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Tag: Manatee County Sheriff’s Office

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.

Multiple departments respond to Cortez Bridge incident

Multiple departments respond to Cortez Bridge incident

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

BRADENTON BEACH – Bradenton Beach Police officers Devon Straight and Tom Ferrara were at the Circle K near Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach when a concerned citizen came in and told them there was a man on the Bradenton Beach side of the Cortez Bridge screaming for help and running into traffic. The incident began around 7:35 p.m. on May 7.

“Myself and Officer Ferrara quickly responded and soon located the male standing in the middle of Cortez Road next to the Bradenton Beach Police station,” Straight said in a written report. “The male, later identified as Gregory Cawley, appeared wide-eyed and very anxious.”

Officers said that throughout the encounter, Cawley continued to reference people on the scene that weren’t there, including a group of people across the street that were watching the incident. No such group was present on the scene, leading officers to believe he was hallucinating and, due to his dilated pupils, they believed the incident was drug-related.

Straight’s report said Cawley was still fighting police and trying to break free even after EMS arrived and he was handcuffed to a stretcher. Once in the ambulance, he admitted to snorting and consuming crystal meth, although no drugs were found on him. Cawley was taken to HCA Blake Medical Center.

Sgt. Getman returns to Anna Maria Unit

Sgt. Getman returns to Anna Maria Unit

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

ANNA MARIA – After suffering a major heart attack in December, Sgt. Brett Getman is back on duty and again leading the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office’s (MCSO) Anna Maria Unit.

Getman’s heart attack occurred on Dec. 19. He returned to his full-time law enforcement duties on March 29.

“On Wednesday, the 29th, I was released to come back to full active duty. It feels great. I was a little anxious about getting back to work for the first time in a couple months, but I love being out here in Anna Maria. I love the citizens. I love the businesses. I have a great relationship with everybody, so it’s good to be back to what I like to call my second home,” Getman said.

When his heart attack occurred, Getman was on duty, filling out a report and working in the MCSO satellite office in the city hall building. Deputy Jared Leggett was also in the office at that time and his quick actions likely saved Getman’s life.

Lifesaving actions

On Jan. 3, Getman and Leggett participated in a press conference held at city hall.

“I came back to the office and started doing my report. I was sitting at the desk typing and everything just went black,” Getman said during the press conference. “Thank God Deputy Leggett was in the office with me. If he wasn’t there, I would not be here. The medics treated me quickly and transported me to Blake (HCA Florida Blake Hospital in Bradenton).”

Getman referred to his heart attack as a ‘widowmaker’ – the type of heart attack that occurs when the heart’s largest artery is blocked.

Sgt. Getman returns to Anna Maria Unit
Deputy Jared Leggett and Sgt. Brett Getman shared their stories during a Jan. 3 press conference. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

During the press conference Leggett said, “We do a lot of our reports in our cars. On this day, I went back to the office. We started having a conversation about what we were going to charge the defendant with. Just after we finished our conversation, he fell out of his chair. At first, I thought he was having a seizure. I checked for a pulse. He didn’t have one. I started CPR immediately and started doing chest compressions.

“On the desk, where he sits, was the AED (defibrillator). I grabbed the AED after two rounds of CPR. I hit the shock button and gave him his first round and started CPR again. About five or six minutes in, Sgt. Tommy Fraser from the Holmes Beach Police Department showed up and was able to relieve me on CPR so I could go get a VBM (breathing device) and start working on his airway. I had one in my truck.”

Leggett was a firefighter and an EMT before he joined the sheriff’s office 11 years ago.

Lifestyle changes

While standing outside of city hall Friday morning, Getman discussed his return to work, his recovery and the lifestyle changes he’s made.

“I’ve dropped a significant amount of weight. I live off chicken, fish and a lot of vegetables. I’m drinking a lot of water and staying hydrated – no soda and no carbonization whatsoever. I’m exercising and walking a couple miles a day. It’s a definite lifestyle change, but when you’re given that second chance you don’t want to take it for granted,” he said.

Getman’s heart attack reshaped his outlook on life.

“It changes a person. It changed me wholeheartedly. You look at a lot of things differently. You don’t take things so seriously and you don’t let the little things bother you anymore. You just can’t. You just move on. I’m thankful every day that I can wake up and come back to work and look at the ocean and spend time with my family and see everybody,” Getman said.

“It’s cliché to say you’re thankful, but I can’t thank Jared enough for being there when he was –

and West Manatee Fire Rescue and Sgt. Fraser from Holmes Beach, Doctor Baig and all the medical staff. You’re indebted to them for the rest of your life. It’s still emotional at times, when you sit back and think about it, but life goes on and you’ve got to live it,” he said.

Getman acknowledged there’s a certain amount of stress associated with being the leader of a law enforcement unit.

“Thankfully, I have a good administration that gives me a lot of support. They are taking on more of the workload that I used to carry. With that, I’ll be able to manage everything else out here just like I used to and it will be just fine,” he said.

Getman’s return coincides with the Island’s peak tourist season.

“The city’s busy. It’s nice to see everybody out and about. It’s nice to see all the activity and all the kids around. I’m just enjoying the scenery out here,” he said.

Deputy helps save Sergeant’s life

Deputy helps save sergeant’s life

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

ANNA MARIA – Sgt. Brett Getman is recovering from a heart attack he suffered while on duty on Dec. 19 and he credits Deputy Jared Leggett and others for saving his life.

Getman has led the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Anna Maria Unit since January 2020. Leggett transferred to the Anna Maria Unit in early December.

On Tuesday, Jan. 3, Getman and Leggett spoke during a press conference held at Anna Maria City Hall and organized by the Sheriff’s Office in response to press inquiries from The Sun and Fox 13 Tampa Bay.

Also in attendance were Getman’s mother, Vicki Getman, his father, Ron Getman, his daughter, Abbey Getman, his sister, Amy Lock and his brother-in-law, Keith Lock, who serves as a Manatee County EMS district chief. Getman’s daughters Sophia and Savannah were unable to attend.

Deputy helps save Sergeant’s life
Family members Ron Getman, Vicki Getman, Abbey Getman, Amy Lock and Keith Lock joined Sgt. Brett Getman (center) at the press conference. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Tampa-based American Heart Association Communications Director Johnny Johnson also attended the media event that coincidentally occurred the morning after NFL player Damar Hamlin experienced cardiac arrest during the nationally televised Buffalo Bills-Cincinnati Bengals football game.

“On Dec. 19th, around 10:30 in the morning, we got a call for a trespassing complaint. We located the subject on the beach and made the arrest,” Getman said.

The alleged criminal activity occurred at an unlocked vacation rental home at 806 North Shore Drive. The incident sheet names 26-year-old Devon Keith Guidry as the alleged offender and lists unarmed burglary of an unoccupied dwelling as the alleged offense. Getman said he located the suspect on the beach near Magnolia Avenue.

“We’ve had issues with the same subject before but we hadn’t been able to pinpoint him at a location. He was going into unlocked vacation rentals. We’ve stressed to the rental companies that their cleaners and other contractors need to lock the doors when they leave,” Getman said.

“I came back to the office (in the city hall building) and started doing my report. I was sitting at the desk typing and everything just went black. Thank God Deputy Leggett was in the office with me. If he wasn’t there, I would not be here. The medics treated me quickly and transported me to Blake Medical Center (HCA Florida Blake Hospital in Bradenton).”

Deputy helps save Sergeant’s life
Deputy Jared Leggett visited Sgt. Brett Getman at the HCA Florida Blake Hospital in Bradenton. – Amy Lock | Submitted

Getman referred to his heart attack as a “widowmaker” – the type of heart attack that occurs when the heart’s largest artery is blocked.

When asked how he felt, Get- man said, “I’m doing OK. I’m sticking to the advice of my doctors and doing what they tell me. It’s cliché to say it’s a true blessing, but that’s exactly what it is. I have a second chance at this life. I know that I have something more to give and something more that I have to provide for my children. I wasn’t meant to go yet.”

When asked when he might return to work, Getman said, “It’s up to the doctors. There’s no timetable right now for a return.”

Lt. Lou Licata is currently in charge of the Anna Maria Unit.

Leggett’s actions

“We do a lot of our reports in our cars. On this day, I went back to the office,” Leggett said. “We started having a conversation about what we were going to charge the defendant with. Just after we finished our conversation, he (Getman) fell out of his chair. At first, I thought he was having a seizure. I checked for a pulse. He didn’t have one. I started CPR immediately and started doing chest compressions. On the desk where he sits was the AED (defibrillator). I grabbed the AED after two rounds of CPR. I hit the shock button and gave him his first round and started CPR again. About five or six minutes in, Sgt. Tommy Fraser from the Holmes Beach Police Department showed up and was able to relieve me on CPR so I could go get a VBM (breathing device) and start working on his airway. I had one in my truck.”

Leggett was a firefighter and an EMT before joining the sheriff’s office nearly 11 years ago and Keith Lock was one of his EMT instructors.

“It all kind of goes full circle,” Leggett said. “Sgt. Getman is a perfect example of how important CPR is. If you have the opportunity to learn CPR and AED usage it could save a life. I’ve done CPR on other individuals, but this is my sergeant, my supervisor, my friend I’m trying to save. I’m grateful he’s still here with us.”

While being transported to the hospital, Getman received a police escort through the Holmes Beach detours.

“I thank God for Deputy Leggett and Sgt. Fraser. I also want to thank West Manatee Fire Rescue and Manatee County EMS. And my surgeon Dr. Baig was phenomenal. I remember talking to him and saying, ‘Don’t let me die. I have my kids.’ I want to thank everybody for their love and support,” Getman said.

Regarding Hamlin’s on-field cardiac arrest, Getman said, “Obviously, it got my attention. It’s more personal now when I see anything like that.”

Deputy helps save Sergeant’s life

Deputy Jared Leggett and Sgt. Brett Getman shared a hug after their press conference. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Heart Association

“It’s an amazing story. Everything happened the exact way it’s supposed to,” Johnson said of Getman’s close call. “We want to tell people that CPR is easier than you think. You only need to know two steps: call 911 and then push hard and push fast until help arrives. There’s no liability risk for trying to save somebody’s life. Good Samaritan laws will protect you. Contact the American Heart Association at Heart.org and we can help you find CPR training, and you can learn hands-only CPR in two minutes with the video at our website. We encourage everyone to feel comfortable performing CPR.”

Family thoughts

Vicki Getman said, “I think God has something else planned for Brett and our family had our miracle at Christmas. He’s only 48 years old. He’s too young. The doctor at Blake was absolutely wonderful.”

Ron Getman said, “We’re just so happy that Jared was available to save our son’s life. Had he not been there, we would’ve had a funeral instead of a Christmas celebration.”

Police searching for driver after 100 mph beach pursuit

Police searching for driver after 100 mph beach pursuit

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

BRADENTON BEACH – Despite multiple police departments, a helicopter and a K9 unit, a suspect remains at large after a high-speed pursuit on Oct. 15 ended with an SUV crashing into the Gulf of Mexico.

The encounter began as Holmes Beach police observed headlights driving on the beach around 2 a.m. and began to pursue the vehicle. Police believe the vehicle drove onto the beach in Anna Maria, but the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, which patrols Anna Maria, was not yet involved in the chase.

According to a report filed by Bradenton Beach Police Officer Devon Straight, the Chevrolet SUV was driving on the beach at such a high rate of speed that Holmes Beach officers in pursuit lost sight of the vehicle. Straight was monitoring the radio, realizing the vehicle would soon enter into his jurisdiction.

“While on scene at Via Roma, I observed a pair of headlights on the beach quickly approaching. The truck then passed by me at a dangerously high rate of speed, at which time I made my way back to my patrol car and attempted to catch up to the vehicle,” Straight said in his report.

After activating his lights and siren, Straight pursued the SUV on Gulf Drive before entering the beach at the beach access in the 1300 block of Gulf Drive. Even though the vehicle could only continue down the beach or cross back over to Gulf Drive at some point, stopping the fleeing truck and arresting the driver would prove to be incredibly difficult.

“The truck appeared to be traveling approximately 100 mph down the beach, and it stayed at least 15 blocks ahead of me,” Straight said. “I then lost visual on the truck around the 300 block of Gulf Drive South, believing it had possibly gotten back on Gulf Drive or had blacked out their headlights.”

Straight then left the beach and got back on Gulf Drive heading southbound towards Coquina Beach, attempting to get a visual on the vehicle. After about 10 minutes of searching, witnesses that were fishing in the area said they saw the vehicle driving recklessly on Coquina Beach, according to the report.

Straight then returned to the beach in his patrol car and continued to Longboat Pass, following the tire tracks of the suspect vehicle, which he found located more than 15 feet off the beach partially submerged in the Gulf of Mexico.

“I notified dispatch of my location and called out perimeter positions for responding units,” Straight said. “I then held the vehicle at gunpoint until a Holmes Beach officer arrived and we confirmed the vehicle was unoccupied.”

A possible suspect was detained at the scene and released because police were unable to positively link him to the vehicle at the time.

The search for the driver of the SUV intensified as the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office assisted with a K9 unit and a helicopter. The K9 alerted to a man crossing over the Longboat Key Bridge into the town of Longboat Key.

The driver was described as a Hispanic male in a camouflage long-sleeved shirt. Witnesses fishing on the bridge said someone matching that description crossed the bridge on foot shortly after the crash, complaining of a back injury, confirming the escape route the K9 unit detected. The witnesses also had an answer for how the vehicle managed to end up so far out in the water, saying it hit the rock jetty at a high rate of speed, went airborne and landed in the water.

The vehicle was towed from the scene by Bullet Towing about three hours after landing in the water, at which point a full inventory search of the vehicle was conducted by police, who say multiple alcohol containers were found, along with personal belongings of the driver. Bradenton Beach police say that a man matching the name of the suspected driver called them to report the vehicle stolen in the following days. The suspect was told the vehicle had been involved in a crash, hoping he would come to the station to answer questions, but he didn’t, and further efforts to contact him have been unsuccessful.

The suspect vehicle’s path was back-tracked to look for any damage the rampage may have caused. Police found that a small wooden fence and hitching post by lifeguard stand #8 was obliterated in the sand with vehicle parts from the suspect vehicle scattered around it. Two signs that were posted on the Coquina Beach south jetty had also been run over. Police say it could have been much worse and were thankful nobody was taking a late-night walk on the beach when the incident occurred.

A hit-and-run crash report remains open as police continue to try to locate the suspect. Additional charges will most likely be added when and if he is captured. These could include attempting to elude police, statutes that ban driving vehicles on Florida beaches where it is not expressly permitted, leaving the scene of a crash and possibly more. Bradenton Beach police are not commenting at this time on exactly what charges will be filed if they make an arrest, but say it was a serious and dangerous incident that they are hopeful will result in an arrest.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call police at 941- 778-6311.

Celebrate Independence Day safely

Celebrate Independence Day safely

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – For many, no proper Fourth of July celebration is complete without setting off fireworks. However, private displays of bombs bursting in air are illegal on the Island.

Though fireworks can be purchased in Florida, rules regarding their legal use are more complicated.

In April 2020, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 140 into law. The bill allows people 18 and older to buy fireworks to use on three holidays: New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day and Independence Day. The previous law required signing a waiver saying the fireworks were for specific agricultural reasons.

While the state law is clear, local cities and counties have their own rules that supersede what the state allows.

Each of the three cities on Anna Maria Island has a slightly different approach to how fireworks violations will be enforced, but setting off fireworks of any kind is forbidden anywhere on the Island, especially the beaches – fireworks can disturb nesting shorebirds, sea turtles and other Island wildlife.

Celebrate Independence Day safely
The sound of fireworks can cause shorebirds such as this Black Skimmer to abandon their nests. – Submitted

Audubon Florida says the bursts of color and noise wreak havoc on coastal birds, especially nesting species. After each fireworks explosion, birds panic and fly from their nests, scattering the chicks and exposing them to predators and heat until their parents return.

It’s also sea turtle nesting season, and both adult and hatchling turtles can easily be disoriented by light, sometimes leading to their deaths.

Here is how officials in the three Island cities approach fireworks:

Anna Maria

The city of Anna Maria is patrolled by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. The department refers to Manatee County Ordinance 04-27, which covers fireworks rules and laws at length and also echoes other area laws that prohibit individuals from lighting any shell that flies in the air or explodes above the ground without a permit. A spokesman did not directly address whether the department recognizes the state bill that legalizes fireworks on July 4.

“Our response to fireworks enforcement has not changed. When deputies respond to complaints involving fireworks, their goal is to obtain voluntary compliance through education,” said Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Randy Warren.

Bradenton Beach

Bradenton Beach police will be enforcing a local ordinance that does not allow fireworks on the three state-designated holidays and will confiscate fireworks from anyone caught setting them off. It’s also possible to be issued a citation, even on July 4.

“The use of fireworks is illegal and they will be confiscated. Depending on

the severity of the amount someone possesses, they can also be fined,” Bradenton Beach Police Lt. Lenard Diaz said. “Nothing that projects up is allowed.”

Holmes Beach

Holmes Beach has a similar approach to enforcement of local laws regarding fireworks in the city. Police Chief Bill Tokajer said most private fireworks displays in the city are illegal and there will be consequences for violators.

“Exploding, launching and projectile fireworks are illegal,” Tokajer said. “We will be handling each report of fireworks depending on what the firework is and how it’s being handled. The fine is up to $500. Also, be sure to closely supervise children while using legal fireworks” such as sparklers.

Officials know some will choose to ignore the law and take their chances. Anyone choosing to do so is strongly encouraged to avoid densely populated areas and beaches.

After a hiatus due to COVID-19, the Sandbar Restaurant in Anna Maria has announced the return of Fourth of July weekend fireworks. The fireworks show begins at 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 2 at the Sandbar, and can be viewed free by the public. The VIP event at the restaurant is sold out. not changed. When deputies respond to complaints involving fireworks, their goal is to obtain voluntary compliance through education,” said Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Randy Warren.