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Tag: Manatee County Sheriff’s Office

Commission chooses police department over sheriff’s office 

Written by Leslie Lake on . Posted in Featured.

 BRADENTON BEACH – Following extensive discussion and an outpouring of public support, the Bradenton Beach City Commission decided to retain the Bradenton Beach Police Department and discontinue the discussions about the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office possibly serving as the city’s contracted law enforcement agency. 

The commission made this decision during a special city commission meeting held in the packed city commission chambers on Thursday, May 7. 

“This is a meeting to consider a proposal for law enforcement services from Manatee County Sheriff’s Department,” Mayor John Chappie said when opening the meeting. “As you know, the commission had decided to get more information to see where we’re at and make some comparisons.” 

 SHERIFF’S PROPOSAL

The $1.35 million proposal recently received from the sheriff’s office included $1.27 million in annual salary expenses for eight deputies and one sergeant. The proposal listed eight deputies’ salaries at $80,623 and one sergeant’s salary at $119,248. The $1.27 million figure also included additional incentives, FICA tax reductions, retirement benefits and health benefits for the deputies and the sergeant.

The sheriff’s office proposal includes an additional $85,163 for operating expenses, bringing the total estimated first-year cost for county-provided law enforcement services to $1.35 million.

The city’s discussions with the sheriff’s office occurred at a time when the Bradenton Beach police officers were exploring the potential unionization of the city’s police department – an action that now appears unlikely after six officers recently informed the city, in writing, that they would vote no on unionization, leaving only two voting police department members still in potential support of unionizing. 

COMMISSION DISCUSSION

Serving as the city’s labor attorney, Robert Eschenfelder provided a brief recap of the previous commission discussion on April 23. 

“At the last meeting, you discussed authorizing staff to go back to the sheriff’s office to negotiate an agreement for you all to consider. Your (police department) budget is $2.1 million. In the first year of the contract, Manatee County Sheriff’s Office is offering services for $1,358,000, which is an $822,000 savings. The sheriff does indicate that number is premised upon entry-level officers and that for second and ensuing years, the salaries of the deputies that are assigned would be more – to about what Anna Maria has, which is $1.6-$1.7 million, so that savings becomes $480,000 a year based on what you’re currently paying.”

Eschenfelder said the sheriff’s office included a clause for policing the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) district, which includes Bridge Street.

“Their hourly rate is $20-$30 higher than the rate you currently pay,” he said. “The chief (John Cosby) also wanted to make sure marine patrol would be covered to the same frequency, and the sheriff’s office agreed to that.” 

Speaking next, Mayor John Chappie gave a pretty clear indication as to what the commission’s decision would be. 

“Apples-to-apples is what we were looking for,” he said of the cost comparisons being discussed. “It’s not in any way, shape or form all about cost. It’s about the service. It’s what we get for our residents, visitors and business owners. Chief Cosby, in his 39 years of service, has developed what we all agree is a stellar police department.”

Chappie said it’s important for the officers to know the residents, the neighborhoods and the city’s possible hot spots. 

Chappie said the city’s police officers are familiar with the vacation rental “party houses” and the Bridge Street area.

“They know how to patrol those areas,” he said. “If we would make a change, it’s permanent and there’s no going back.”

“If we do make a change, it would make a big difference,” Chappie said. “Some of the other things that concern me is the cost of staffing. After the first year, it’s going to go up, and it could be significant.” 

Chappie said while there appears to be a cost savings with the sheriff’s office proposal, it doesn’t take into account the $147,000 the city anticipates collecting from parking ticket fines during the current fiscal year, and the $129,417 the city receives from Manatee County for the city police department’s patrolling of the county-owned Coquina Beach and Cortez Beach areas.

 “I’m not in favor of this, I don’t think it’s right for us,” Chappie said. “There are many unknowns with regard to future costs. I’m happy with our police department.”

Commissioner Ralph Cole expressed concern about Bradenton Beach losing its personal feel. 

“If we get rid of our police department, we’re going to lose our small-town identity,” Cole said. “I’m totally for keeping our police department.” 

Commissioner Deborah Scaccianoce said this was not just a financial decision, but also an emotional one. 

“These guys know our citizens, they know our businesses, they know where they need to be at certain times,” she said. “Knowing our residents is important because they know who needs them – whether it’s for medical emergencies, or for our businesses on Bridge Street when they get busy.”

Scaccianoce said she has a special attachment to ssBradenton Beach Police because her brother, Sam Speciale, was the former police chief.

“I’ve known Chief Cosby since he got hired and I know I can depend on all of them on a moment’s notice because they know this community,” Scaccianoce said. “Financially, the numbers look good for the sheriff, but as the mayor said, this is pretty much bare bones. This is starting salary for new deputies; we don’t know what next year will look like. I really think this is not an apples-to-apples comparison. I could see us back at $2.1 million before you know it and what we’ve lost we can never get back.”

Commissioner Scott Bear expressed concerns about the sheriff’s office’s ability to provide additional coverage during holidays and special events, and the potential overtime costs associated with doing so. 

“Although the numbers look good, there’s a lot of risk to the city,” he said. “We would be saving some money, but I’m not sure how much because there’s overtime and things we can’t control. It seems to me we would not be getting the same level of policing if all we’re getting is new recruits.”

Commissioner Robert Talham said he was in favor of keeping the city’s police department.

PUBLIC COMMENT

During public comment, longtime Bradenton Beach resident Jim Hassett was the first of many speakers to express support and appreciation for the city’s police department and police officers. 

“After the hurricanes, the chief of police came by to check on how I was doing,” Hassett said. “After the hurricanes, Officer (Eric) Hill stopped by to double-check on how I was doing. I’m a believer in the police that have protected us. I think they’re worth their weight in gold.” 

Officer Tom Ferrara, a 29-year veteran of the police department, spoke on behalf of himself and his fellow officers. 

“The majority of our officers bring over 20 years’ experience. We practice true community-oriented policing. We use discretion, empathy and we treat people how we want our own families treated. Both locals and visitors comment on how approachable we are. This feedback means an awful lot to us,” he said.

Ferrara said Bradenton Beach maintains one of the lowest crime rates in Manatee County, even as the in-season population explodes from 1,000 full-time residents to as many as 20,000 to 30,000 visitors.

“A lot of officers give our personal cell phone numbers to residents, tourists and visitors. I can name probably half a dozen people in this room, from the public, that have my number,” Ferrara said. “The relationships and friendships we’ve built here go far beyond this job.”

He said after the 2024 hurricanes officers left their own damaged homes to work 12-hour shifts, seven days a week for more than a month.

“That level of dedication we bring every single day,” Ferrara said. “I’m not here to bash the sheriff’s office at all. I’m simply asking you to consider what we’ve built here and how our community truly values what we do. The warm, safe feeling they get when they visit is directly tied to the community policing.”

Drift-In manager Doreen Flynn praised the officers and said, “They’re kind and honorable, and they protect us in every way. They come in and check on us two to three times a week and make sure we get in our car on the way home because we’re getting out so late at night. We always feel comfortable that they have our back. To abolish this police department would be ludicrous.” 

“The small town feel you talk about is true,” Drift-In owner Derek Williams said. “It’s important as a citizen and a business owner to know that we have people like our police having our backs and watching our people. These guys are beat cops. They walk in and they talk to our customers. We are in support of keeping our police.”

Former Bradenton Beach commissioner and longtime business owner Jake Spooner broke down the numbers involved in keeping the city’s police department.

“I put the numbers together. The $700,000 to $800,000 (savings) that’s been thrown out there, but if you take off the $279,000 that the force actually brings in, that actually makes it a $490,000 difference. Then, if you add the overtime and holidays, that’s going to knock it down significantly. That amount is unknown. If you take the CRA money off that, the difference is $347,000,” Spooner said. 

Regarding the property tax implications associated with the estimated cost savings, Spooner said, 

“A house that’s $1.43 million in assessed value pays $22,000 year in property taxes. Out of that, Bradenton Beach gets $3,300, so the amount of savings that we’re saving between our police force and the sheriff is about a 7-to-10-percent savings on that portion of Bradenton Beach taxes. That equals one percent of your total tax bill. So, on the $22,000, you’re talking about saving $234, which is very insignificant. You get what you pay for, and everyone seems really happy with what we’ve paid for,” Spooner said.

“The majority of our homes out here are owned by corporations and LLCs and they’re carrying the major cost of our budget,” he said of the property taxes paid on the vacation rental homes and the non-primary residences that don’t receive tax-saving homestead exemptions.

Spooner said that after the first year of the contract, the city would have no negotiating strength with the sheriff’s office. 

In reference to the city of Anna Maria’s use of the sheriff’s office, Spooner said, “Anna Maria, just this year, went up 13%. There won’t be any savings.” 

Bradenton Beach resident Sharon Clarke said, “This shouldn’t even be a question, because we have something totally unique here and the uniqueness of our city requires that we keep our police and everything they do for us.” 

After public comment ended, Chappie said, “By my count, we’re all unanimous in wanting to continue with our police department. We thank the sheriff’s office for giving us an opportunity to compare.” 

After the meeting, some of the officers expressed their gratitude.

“We were very well-supported and I’m very thankful for having my job,” Officer Eric Hill said.

Officer Devon Straight said he was thankful to the community and appreciative of people who came to the meeting. 

“It’s great to have the support of the community and see that they recognize us,” Officer Kyle Orms said.

Sheriff’s office proposal for Bradenton Beach law enforcement to be discussed, livestreamed Thursday morning

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Bradenton Beach, Community News.

BRADENTON BEACH – On Thursday, May 7, at 10 a.m., the Bradenton Beach City Commission will conduct a special city commission meeting to discuss the $1.35 million proposal received from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office to potentially provide the city’s law enforcement services beginning Oct. 1.

If the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office is contracted to provide the city’s law enforcement services, the Bradenton Beach Police Department would eventually be dissolved.

Thursday morning’s special commission meeting discussion is listed on the meeting agenda as, “Consideration of proposal for law enforcement services from Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.”

This sheriff’s office proposal will be discussed during Thursday morning’s special meeting. – City of Bradenton Beach | Submitted

Public comment will be allowed during the 10 a.m. meeting. Those who wish to speak in support or opposition to the law enforcement options will be given three minutes each to do so. 

Thursday morning’s meeting will be livestreamed at the Anna Maria Island Sun Facebook page,https://www.facebook.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun.

Comments made at the Facebook feed will not be seen in real time by the mayor and commissioners and those Facebook comments will not become part of the city’s official public record.

The commission was already scheduled to conduct its regular commission meeting at 6 p.m. The agenda for Thursday evening’s meeting does not include any items that reference law enforcement or policing services, but general public comment on non-agenda items can be given at the beginning of the Thursday evening meeting – although a commission decision on the sheriff’s office proposal might have already been made during the Thursday morning meeting?

Thursday morning’s special meeting was announced by the city clerk’s office on Wednesday, May 6, and the clerk’s office also provided a copy of the two-page proposal recently received from the sheriff’s office. 

The sheriff’s office proposal includes projected salaries and other employee benefits. – City of Bradenton Beach | Submitted

The sheriff’s office $1.35 million proposal includes $1.27 million in annual salary expenses for eight deputies and one sergeant. The proposal lists eight deputies’ salaries at $80,623 and one sergeant’s salary at $119,248. The $1.27 million also includes additional incentives, FICA tax reductions, retirement benefits and health benefits for the deputies and the sergeant.

The sheriff’s office proposal includes an additional $85,163 for operating expenses, bringing the total estimated first-year costs for county-provided law enforcement services to $1.35 million.

Previous discussion

The city’s discussions with the sheriff’s office appeared to have begun at some point after city officials learned that Bradenton Beach police officers were exploring the potential unionization of the city’s police department. 

Bradenton Beach police officers have explored unionization. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

During the previous special commission meeting discussion on April 23, the city’s labor attorney, Robert Eschenfelder, noted the city’s current 2025-26 fiscal year budget includes $2.12 million for the Bradenton Beach Police Department. 

Eschenfelder said he received a preliminary $1.5 million cost estimate from the sheriff’s office, which he said would likely decrease slightly upon further revision. Eschenfelder said the sheriff’s office’s original $1.5 million estimate was $628,000 less than what the city is currently budgeting for city police services. 

The April 23 meeting ended with the commission unanimously approving a motion to make a formal request for Sheriff Rick Wells to provide “an operational analysis to provide an agreement for the city of Bradenton Beach for the sheriff to take over the law enforcement activities of the city of Bradenton Beach.”

The sheriff’s office’s most recent $1.35 million proposal is approximately $770,000 lower than the $2.12 million currently budgeted for the Bradenton Beach Police Department.

On April 27, six of the city’s eight potentially unionized police officers informed the city, in writing, that they would vote no on unionization. To date, the final unionization vote has not occurred.  

Elsewhere on the Island

At the north end of the Island, the city of Anna Maria does not have its own police department. The city contracts the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office for those law enforcement services. 

The city of Anna Maria’s current 2025-26 fiscal year budget includes $1.67 million for law enforcement services provided by the sheriff’s office. That marks an increase from the $1.52 million listed in the city’s 2024-25 fiscal year budget. 

In the largest of the three Anna Maria Island cities, Police Chief Bill Tokajer leads the Holmes Beach Police Department that is provided with a $5.69 million police department budget in the city’s current 2025-26 fiscal year budget.

Majority of Bradenton Beach Police Officers oppose unionization

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Bradenton Beach, Community News.

BRADENTON BEACH – On Monday, April 27, six Bradenton Beach police officers informed the mayor and city commission, in writing, that they would vote against unionizing the city’s police department. 

Addressed to the mayor and the city commissioners, the single-page document presented to the city says, “The listed Officers of The City of Bradenton Beach Police Department, including signatures, wish to make officially known that we are voting a definitive NO for the upcoming PERC (unionization) vote. Thank you.”

The six officers whose names are listed on the document are: Thomas Ferrara, Roy Joslin, Eric Hill, Charles Marose, Kyle Orms and John Tsakiri. All but Tsakiri’s name are accompanied by the officer’s signature. In the signature space next to Tsakiri’s name, it says, “Absent due to vacation (votes NO).”

Underneath the officers’ names and signatures, the letter says, “Respectfully, Officers of the Bradenton Beach Police Department.”

Officer Devon Straight and Sgt. Steve Masi’s names do not appear on the letter. 

The proposed union bargaining unit included seven officers and one sergeant, with one officer’s position currently vacant due to the recent departure of Officer Jorge Castro. A union-represented bargaining unit would not include Police Chief John Cosby, Lt. Lenard Diaz and police department clerk and public information officer, ChrisAnn Allen. If a union was formed, Cosby, Diaz and Allen would not become union members due to their non-officer, non-sergeant status within the department.

When contacted by The Sun Monday evening, I.U.P.A. Business Agent and Field Representative Bill Bjork acknowledged that he also received a copy of the letter the six officers sent to the city officials. 

According to the city’s labor attorney, Robert Eschenfelder, at least five potential union members would need to vote yes in order for the Bradenton Beach union to be formed. With six of the eight potential union members now expressing written opposition to unionization, the unionization of the police department now seems unlikely – but a final vote had not occurred as of Monday evening.

It is not yet known what impact, if any, the six officers’ opposition to unionization will have on the mayor and city commission’s pending decision as to whether the Bradenton Beach Police Department will remain intact and continue to provide the city’s police service, or eventually be disbanded and replaced with contracted law enforcement services provided by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff’s cost estimate

After discussing the potential police department unionization during a special city commission meeting held on Thursday, April 23, the mayor, commissioners, police chief and labor attorney also discussed contracting the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office to provide the city’s law enforcement services instead, with an estimated first-year cost savings of $628,000. 

Regarding his communications with the sheriff’s office, Eschenfelder said, “Yesterday, I was informed by the sheriff’s office that their preliminary review of our staffing needs is that they would be able to perform that role for $1.5 million, and likely less. That is based upon eight deputies and one sergeant. When you look at your current budget of $2,128,000 for municipal policing, that’s a saving for the city of $628,000 a year.”  

Regarding the potential cost savings, Mayor John Chappie said, “We have a fiduciary responsibility. We are sworn to maintain the health, safety and well-being of our community and the police department is the key to that. I think we need to continue the negotiations with the proposal from the sheriff’s department.”

Commissioner Debbie Scaccianoce said, “I love our guys, and I love our police department, but we really are in a crossroads here financially. It’s our duty as commissioners to at least look at that proposal from the sheriff.” 

Commissioner Cole said, “I’m torn about this. I think we should keep all our options open.”

The future fate of the Bradenton Beach Police Department will be determined by the mayor and city commissioners. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

The commission agreed that more specific information was needed from the sheriff’s office – including more details about the additional policing that currently takes place in the Community Redevelopment Agency on weekends and certain weekday evenings. The CRA district includes Bridge Street. The additional CRA policing is paid for using separate CRA funds rather than the city’s general fund. 

The mayor and commission also wants more detailed cost information about deputies’ overtime pay during special events and peak holiday periods.

The April 23 meeting ended with the commission unanimously approving a motion to approve continuing with a formal request for Sheriff Rick Wells to provide “an operational analysis to provide an agreement for the city of Bradenton Beach for the sheriff to take over the law enforcement activities of the city of Bradenton Beach.” 

No final decision was made regarding who will provide the city’s future law enforcement services, and the commission is scheduled to meet next on Thursday, May 7, at 6 p.m. During the May 7 commission meeting, public input can be given regarding the commission’s pending decision as to which agency will provide the city’s law enforcement services. 

The agenda for the May 7 meeting will be published later this week. If the proposed sheriff’s office agreement and other police matters are included as a specific agenda item, or items, public comment on those matters can be given at that time. If the sheriff’s office agreement and/or law enforcement services are not included on the May 7 agenda, public comment on non-agenda items can be given at the beginning of the meeting, with each speaker being given three minutes to speak.

Officers speak

None of the potentially impacted officers attended the April 23 meeting, but over the weekend, two officers spoke to The Sun on the condition that they remain anonymous.   

One officer said unionization did not appear likely because a majority of the officers did not support it. 

Another officer said, “The decision to unionize was never a matter of pay, but rather representation against threats and misconduct from the administration – the very kind now being disguised in public as financially motivated.”

This officer also referenced the April 21 cease-and-desist letter that union-affiliated attorney Bradley Rothman sent to the mayor, the commissioners, Chief Cosby, and Lt. Diaz. 

Cease and desist letter

Rothman is a member of the Naples-based Weldon Rothman law firm. His letter includes the header: “Demand to cease and desist unlawful threats, interference and retaliation concerning protected union activity.”

“We represent the International Union of Police Associations (IUPA) in connection with the pending representation-certification petition that seeks to represent the city’s regular full-time sworn law enforcement officers employed in the rank of officer or sergeant,” Rothman’s letter says. 

“This letter serves as a formal demand that the city of Bradenton Beach, its police department and all elected officials, supervisors, managers and agents immediately cease and desist from any threats, coercion, intimidation, interference, discrimination, retaliation or reprisals directed at officers because they have exercised protected rights to organize, to associate with one another, to seek union representation and to petition for collective representation.

“The city is already on notice of serious misconduct. The officers’ March 20 request for recognition recounts that during a March 12 department meeting, Lieutenant Diaz addressed reports of union activity by stating, among other things, ‘I dare you to pursue a union and you will feel our wrath,’ that ‘the city won’t go for it,’ and that “I will be here another three to five years and you won’t.’”

Regarding Diaz’s alleged comments, Rothman’s letter says, “That is not protected managerial opinion. It is an explicit threat of reprisal for protected activity, and it conveys unmistakably that officers who support unionization can expect retaliation affecting their tenure and future employment. The timing of the city’s current conduct raises an additional and deeply troubling inference of retaliation. 

“After the filing of the PERC (Public Employees Relations Commission) petition, and after officers engaged in protected organizing activity, the city placed on a public agenda both a discussion of the PERC petition and a discussion of whether law enforcement services should be provided by the sheriff. 
“The prospect of dissolving, transferring or outsourcing the department had not been seriously advanced before the officers sought representation. A public employer may not weaponize restructuring, review or operational considerations as a means of retaliating against employees who choose to organize,” Rothman stated in his letter.

“The city must also refrain from taking any action to abolish, transfer, outsource, reduce or otherwise undermine bargaining-unit work where the action is motivated in whole or in part by anti-union animus, or by a desire to defeat the pending representation effort,” Rothman wrote.

Unionization discussed

When discussing the potential unionization during the April 23 meeting, Eschenfelder said the unionization had not yet been formally voted on, but a number of officers had submitted “interest cards” expressing a desire to examine the opportunity to vote to create a union. 

“Those have been signed and submitted to the Florida Public Employees Relations Commission (PERC). The next step is requiring the city to respond within a certain period of time as to whether the proposed bargaining unit is the appropriate bargaining unit,” Eschenfelder said.

He also said, “This does not mean the union is formed. There is a concept that PERC examines, which is called unity of interest. In this case, PERC wants to know what the city’s position is with respect to a sergeant being in the same bargaining unit as officers.”

The commission reached unanimous consensus to allow Eschenfelder to register no objection to the structure of the proposed union bargaining unit. 

Eschenfelder said PERC would schedule an election and if at least five potential union members voted yes, the department would be unionized and the city would then be legally obligated to negotiate with the union on behalf of its new members.

Deputy ‘JoJo’ Parkinson reassigned

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Anna Maria, Community News.

ANNA MARIA – Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Deputy and longtime Anna Maria Unit member JoAnn “JoJo” Parkinson has been reassigned and will spend the final year of her career as a member of the sheriff’s office reporting unit in Lakewood Ranch. 

During the April 23 Anna Maria City Commission meeting, Parkinson was honored with a proclamation read aloud by Mayor Mark Short.

“Deputy Parkinson is a 24-year veteran of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, whose career has been defined by professionalism, integrity and an unwavering commitment to public service.

In 2020, she transferred from patrol to the city of Anna Maria, where she quickly became an integral part of our community and a trusted presence among residents, visitors and the whole staff,” Short said.

“Affectionately known as ‘JoJo,’ Deputy Parkinson has earned a reputation for her approachable demeanor, strong work ethic and dedication to community-oriented policing, fostering meaningful relationships and enhancing public trust. Throughout her service in Anna Maria, including during the COVID-19 pandemic and responses to major storm events such as Hurricanes Ian, Helene and Milton, she consistently demonstrated leadership, resilience and selflessness, placing the needs of the community above her own,” Short said. 

“As she enters the final chapter of her distinguished career, Deputy Parkinson leaves behind a legacy of dedication, professionalism and community service that will be remembered and appreciated for years to come. Therefore, be it proclaimed that the city commission does hereby recognize and honor Deputy Parkinson for her outstanding service and her many contributions to the safety and well-being of the community.” 

When contacted later, Sgt. Brett Getman, the leader of the Anna Maria Unit, said, “I want to wish JoJo well in the next year. She’s been a fantastic person to work with in Anna Maria. I think we can all agree she’s one of the kindest people you will ever meet, with the biggest of hearts.”

Bradenton Beach considers replacing police department with sheriff’s office

Written by Leslie Lake on . Posted in Beach Beat, Community News.

BRADENTON BEACH – Bradenton Beach police officers’ efforts to potentially unionize the department have morphed into serious consideration by the city commission to utilize law enforcement services provided by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office instead.

The agenda for the special city commission meeting that took place on Thursday, April 23, contained two items. The first agenda item was a discussion about the representation-certification petition the International Union of Police Associations (I.U.P.A) submitted with the Florida Public Employees Relations Commission on April 10, on behalf of the Bradenton Beach police officers.

The second agenda item was a discussion about the city’s law enforcement services possibly being provided by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO). The sheriff’s office’s $1.5 million preliminary law enforcement proposal is $628,000 less than the $2.12 million budgeted for the city’s police department during the current 2025-26 fiscal year. 

The first agenda item was quickly dispensed with. The second agenda item commanded the bulk of the conversation during the 80-minute special meeting. 

Unionization discussion

Attorney Robert Eschenfelder represented the city during the special meeting. Eschenfelder, a labor law and employment law specialist, is a partner in the Trask Daigneault law firm that provides the contracted services of City Attorney Erica Augello.

Labor attorney Robert Eschenfelder discussed the city’s policing options. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

“There have been a number of interest cards where the group of public employees (police officers) want to examine the opportunity to vote to create a union,” Eschenfelder said. “Those have been signed and submitted to the Florida Public Employees Relations Commission (PERC). The next step is requiring the city to respond within a certain period of time as to whether the proposed bargaining unit is the appropriate bargaining unit.”

The proposed union bargaining unit currently consists of eight officers (including one recently vacated officer’s unfilled position) and one sergeant. 

The union-represented bargaining unit would not include Police Chief John Cosby, Lt. Lenard Diaz and police department clerk and public information officer, ChrisAnn Allen.

Cosby was the only member of the police department who attended the special meeting. I.U.P.A. Business Agent and Field Representative Bill Bjork attended the city meeting, but he did not speak or participate.

Police Chief John Cosby would not be represented by the union if the department is unionized. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

“I want to make it clear that this does not mean the union is formed,” Eschenfelder said. “There is a concept that PERC examines, which is called ‘unity of interest.’ In this case, PERC wants to know what the city’s position is with respect to a sergeant being in the same bargaining unit as officers”

He advised the commission not to expend any resources to fight the proposed unionization and to allow him to inform PERC that the city has no objections to sergeants and officers being represented as part of the same bargaining unit.

The commission reached unanimous consensus to allow Eschenfelder to register no objection on that point.

Eschenfelder said PERC would schedule an election. He said if at least five of the eight potential union members vote yes, the department would be unionized. The city would then be legally obligated to negotiate with the union on behalf of the Bradenton Beach union members. It’s also possible that the proposed unionization could be voted down. 

MCSO discussion

Prior to the recent unionization efforts, the Bradenton Beach Commission never entertained the idea of replacing the city’s police department with contracted law enforcement services provided by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.  

The city of Anna Maria does not have its own police department and the sheriff’s office has long provided that city’s contracted law enforcement services. The city of Anna Maria is paying the sheriff’s office approximately $1.7 million for the law enforcement services being provided during the current 2025-26 fiscal year.  The city of Holmes Beach has its own police department, which is operating with a $5.6 million budget for the current fiscal year. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and the Holmes Beach Police Department are not unionized.

When discussing an agreement with the sheriff’s office for such services, Eschenfelder referenced the April 21 cease and desist letter sent to Mayor John Chappie, the city commissioners, Chief Cosby and Lt. Diaz by attorney Bradley Rothman, from the Naples-based Weldon and Rothman Law Firm. 

“You are familiar with the correspondence that was received by the union lawyer saying that this is nothing more than anti-union hostility and so forth,” Eschenfelder said.

Rothman’s letter alleges police officers have received “explicit threats of reprisal for protected (union) activity.”

Regarding that allegation, Eschenfelder said, “The city completely understands and respects that folks are entitled to be members of a public sector union, but you all (as elected officials) have a separate fiduciary duty to the taxpayers, and a budget, to always make sure you’re doing the right thing.” 

In addition to serving as police chief, Cosby has served as the city’s public works director since Tom Woodard vacated that position in May of 2024.

“You have a police chief who has made it known to many of you that his intention is to retire. He has interest in being the public works director for the city and there’s going to be a transition there in the police department,” Eschenfelder said.

Eschenfelder said he’s had preliminary discussions with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office with respect to a transition to county-provided law enforcement services. He said that transition could result in substantial cost savings for the city. 

“I have worked with the general counsel’s office for the past few days on what would the transition look like,” Eschenfelder said. “Yesterday, I was informed by the sheriff’s office that their preliminary review of our staffing needs is that they would be able to perform that role for $1.5 million, and likely less. That is based upon eight deputies and one sergeant. When you look at your current budget of $2,128,000 for municipal policing, that’s a saving for the city of $628,000 a year.”  

Cosby asked if the sheriff’s office indicated a timeframe as to when it could start providing those law enforcement services if a formal proposal is later approved by the city commission. 

Eschenfelder said the sheriff’s office is flexible, but the county-provided law enforcement services would likely begin on Oct. 1, which is the first day of the city and the county’s 2026-27 fiscal year. 

Regarding the potential loss of officers during a transition period, Eschenfelder said, “If the city does approve an agreement and a significant number of our officers go find other jobs, which could occur, it may become unviable to maintain the police department over the summer months. Obviously, the sheriff will begin earlier.”

Eschenfelder said the sheriff’s office would need to hire additional deputies to accommodate Bradenton Beach’s law enforcement services and that could possibly include hiring current Bradenton Beach officers if they qualify and choose to apply.

“We can continue the status quo unless we run into that situation where there’s a mass exodus of officers,” Cosby said.

Eschenfelder said the commission could discontinue its discussion about the sheriff’s office and maintain the city police department even if the officers vote to unionize. He said the city would then need to negotiate a contract with the union and that annual contract would likely exceed $2 million.

“Or do we want to direct staff to negotiate with the sheriff?” he said. 

Commissioner Ralph Cole said the commission needs to explore all possible funding sources and police service options.

Eschenfelder said the commission could raise property taxes to generate additional revenues, but there aren’t many other potential funding sources the city can turn to. Commissioner Debbie Scaccianoce noted the Florida Legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis hope to eliminate property taxes on homesteaded residential properties. 

Cosby noted total aggregate value of all Bradenton Beach properties is much less than it is in Holmes Beach, Anna Maria and the Manatee County portion of Longboat Key. Cosby said the additional property tax revenues generated in those neighboring cities provide more funds for law enforcement operations and allow for higher officer salaries.

The commission expressed no support for increasing property taxes to generate more tax revenues for police services. 

Mayor John Chappie supports getting a more detailed proposal from the sheriff’s office. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

“We have a fiduciary responsibility,” Mayor Chappie said. “We are sworn to maintain the health, safety and well-being of our community and the police department is the key to that. I think we need to continue the negotiations with the proposal from the sheriff’s department.”

Scaccianoce’s brother, Sam Speciale, served as a Bradenton Beach police officer and then served as the Bradenton Beach police chief for many years until his retirement in 2021. 

Commissioner Debbie Scaccianoce has a long relationship with the Bradenton Beach Police Department. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

“I have a special attachment to the police department,” Scaccianoce said.  “I love our guys and I love our police department, but we really are in a crossroads here financially. It’s our duty as commissioners to at least look at that proposal from the sheriff.” 

Eschenfelder addressed the city’s current police budget.

“The $2,128,000 budget is your current budget without a union contract, so the issue really is that maintaining a local police department has its costs. There are certain costs because it’s a small agency and you don’t have economy of scale,” he said. “You pay your own insurance premiums, workers’ comp, vehicles, vehicle maintenance, and all that would be handled in a much more efficient way with a larger agency.”

Eschenfelder said the sheriff’s office currently has no interest in occupying the police station building on Church Street and the city could use that space for other city operations.

Cosby addressed the special policing services currently provided by the police department in the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) district that includes the Bridge Street business district. Separate CRA funds are used to pay for the additional policing that occurs along Bridge Street during peak weekend and holiday periods.

Cosby said the sheriff’s office’s initial proposal does not include additional CRA patrols.  

“You would have to make a request for off-duty deputies and we would pay them (using CRA funds), but there’s no guarantee that anybody’s going to sign up for it.  There’s a lot of off-duty time offered to them throughout the county.”

Cosby noted the county currently contracts the city to patrol the county-owned beaches in Bradenton Beach. He said the sheriff’s office would have to assume those patrol and enforcement duties if the police department is eliminated. He also said the sheriff’s office would have to enforce the boats and derelict vessels that anchor in the city’s waterways, including the unmanaged mooring area south of the Bradenton Beach Pier.

“Sometimes you pay more for something because you like it better and it’s more suitable for our situation,” Cole said. “I’m torn about this. I think we should keep all our options open.” 

Commissioner Ralph Cole wants to consider all possible policing options. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Commissioner Scott Bear, who also serves as the CRA chair, pointed out that the CRA has $134,000 in its budget for CRA policing. 

“That would be an additional cost, so I’d like to see that added into the quote from the sheriff,” Bear said. 

Commissioner Scott Bear wants the additional CRA policing costs included in the sheriff’s office proposal. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Commissioner Robert Talham asked how many of the city’s officers voted for unionization.

“PERC would not have sent a requirement for us to respond if a majority of the potential bargaining unit members hadn’t signed interest cards,” Eschenfelder said. “We’re not allowed to know who did. The gentleman who initiated this discussion among the officers has since left the force.” 

“He poked the bee’s nest and left?” Talham said of that officer’s departure. 

Regarding future negotiations with a unionized police department, Talham said, “When we talk to these people, are we talking in the officers’ interest or are we talking to a union machine?”

Eschenfelder said the union would decide who sits at the negotiating table on behalf of its members: “If a majority of officers say we vote to hand our fate over to the union, then from that point forward we can’t stick our nose behind the curtain and say ‘Who are you sending? Why isn’t the officer here at the table?’ That is none of our business. Whoever shows up across the table from us, we are to presume is speaking on behalf of and in the best interest of the officers.”

“I guess the sheriff’s proposal is looking mighty wonderful,” Talham responded.

Commissioner Robert Talham is concerned about the city having to negotiate with police union representatives. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Cosby said county deputies are fully equipped and provided with equipment the city’s officers currently don’t have. 

“Right now, we don’t have body cams, we don’t have cams in cars, we need to replace our radios and all this stuff is extremely expensive,” Cosby said. “Most of the (law enforcement) agencies are also accredited. These are things, if unionized, that the union will expect us to do.” 

Public comment

Bradenton Beach resident Bill Clemens was the only meeting attendee to provide public comment. 

“The dollars being spoken about aren’t quite apples-to-apples. I wonder why is there a $600,000 swing? I understand there’s an economy of scale with the sheriff’s department, but are there some things they’re not providing? Or are there things we could do here to maintain our police department at a closer cost?” Clemens said.

Eschenfelder said the $628,000 difference between the city’s budgeted policing costs and the sheriff’s office’s proposed costs are due to cost efficiencies the sheriff’s office experiences as a much larger agency.  

“I like what Mr. Clemens said about apples-to-apples,” Scaccianoce said. “We need to have an apples-to-apples comparison. What would overtime look like as far as the sheriff for special events and the increase in population during season? This is not black and white. There are a lot of variables involved.”

Motion adopted

The commission unanimously approved the following motion: “To approve continuing with a formal request from Sheriff (Rick) Wells for an operational analysis to provide an agreement for the city of Bradenton Beach for the sheriff to take over the law enforcement activities of the city of Bradenton Beach.” 

No final decisions were made during the special city commission meeting. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

No final decisions have been made in regard to who will provide the city’s law enforcement services and further discussion and decision-making will take place at a future commission meeting or meetings. The commission is scheduled to meet next on Thursday, May 7, at 6 p.m.

Union rep speaks

After the meeting ended, Bjork, the union representative, spoke to the media. 

“We’re not adversarial,” he said. “I came here to listen to what the proposals and thoughts are. It’s just sad that we filed a petition with PERC and then, all of a sudden, they have a special meeting to discuss that PERC petition, and then also discuss having the deputies take over. I can appreciate their wanting to explore their options, but I would say in the long run they would be far better off with their own local police agency that they would have more control over, and with officers that have a good relationship with the community.”

The video recording of the entire April 23 meeting can be viewed here.

Sun reporter Joe Hendricks contributed to this story. 

Sgt. Getman receives Deputy of the Year award

Sgt. Getman receives Deputy of the Year award

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Anna Maria, Community News, Featured.

ANNA MARIA – Sgt. Brett Getman of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Anna Maria Unit is the MCSO Deputy of the Year for 2025.

Getman leads the Anna Maria Unit that provides the city’s contracted law enforcement services.

He earned the award for rescuing a distressed swimmer from the Gulf of Mexico off Bean Point in August.

The incident involved a 45-year-old man and his 15-year-old son.

Getman was among the MCSO deputies, employees and volunteers recognized for their exceptional service at the annual awards banquet held at the Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa on Dec. 5.

Deputy of the year

According to the press release distributed by the Sheriff’s Office on Dec. 5, “On Aug. 9, Sergeant Brett Getman and Deputy Vincent Bowman were conducting a beach patrol when they were suddenly flagged down to assist two individuals who were being swept away by the strong current and clearly in distress. Sergeant Getman saw two men struggling against the current, 100 yards or more from the shore. Recognizing their im­mediate danger, Sergeant Getman promptly advised dispatch to contact the Marine Unit, the Coast Guard and Beach Patrol.

“Understanding the risk of drowning they faced, he removed his gear and entered the water while Deputy Bowman stayed on the shore as a spotter. Sergeant Getman swam out to one of the men (the son), directing him to hold onto the float while keeping him alert. Together, they managed to swim back to the shore. When they reached the shore, Beach Patrol arrived and Sergeant Getman instructed them to take their board and assist the other individual (the father) who was still in the water trying to stay afloat. Ul­timately, the second individual was rescued by Beach Patrol and the MCSO Marine Unit transported him to a nearby marina, where EMS met them. Both individuals were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. In acknowledgment of his quick thinking, decisive actions, and willingness to risk his own life to save another, Sergeant Brett Getman has been named MCSO’s 2025 Deputy of the Year.”

The father passed away the following day.

The water rescue that Getman partici­pated in was one of multiple water rescues that occurred around that same time and led city officials to impose a Bean Point no-swim zone that was later discarded in favor of signs that warn swimmers of the risks of swimming there.

When contacted by The Sun on Dec. 5, Getman said, “I am honored yet humbled to receive the recognition for Deputy of the Year and the reason for the award. Since my heart attack in 2022, I have always felt there’s a reason for me to be here. Even though it’s disheartening for me personally that I couldn’t save both people that day, I won’t ever forget what Deputy Bowman and I did to try and save both lives. I appreciate the recognition by Sheriff Wells and my peers at the Sheriff’s Office.”

Additional award winners

MCSO Work Farm Inmate Crew Leader Jose Torres received the Employee of the Year 2025 award for the life-saving CPR assistance he provided to an automobile accident victim in May while driving home from work.

Dep. Daniel Ensign and Resource Assistance Case Manager Wanda Alejandre received the 2025 MCSO Bealls Humanitar­ian Award for the ongoing assistance they provided to a homeless veteran that they persuaded to pursue treatment for his alcoholism through a Salvation Army program that resulted in him being admit­ted to an assisted living facility where he remained until his health declined.

MCSO volunteer Coralee Garrison received the Robert & Dan E. Molter Memo­rial Volunteer Award. Garrison, a 10-year MCSO volunteer, is currently assigned to the Crime Prevention Unit that patrols neighborhoods and shopping centers. In the past year, she also participated in 10 health fairs and was twice featured in public service announcements about scams directed at senior citizens. She also organized and coordinated a Sheriff’s Office community outreach event, serves on the MCSO Employment Eligibility Board and as of Dec. 5 contributed 127 volunteer hours this year.

MCSO Anna Maria Unit honored for hurricane response

MCSO Anna Maria Unit honored for hurricane response

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Anna Maria, Community News.

ANNA MARIA – For their dedication and service during and after Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024, Sgt. Brett Getman and Manatee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Deputies Edward Aleppo, Matt Daugherty, Michael Lesselroth, James McDermott Jr., JoAnn Parkinson and Adam Resnick were honored as the deputies of the month for March.

Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short recognized and praised Getman and the Anna Maria Unit deputies during the May 8 city commission meeting, with Getman accompanied by Lt. John Wren.

MCSO Anna Maria Unit honored for hurricane response
Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short, left, praised Sgt. Brett Getman, center, and his deputies, with Lt. John Wren, right. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Short read aloud the proclamation-like media release provided by the Sheriff’s Office and dated March 25.

“In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact on Anna Maria Island, several deputies from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Anna Maria Island Unit went above and beyond the call of duty, demonstrating exceptional bravery, leadership and commitment to the community,” Short said.

“Hurricane Helene caused significant storm surge, leaving nearly every business and residence on the Island damaged. The city was without power for two days, and cellular service, email, and text communication were unavailable, isolating residents. Roads were flooded, damaged and largely impassable. Amid these challenging conditions, Sgt. Brett Getman, Dep. Edward Aleppo, Dep. Matt Daugherty, Dep. Michael Lesselroth, Dep. James McDermott Jr., Dep. JoAnn Parkinson and Dep. Adam Resnick showed extraordinary dedication to serving the community.

“Before the storm made landfall, Sgt. Getman demonstrated exceptional leadership by preparing ahead of time and coordinating relief efforts. He ensured that essential equipment was properly secured and that his team was ready to face the challenges. His planning allowed the deputies to act swiftly and effectively once the storm had passed,” Short said.

“After the storm, each deputy volunteered to work overtime, sacrificing time with their own families to serve the residents of Anna Maria Island. They responded to numerous calls for service, often putting their safety at risk by traversing through high waters and navigating severely damaged infrastructure. Many homes were inaccessible, yet the deputies pressed forward, checking on stranded individuals and ensuring their well-being.

“One of the most significant contributions they made was re-establishing communication between families. With cellular service down, families off the Island had no way of knowing the status of their loved ones. The deputies went door to door, checking on residents and relaying critical information to concerned family members. This act of compassion and service helped bring peace of mind to many who were left in the dark during a time of crisis.

“For their bravery, leadership and unwavering commitment during and after Hurricane Helene, Sgt. Brett Getman, Dep. Edward Aleppo, Dep. Matt Daugherty, Dep. Michael Lesselroth, Dep. James McDermott, Dep. JoAnn Parkinson, and Dep. Adam Resnick have been named Deputies of the Month for March 2025,” Short said in conclusion.

After receiving a warm round of applause, Getman said, “Thank you, mayor. Thank you, commissioners.”

Sheriff’s office recognizes former mayor Murphy

Sheriff’s office recognizes former mayor Murphy

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Anna Maria, Community News.

ANNA MARIA – Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells and other members of the sheriff’s office expressed their appreciation for former Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy and his 10 years in office.

During the Dec. 12 Anna Maria City Commission meeting, Capt. Lou Licata presented Murphy with a plaque on Wells’ behalf, accompanied by Lt. John Belt and Sgt. Brett Getman from the sheriff’s office Anna Maria Unit.

“This is in recognition of Mayor Murphy’s service to the city of Anna Maria,” Getman said.

Licata then said, “We wanted to make sure you got the proper recognition that you deserve from the sheriff’s office. You’ve always been a huge advocate for us and for the unit out here. It doesn’t go unnoticed or unap­preciated. I definitely appreciate it and I know Sgt. Getman does, as well as Lt. Belt and all the way up to the sheriff.”

Licata read aloud the inscrip­tion on the plaque presented to Murphy for his exemplary leadership that began in Novem­ber 2014 and ended on Nov. 19.

“His commitment, vision and tireless support profoundly impacted our community,” the plaque says, noting Murphy’s partnership with the sheriff’s office strengthened public safety and created a safer city for its residents and visitors. The plaque expresses Wells’ and his office’s gratitude and offers best wishes for Murphy in his retirement.

“Thank you very much. I am enjoying my retirement. I’m honored that I received such a beautiful plaque,” Murphy said.

Murphy then thanked Mayor Mark Short and the reconfigured city commission for the farewell ceremony that took place on Nov. 19. Murphy couldn’t attend the ceremony because he was hospitalized at the time, but he was able to later watch it in its entirety via Facebook video. During the ceremony, Short proclaimed Dec. 20, 2024 (Murphy’s 80th birthday) to be “Mayor Dan Murphy Day” in Anna Maria.

“I emotionally probably couldn’t have handled it had I been here,” Murphy said. “But laying in that bed, I only could think of how grateful I was to have worked with each one of you and how much we accom­plished over the years – you and the staff.”

Referencing the mythical King Arthur and his court while expressing gratitude for his own decade in office, Murphy said, “It was just remarkable. It was a piece of Camelot.”

Murphy mentioned the strong alliance the city and the sheriff’s office have forged during the many years the sheriff’s office has served as the city’s contracted law enforcement agency, which he noted was the only such alliance in Manatee County.

“It has worked so well and it’s proven itself time and time again,” Murphy said, noting the sheriff’s office helped the city through six hurricanes and a pandemic during his time as mayor.

He said contracting the sheriff’s office continues to be a cost-effective means to provide the city with a law enforcement agency that offers a wide array of services and resources.

“I hope you’re able to keep that alliance live and well,” he told the new mayor and commission.

In conclusion, Murphy said, “Without any further ado, I’m going to boogie out of here,” which he did, shaking hands with many in attendance as he exited the commission chambers.

Related coverage: Anna Maria honors Dan Murphy

Lock cars, secure guns

Lock cars, secure guns

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Anna Maria Island, Community News.

MANATEE COUNTY – There’s a new problem in Manatee County, and it has nothing to do with oppressive heat or storm threats. According to government officials from all three Island cities, as well as county officials, abandoned and stolen gun cases are on the rise.

Since a law change in 2023, Florida residents who once had to obtain a concealed carry permit and complete safety training and a background check to carry a loaded firearm on their body or in their car no longer need to do anything more than have a valid ID to be legal. While the jury is still out on whether this has had a positive or negative effect on gun-related issues, one thing is clear – guns are coming up missing.

The issue is becoming such a problem that the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) has placed lighted signs around the county that warn motorists to lock their cars and secure all firearms.

“Our digital mobile road signs are strategically positioned around the county, often displaying messages about locking your car and not leaving firearms inside,” MCSO Public Information Officer Randy Warren said in an email to The Sun. “These signs serve as a reminder to be smart and reduce your chances of becoming a victim. Burglars know that people make the mistake of forgetting or being careless almost every night. They are aware that this is the easiest way to acquire a free gun, as these criminals rarely obtain them legally. They also know that if they check enough door handles, they will find what they are looking for.”

Warren said that so far this year they had received 71 reports of firearms being stolen from unlocked vehicles. He did not have the stats for the city of Anna Maria, which is patrolled by MCSO, at the time of this story.

In Bradenton Beach, Lt. Lenard Diaz said they had one gun stolen from a vehicle in 2023 but none reported this year.

“We have more of an issue with people renting condos and leaving their guns behind,” Diaz said. “As a matter of fact, we have a person coming back in a month to get her gun because she left it at an Airbnb.”

Diaz said the guns are usually found by cleaning staff. They notify their supervisor, who then contacts the police. Police officers pick up the gun, run the serial number, and, if legal, contact the owner. The one thing none of the Island police departments will do is ship the guns back to the owners, even if they are presumed legal. The reason for this is that owners must show proper identification and proof of ownership to prevent the chance of the lost guns eventually falling into the wrong hands. Diaz said it’s simply a necessary safety precaution that offers no exceptions. Lost guns are put into a secure evidence locker and gun owners are given 90 days to pick up the gun, or, if they live far away, Diaz said he will give them up to a year if he is confident they will return to get the gun.

In Holmes Beach, Police Chief Bill Tokajer says his department has the same issue.

“We haven’t really seen the problem with gun thefts from cars that places like Tampa and even the county are seeing,” Tokajer said. “What we have a problem with is people leaving them in rental units.”

Like Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach police will not ship lost firearms for the same reasons. Gun owners must return to the city and claim their property with proper ID.

It should be noted that while leaving a firearm unsecured in a vehicle or left behind in a rental unit is not a crime, it is an opportunity for a legally purchased and owned gun to get into the hands of someone who may have very different intentions for its use. Law enforcement from all agencies contacted by The Sun ask that everyone legally carrying a firearm lock their car and always be aware of who has access to their guns. Doing so will make for a safer Island.

Suspect charged in Sunny Shores shooting

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Community News, Cortez, Featured.

CORTEZ – A suspect is in custody charged with three counts of aggravated assault with a firearm and one count of battery after a shooting at the Sunny Shores Mobile Home Park the night of June 6.

According to a Manatee County Sheriff’s Office press release, Kevin R. Armstrong allegedly confronted a 33-year-old female who arrived at a residence in the 3900 block of 116th Street West around 8:08 p.m. with two males on a golf cart to retrieve some personal items.

Law enforcement responded to reports of a shootout in Cortez on Thursday, June 6. – Jason Schaffer | Sun

Detectives said that Armstrong and the female victim had been in a domestic relationship, and he had allegedly slapped the victim in the face earlier in the evening.

A verbal altercation between Armstrong and the victim quickly escalated, according to the release. During the argument, Armstrong allegedly grabbed a shotgun and shot at her as she and the two males accompanying her tried to flee the home, resulting in the female victim being shot in the chest.

One of the men with the victim retrieved a handgun from the golf cart and allegedly returned multiple rounds of fire in Armstrong’s direction, but did not hit him. The three, including the injured female, fled the area on the golf cart to 119th Street West and 45th Avenue West, according to the release.

At 8:45 p.m., according to West Manatee Fire Rescue (WMFR) Marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski, an unidentified male victim was assessed for a gunshot wound to the foot at 3916 116th St. W. but refused treatment.

MCSO deputies confronted Armstrong at the 116th Street West address, where he was attempting to hide inside the residence, according to the release. After being ordered to surrender to police, he complied and was taken into custody. Other deputies met with the  victims at 45th Avenue West to gather further information.

The female victim was transported to HCA Florida Blake Hospital, where she was treated for a gunshot wound to the chest. As of this morning, she was listed in stable condition.

The investigation is ongoing.

Mayors discuss law enforcement consolidation

Mayors discuss law enforcement consolidation

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Anna Maria, Community News, Featured.

ANNA MARIA – Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy and Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth are not on the same page when it comes to the potential consolidation of law enforcement services, with each mayor preferring their city’s law enforcement agency take over policing in both cities.

As is the case in most cities, law enforcement on Anna Maria Island is the most expensive public service provided to residents, visitors and businesses. With the looming threat of state-imposed consolidation facing the three Island cities, the three Island mayors continue to look for cost-cutting measures that would save taxpayers’ dollars and potentially appease state legislators who requested the consolidation study being conducted by the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA).

Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach have their own police depart ments and police chiefs. Anna Maria does not, and instead contracts law enforcement services from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO). Led by Sgt. Brett Getman, with additional supervision provided by Lt. John Belt, the MCSO Anna Maria Unit is headquartered in the former city annex building on Pine Avenue.

On April 23, Titsworth met with State Rep. Will Robinson Jr. to discuss consolidation and the concerns associated with that state-imposed scenario. Titsworth then told The Sun that she and Police Chief Bill Tokajer were in preliminary talks with Murphy about the Holmes Beach Police Department taking over law enforcement in Anna Maria.

Titsworth told The Sun the two cities would research the financial numbers associated with the potential consolidation of law enforcement services, and also the potential drafting of an interlocal agreement between the two cities.

Mayors discuss law enforcement consolidation
Mayor Dan Murphy supports the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office providing primary law enforcement services to all three Island cities. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Murphy addressed then these matters during the May 9 Anna Maria City Commission meeting.

“The article said Mayor Titsworth and I were working together on looking at having Holmes Beach provide police services for the city of Anna Maria and that we were preparing an interlocal agreement to do just that. That’s not the case,” Murphy said.

“Mayor Titsworth and I had a phone conversation shortly after she met with Representative Robinson. I said the elephant in the room is public safety. We’re operating with three separate police forces,” Murphy said.

Murphy noted Anna Maria is paying $1.3 million for contracted MCSO law enforcement services for the current 2023-24 fiscal year, the lowest of the three Island cities.

For the current fiscal year, Holmes Beach budgeted $4.63 million for its police department and Bradenton Beach budgeted $1.77 million. Combined, the three cities budgeted $7.7 million for law enforcement.

“If you really wanted to save the taxpayers’ money, which has always been the caveat in consolidating, that’s what should be looked at,” Murphy said.

Murphy said Titsworth did tell him that she would look into Holmes Beach providing police services to Anna Maria, but he favors a different approach – eliminating the Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach police departments and contracting the sheriff’s office to provide Island-wide law enforcement services.

“I’m very pleased with the services the sheriff is providing us. We have far more scope of services with the sheriff’s department than we could ever have with an Island-wide police force,” Murphy said, noting the sheriff’s office has a helicopter, K-9 officers, detectives, marine patrol officers and more.

“The array of services are almost endless from a public safety standpoint and they’re economical. To me, that would be significant savings,” Murphy said.

When contacted by The Sun the following day, Titsworth confirmed that she and Murphy discussed the two cities sharing a police force.

She then noted Holmes Beach has mutual aid agreements with the sheriff’s office and other law enforcement agencies in Manatee County regarding the sharing of technology, equipment and services. She also said the sheriff’s office provides Holmes Beach with additional assistance during high-volume holiday weekends.

Related coverage

 

Mayor, state legislator discuss consolidation

 

Police investigate gunshots in Holmes Beach

Police investigate gunshots in Holmes Beach

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Community News, Holmes Beach.

HOLMES BEACH – Shots were fired, but who fired them and exactly where they were fired remains a mystery after all of the Island’s three police departments participated in the search for the shooter.

The incident began on Feb. 10 at 10:03 p.m. when Holmes Beach Police Department (HBPD) Officer Chris Bennett was getting into his patrol car at the HBPD station and heard two gunshots coming from the south nearby. Bennett advised dispatch of the shots and requested that Officer Ryan Welch respond to the area, believing the shots came from the area of the Waterline Hotel, 5325 Marina Drive, or the area of 5200 Gulf Drive.

While searching around the Waterline, Bennett spoke with a bystander who said she had not heard the shots, and he found no physical evidence of the shots coming from that area. At the same time, Welch was checking the parking lot in the area of D Coy Ducks bar across the street. An employee of the bar told Welch he had also heard the shots, and thought they had come from the area near Hurricane Hanks restaurant, 5410 Marina Drive, possibly behind the building on the 52nd Street side of the business.

Shortly after, HBPD dispatch got a call from a concerned citizen in the area of 46th Street who also heard the shots nearby, but couldn’t provide an exact location.

Officers Bennett and Welch went on foot to check the beach access parking lot at 100 52nd St.

“While checking the parking lot, we heard two additional gunshots very close to our south,” Bennett said in his official report. “They were possibly coming from the 50th Street beach access area.”

Officers from the Bradenton Beach Police Department (BBPD) and Manatee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) arrived at the scene to assist in the search.

“I deployed my agency-issued AR-15 rifle, and Officer Welch deployed his agency-issued shotgun,” Bennett said in his report. “Along with the aforementioned law enforcement officers from neighboring agencies, conducted a thorough check until approximately 10:45 p.m. of the area between 47th Street and 52nd Street while on foot.”

An MCSO helicopter was requested but was not available to assist at the time. After an extensive ground search, no suspect could be located by officers. There were no gunshot wound victims that night, and no related property damage was reported. Anyone with information on the incident should contact the Holmes Beach Police Department.

Crime decreases in Anna Maria

Crime decreases in Anna Maria

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Anna Maria, Community News.

ANNA MARIA – Crime in the city of Anna Maria decreased overall by 18% in 2023 compared to 2022, according to Lt. John Belt from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.

On Jan. 11, Belt provided the mayor and city commission with an overview of the annual crime report created using the FBI’s National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) used by local, county, state and federal law enforcement agencies.

Belt serves as the supervisor to Sgt. Brett Getman, who leads the MCSO Anna Maria Unit that serves as the city’s contracted law enforcement agency.

For 2023, Anna Maria’s Group A (serious) offenses included zero homicides, manslaughter cases or rapes, as was also the case in 2022. The Group A offenses included one robbery, one aggravated assault, one burglary, 18 larcenies and two motor vehicle thefts.

Belt said Group A offenses decreased by 25% in 2023, compared to 2022.

After noting that a robbery is defined as using force to take something, Belt said, “After reading that report, I don’t really think that was a robbery. It was an intoxicated male at a bar causing problems. It wasn’t an actual robbery, but we have to report that.”

Belt said the two reported motor vehicle thefts were not automobile thefts. One incident involved a motorized bike and the other involved a motorcycle.

Belt said most of the reported larcenies pertained to rental bikes left unlocked and stolen. He suggested bike rental companies providing locks to their clients might reduce those larcenies.

Belt thanked Sgt. Getman and the Anna Maria Unit deputies for their efforts and hard work and said the goal is to continue reducing crime. He said the community, especially the city’s full-time residents, can help by reporting any suspicious activity they observe.

“Give us a call and let us check it out,” he said.

“We’re not crime-free by any stretch of the imagination, and I think the lieutenant and his team have done a real good job of making our city a little bit better place to live,” Mayor Dan Murphy said. “We certainly appreciate the efforts. That is a great reduction.”

Body found on Bradenton Beach dock

Body found on Bradenton Beach dock

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Bradenton Beach, Community News.

BRADENTON BEACH – It was just after 1 a.m. on Jan. 12 when three fishermen on a boat near the Bradenton Beach Pier needed a break from the inclement weather and decided to head to the adjacent dinghy dock to get warm.

When they pulled up to the dock, they observed what appeared to be a coat and clothing lying on the dock. As they got closer, they found a man slumped over the end of the dock with his head underwater. The reporting witness, Joshua Adkins, called 911 and waited for police to arrive.

According to his report, Bradenton Beach Police Officer Thomas Ferrara responded to the scene with Officer Roy Joslin and Officer Devon Straight to investigate.

“As we approached the dimly lit end of the dock, I observed an adult male body, obviously deceased with the chest area laying over the edge of the dock above the water and the left leg laying straight out on top of the dock out of the water,” Ferrara said in his report. “The right leg was above the water and half wrapped around a wooden piling that was attached to the dock. The deceased had both hands and arms dangling in the water and his entire head was under the surface of the water.”

After confirming that the deceased was beyond resuscitation, Straight pronounced the time of death to dispatch and the officers left the pier. They briefed their supervisors, Chief John Cosby, Sgt. Steve Masi and Lt. Lenard Diaz, about the situation. Diaz told Ferrara to contact the medical examiner and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit to respond and photograph the scene, according to the report.

The Sun spoke to Diaz on Jan. 12, who said the victim, identified as Mark Allen Crooks, 63, lived on a boat the department had cited previously for not being properly operational in the bay near the Bradenton Beach Pier. Diaz said Crooks had moved the boat to the coast of Cortez to avoid further Bradenton Beach violations.

Diaz said there was no foul play suspected in the death, and that the results of the autopsy would not be available by press time. Whether the man drowned or had a medical emergency that led to his death will not be known until that report is made available.

Police chase on and off the Island ends with crash

Police chase on, off Island ends in crash

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Anna Maria Island, Community News.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Manatee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) deputies arrested a man after he allegedly battered an Uber driver, stole his vehicle and crashed it into light poles.

At about 12:18 a.m. on Dec. 21, Leo Paul Bradley, 26, allegedly punched the driver in the 3500 block of First Street West in Bradenton after refusing to pay in advance for a ride from Bradenton to Tampa, according to a police report. Bradley allegedly stole the vehicle, which deputies spotted within minutes of a report, fleeing eastbound on Manatee Avenue West.

A pursuit was initiated, and Bradley switched directions, heading west toward Anna Maria Island, later striking a deputy’s patrol vehicle, according to the report. The MCSO helicopter followed the SUV as it left the Island and nearly collided with oncoming traffic. Bradley allegedly continued to drive erratically to the 6700 block of Manatee Avenue West, where he drove the stolen vehicle into a light pole, knocking the pole into the roadway. He continued east, knocking down another light pole, coming to a stop in a ditch. Multiple MCSO units surrounded the vehicle.

Fire and EMS removed Bradley and transported him to HCA Florida Blake Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Bradley was arrested for battery, motor vehicle theft, causing an accident involving a vehicle and aggravated fleeing with damage. The pursuit covered about 20 miles along dry roads with minimal traffic for about 17 minutes.

There were no injuries to any MCSO personnel.