is now the responsibility of the property owner.
Thursday, Oct. 31 is the deadline for landscaping debris to be placed streetside for removal by the city.
Mayor Dan Murphy provided a recap of the city’s debris removal efforts during the Anna Maria City Commission’s Oct. 24 meeting. He also addressed the return of mail service and the dewatering of hurricane- impacted swimming pools. Commissioner Chair Mark Short provided an update on the FEMA assessment teams working their way through the city.
Debris removal
Before Murphy provided his update, longtime resident and former city commissioner Doug Copeland said, “I want to commend and thank the commission, the staff and all the private partners who have done an amazing job cleaning up the city under the leadership of Mayor Murphy. It’s a prime example of how city government should work and I thank you.”
Murphy said 1,130 truckloads and 4,798 tons of debris had been taken to the county landfill to date. He said hurricanes Helene and Milton have cost the city an estimated $3 million to date and the city used $1.5 million of its $3 million reserve fund to cover the initial debris removal costs.
“We expect to be reimbursed by the state next week,” Murphy said.
Murphy said he met with Sen. Jim Boyd and Florida Department of Emergency Management Executive Director Kevin Guthrie earlier in the week and they congratulated the city on its debris removal efforts.
“He (Guthrie) said we were far ahead of anybody else in the county, maybe the rest of the state,” Murphy said. “I know there have been rumors to the contrary coming from another city that we have not done things according to the book. We’ve done things according to the book. It bothers me that you’ve got to take hits for doing what’s right and be ambushed with false reports.”
Mayor Dan Murphy helped guide the city’s debris removal efforts. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Murphy said the debris removal trucks would make one more pass through every city street on Friday or Saturday and that would end the city’s household debris removal efforts.
“Anything after that is going to be the responsibility of the homeowner,” Murphy said.
Any remaining household debris removal issues will be addressed by the city’s code enforcement and public works departments.
“Landscaping debris a different story,” Murphy said. “We have mounds of landscaping debris. It was far greater than we expected, so we’re extending that landscaping debris removal for an extra week. That has to be on the street by midnight on Thursday (Oct. 31). We’ll divide the city into five sectors and pick it up on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.”
Murphy then said, “I want to thank Dean Jones, the rest of the city staff and the contractors we’ve had working for us. People have gone out of their way to get this debris out. I know we still have a way to go, but through your coordination efforts Dean we’ve come a great distance.”
Pool dewatering
Murphy also addressed dewatering swimming pools. He said it didn’t make sense to begin dewatering pools until the household debris was removed and the dewatering allowances would start on Monday, Oct. 28.
“So many pools were destroyed. My own was loaded with mud. My wife found fish in it,” Murphy said. “We’re going to regulate that street-by-street so we don’t have everybody dewatering at one time.”
Regarding Gulf Drive, Pine Avenue, North Shore Drive, North Bay Boulevard and South Bay Boulevard, Murphy said, “The main arteries of the city need to be passable for emergency vehicles and our own traffic. If we had everybody dewatering at once, it would create impassable streets and we can’t have that.”
Mail service
Murphy expressed his gratitude for the assistance U.S. Sen. Rick Scott provided in getting a temporary post office established at City Pier Park. Murphy said he texted Scott on Friday night and told him Anna Maria needed mail service restored. The following day, Murphy received a call from a vice president of the U.S. Postal Service and on Monday three mail trucks were stationed at City Pier Park for mail retrieval.
A temporary post office was established at City Pier Park. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
FEMA assessments
Commissioner Mark Short said FEMA’s 16-person site assessment team arrived in Anna Maria the previous week and are going door-to-door conducting site assessments. Short said the FEMA teams are filling out forms to be used for informational purposes but they are not telling property owners what percentage of their property is considered to be hurricane damaged.
Short said the FEMA teams will attempt to assess 1,173 properties in Anna Maria. As of the previous day, they had assessed 415 properties. Short said each assessment takes 20 to 30 minutes. The FEMA teams are assessing approximately 80 properties per day and are expected to finish their work on Friday, Nov. 1.
BRADENTON BEACH – At an Oct. 28 emergency city commission meeting, Police Chief and Public Works Director John Cosby updated commissioners on post-storm progress.
Debris removal
“Debris removal is moving very quickly I’m still very confident that the debris operation will be over before Thanksgiving,” Cosby said. “They’re finishing up the first push today.”
Cosby said a service announcement will be posted on the Bradenton Beach Police Department Facebook page.
“Thursday (Oct. 31) we’re going to start the second push from C and D (construction and demolition),” Cosby said. “This is your last opportunity to get whatever it is you want out there, to put it out there. We are only allowed to do two passes by FEMA regulations so, once we make the second pass, after that, you’re on your own. “
After that is complete, the city will make a second pass for sand.
“In the midst of that we’ll be picking up vegetation and white goods,” he said. “We’re only going to do one pass on vegetation and white goods because there’s not a lot out there.”
Cosby said that the Florida Department of Transportation is in the process of clearing sand and debris from Gulf Drive which he expects will cause some traffic issues for motorists.
“Overall we are really moving quick. We are really way ahead of schedule,” Cosby said.
He estimated the cost of post-storm debris removal in the city would be about $5 million.
“We’re looking at sources to get money,” Cosby said. “We’re sending a letter today to the state requesting immediate pay-down for the cost of the debris, or most of it.”
Condemned properties
City Building Official Darin Cushing has deemed a number of properties unfit for occupancy due to storm damage and is continuing the assessment of properties throughout the city.
“The two things that we’re dealing with is getting all these buildings assessed. We did bring in Steve Gilbert, our old building official, and Darin (Cushing) has another assistant we’re going to meet today to hopefully speed that up a little bit,” Cosby said.
The next step is to compile a list of condemned buildings.
“And then we need to get a list of the buildings that are condemned so we can get letters out to them reminding the property owner that they are responsible for getting rid of that debris on the property,” he said. “If they don’t, then the city will be placing a lien on that property. In the event that we have to take that responsibility on, then we would do whatever is necessary to get that property in order to sell it and cover our losses.”
He said city attorney Ricinda Perry is currently working on that.
“We need a list and we’re going to give them approximately 45 days,” Cosby said. “The letters will go out by certified mail or hand-delivered and see what their intention is with the property. Once the letter goes out, I’m almost sure, but I haven’t talked to Ricinda yet today, we will be placing liens on those properties, because if we have to clean it up, obviously we need to be reimbursed.”
Mayor John Chappie asked about properties that are over the 50% FEMA restoration guideline.
“There’s no reason to pay somebody to clean the place out. If you’re over the 50%, you need to concentrate more on demolition,” Cosby said.
Pool draining
“People want to drain their pools but the storm drains are clogged, so we’re going to be in contact with the company that we use to see what kind of timeline we can get from them to at least do the north drains, that’s where the majority of the pools are,” Cosby said.
Cosby said that property owners on Gulf Drive are allowed to drain into the Gulf of Mexico and the ones on the city’s bayside are allowed to drain into Anna Maria Sound.
“Some of the drains are still under sand,” Cosby said. “ I’m confident that they will be taken care of, we’ll get this company to get those cleaned out and we’ll move forward from there.”
Bridge Street
“Businesses on Bridge Street are either opened or getting ready to open or have decided to make some substantial improvements,” Cosby said. “So that is going well.”
He said some Airbnb properties have been rented.
“They just want to make sure the restaurants are open and we have quite a variety to pick from,” Cosby said.
Trailer Parks
With regard to the Pines Trailer Park Cosby said, “I don’t believe Mr. Kaleta has sent out any letters to his renters of what his intention is.”
“Ricinda and I have called other communities to see how they’re handling the 50% rule and it is by the letter of the law. It is causing some serious heartache. It’s not just our two trailer parks, the three right over the bridge are in the same situation,” he said.
Ferry update
The Gulf Island Ferry is expected to be operational this week.
“We’re shooting for the end of this week,” Cosby said. “I was out there this weekend and it looks good. If we operate this weekend, we’re good to go.”
The state of Florida is handling marine hurricane debris removal, he said.
“We will probably go out this week in our boat,” Cosby said. “We see a couple of obstructions where the ferry comes in and where people have their personal boats. We’re going to see what’s in there and at least flag it or move it out.”
Emergency declaration
Commissioners unanimously approved an extension of the city’s state of emergency declaration for Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The declaration must be renewed every seven days while recovery is ongoing.
BRADENTON BEACH – City Building Official Darin Cushing addressed condemnation questions and outlined the next steps for homeowners at the Pines Trailer Park and many at the Sandpiper Resort Co-Op who received letters assessing their mobile homes with substantial damage due to hurricane-related flooding.
“People are throwing the word condemned around, but no trailers have been condemned, yet,” Cushing wrote in an Oct. 25 email to The Sun. “There are a few in the Pines that are pretty wrecked, so we will cross that bridge when we get to it.”
“We’re doing this part first but then we’re going to be looking at the ones that are going to be condemned completely, those where the walls are gone,” he told The Sun.
At an Oct. 17 city commission meeting, Cushing outlined FEMA guidelines and city ordinances about hurricane-related flooding of mobile homes.
On Oct. 24, letters went out to unit owners at the Pines and owners of affected units at Sandpiper Resort Co-Op stating his initial assessment indicated that their homes may meet substantial damage guidelines.
“It just happens that in the Pines, that was every unit, as they all took on some level of water inside,” he wrote. “In Sandpiper, there are some units that do not indicate this, as they are elevated above the level of the floodwaters that were incurred citywide.”
The Oct. 24 letter reads in part: “As a result of a ‘substantial damage’ assessment, the City of Bradenton Beach believes that your structure lies below the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) and may have received damages exceeding 50% of the pre-damage structure value as a result of the impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton that struck Anna Maria Island on Sept. 25 and Oct. 9, 2024. This assessment is being made for all structures within the city, as the entire city lies below the required Base Flood Elevation (BFE). The assessment was based upon a ‘windshield survey,’ an assessment of the extent of visible and determined flooding. It is not however absolute, as the city did not assess the extent of damage inside of the structures identified.”
The letter continues: “The City of Bradenton Beach participates in the FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and has adopted a floodplain ordinance through which it regulates new development, maintenance and improvement of existing structures, and instances of catastrophic impacts such as these two consecutive hurricanes. After destructive, flooding events such as Hurricane Helene, the City is required to initiate a “Substantial Damage” assessment of impacted structures. In this context, the term substantial damage means, “damage of any origin sustained by a structure whereby the cost of restoring the structure would equal or exceed 50% of the market value of the structure before the damage occurred.”
Cushing said he will be conducting in-person substantial damage assessments of the mobile homes.
“This is standard operating procedure for floodplain management. Similar letters will also be going to any and all building owners in the city where the initial assessment indicates that there may be substantial damage to their building,” Cushing wrote in his email. “The next step will be a more detailed assessment, where dollar values of damages will be compared to the replacement cost of the unit.
Cushing said the difficulty in assessing the value of mobile homes is that the county property appraiser does not assess the value of mobile homes.
“Owners, if they wish to contest our initial assessment, will be afforded the opportunity to have the more detailed assessment done, but they will have to have a private appraisal done, by a licensed appraiser,” Cushing wrote.
Permits are required for all repair, maintenance, and/or redevelopment of damaged structures. Failure to comply with permit requirements may result in fines through the City’s Code Compliance Department, Cushing advised in his letter to homeowners.
“A precise determination of the extent of damage is essential through the city’s permit processes and a substantial damage determination package can be provided,” his letter stated.
ANNA MARIA – Manatee County’s Gulf Island Ferry service between downtown Bradenton and Bradenton Beach will resume on Friday, Nov. 1.
Ferry service to Anna Maria remains on hold due to concerns about the winds, currents and other conditions at the temporary dock recently installed near the hurricane-damaged City Pier. The hurricane-damaged floating dock in Bradenton Beach, next to the Bradenton Beach Pier, was recently repaired by Duncan Seawall and can again accommodate ferry service.
The floating dock next to the Bradenton Beach Pier is ready to receive ferry passengers. – City of Bradenton Beach | Submitted
Regarding the resumption of service, Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Elliott Falcione said, “The objective is to start service for the residents that live on the Island and the employees that work on the Island. We’re aware that some people lost their cars in the hurricanes and we’re going to waive the ferry fees until further notice because of the situation. We feel this is a good opportunity to serve our community until people get back on their feet. I don’t know if there’s going to be demand for this so we’re going to take it one week at a time.”
Non-residents and others can also utilize the ferry service.
The temporary ferry landing in Anna Maria was installed due to the extensive damage Hurricane Milton inflicted on the City Pier that also served as a ferry landing. Located near the Lake La Vista Jetty, just north of the hurricane-damaged City Pier, the temporary landing consists of a large barge anchored in place by spud poles, with a metal gangway and wooden walkway providing access to and from the shoreline.
A wooden walkway and a metal gangway provide access between the ferry landing barge and the Anna Maria shoreline. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The temporary landing is located within walking distance of the restaurants, retail shops and other businesses on and around Pine Avenue. It’s also near an Island Trolley stop from which ferry passengers can travel to other destinations Island-wide free of charge.
The Anna Maria commission-approved temporary landing is expected to remain in place until the City Pier is repaired and reopened.
For ferry updates and scheduling information, visit the Gulf Island Ferry website.
PALMETTO – Legendary southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd is coming to Palmetto to assist local hospitality workers impacted by hurricanes Helene and Milton. And they’re bringing blues, rock and southern-soul influenced singer/lead guitarist Marcus King with them as the opening act.
The Rock ‘N’ Support Bradenton Gulf Islands Hurricane Relief Concert will take place on Friday, Nov. 15 at the Bradenton Area Convention Center in Palmetto. Tickets go on sale on Monday, Oct. 28 at noon, with ticket prices ranging from $75 to $500. The $500 VIP tickets include exclusive access to a meet-and-greet party with the band, including a commemorative photo opportunity and prime seating in the first two rows.
Hosted by The Center of Anna Maria Island and supported by the Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC), 100% of the proceeds from the Rock ‘N’ Support benefit concert will support Gulf Island hospitality workers who’ve been displaced due to the recent impacts of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton.
All proceeds from the Rock ‘N’ Support concert will benefit two local non-profit organizations: Shuckin’ Good Cause and The Center of Anna Maria Island’s Hurricane Relief Fund. Displaced hospitality workers will then be able to apply for grant assistance through the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association.
The doors will open at 7 p.m., with King taking the stage at 8 p.m. and Lynyrd Skynyrd hitting the stage at 9:30 p.m. The convention center is located at One Haben Blvd. in Palmetto.
Lynyrd Skynyrd is coming to the aid of local hospitality workers. – Submitted
In the concert press released posted at The Center of Anna Maria Island website, Lynyrd Skynyrd lead singer Johnny Van Zant said, “When we got the call, we were happy to jump on board. The band is a Florida band and our manager lives in Sarasota County as well. So, we have family, friends and many fans affected by these storms. If we can raise some money for those in need and also take people away for a night of great music, then hopefully that is a ‘win-win’ and brings a little comfort to the community, then, Let’s Go!”
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the band’s critically acclaimed debut album, the current Lynyrd Skynyrd line-up features Van Zant, Rickey Medlocke (Blackfoot), Damon Johnson, Mark “Sparky” Matejka, Michael Cartellone (Damn Yankees), Keith Christopher, Peter Keys, Carol Chase and Stacy Michelle.
“It’s about the legacy of Lynyrd Skynyrd, what it stands for, what the fans are all about. There’s nothing like getting out there playing a great show with Skynyrd and seeing people love this music,” Van Zant said in the press release.
Marcus King is building his own musical legend. – Submitted
Regarding King, the press release says, “Marcus King faces heartache, addiction and mental health head-on in his music. Pain quakes below the vibrato of his voice and his delivery weighs heavy with booze-drenched regrets and mistakes in lonely hotels.”
