ANNA MARIA – Holmes Beach resident Cash John Nichols, 27, has been arrested and charged with criminal mischief after being denied a ride on one of the free trolleys that serve Anna Maria Island.
Cash Nichols was arrested on Tuesday, March 8. – MCSO | Submitted
“The trolley made its last stop at the Anna Maria City Pier at 10:15-10:20 (p.m.) that night and the driver refused to take a patron because he had no shoes on,” Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Dep. Patrick Manning of the Anna Maria Unit told The Sun regarding the Feb. 11 incident. “The patron became upset and in a fit of rage caused over $200 in estimated damage to the trolley’s door windows.”
Nichols was arrested on March 8 and charged with one first-degree misdemeanor count of criminal mischief for damages between $200 and $1,000.
According to the arrest complaint, “The driver of Manatee County Transit trolley 63861 stopped at the bus stop of 100 S. Bay Blvd. Trolley camera footage showed a white male with a beard and no shoes approach the doors in order to ride the trolley home. The driver denied the male access due to him not having any shoes on. The male then became argumentative towards the driver, at which point the driver closed the doors. The male then began hitting the glass on the doors with his fists, causing it to crack. After causing the damage, the male walked away. The damage was estimated at $500.”
According to the arrest complaint, “The male was identified by Deputy Manning as Cash Nichols. Additionally, on the same date (approximately one hour later), Deputy Penberthy made contact with Cash Nichols at the post office across the street from the incident location. Prior to making contact, a passerby informed Deputy Penberthy that they had spoken to the defendant (Nichols) and the defendant stated he was denied bus access due to not having any shoes on. The defendant requested a ride and was ultimately transported by Deputy Penberthy. Based on the circumstances, probable cause exists to charge the defendant with criminal mischief greater than $200 and less than $1,000.”
When speaking to The Sun, Manning said, “Through a couple weeks of investigation by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, a suspect was developed and confirmed through the trolley driver and the trolley’s on-board cameras. Our trolley buses have cameras that face the doors and also inside the trolleys. Through interviews and the video obtained from the Manatee County Transit Authority, the suspect was identified and arrested on a misdemeanor charge of criminal mischief to public property. It was a joint investigation between Det. Hartsell, who serves as our criminal investigator, along with the Anna Maria deputies. He wrote the warrant based on our identification of the suspect who was known to us. Up until recently, he had been a resident of Anna Maria. By the address he provided, he’s now a resident of Holmes Beach.”
The probable cause affidavit lists Nichols’ current address on Marina Drive in Holmes Beach.
According to court records, Nichols was released on bond and a misdemeanor arraignment hearing is scheduled for Monday, April 11 at the Manatee County Judicial Center before Judge Renee Inman.
Speaking on behalf of Sgt. Brett Getman, Manning said, “The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office works very hard to protect the ever-increasing amount of visitors and the residents on our Island. Sgt. Getman feels that whether you live here or vacation here, we can’t tolerate you intentionally damaging public property. That will not be tolerated and you’ll be identified and arrested.”
Previous arrest
According to court records, Nichols was previously arrested in Anna Maria in 2018 and charged with assault on a Manatee County Sheriff’s Deputy, possession of drug paraphernalia and resisting, obstructing or opposing an officer without violence.
On Feb. 28, 2022, after multiple delays and court appearances, Nichols entered no contest pleas on all three charges stemming from his 2018 arrest. As a result of those pleas, he was placed on probation and assessed $796 in fines, fees and court costs.
HOLMES BEACH – A Manatee county resident and employee of the Island Grill has been arrested by Manatee County Sheriff’s deputies and charged with 26 counts of possession of child pornography, a felony, based on two cyber-tips from Dropbox Inc.
Owen Hagan, 27, also was in violation of his probation from a 2020 DUI involving property damage after missing a recent court date in May, according to a police report.
Deputies learned that Hagan had recently moved to Florida from Ohio to live with his mother in a Palmetto mobile home park, where they executed a search warrant on March 17. The warrant included an IP address provided by the cyber-tip from Dropbox Inc. advising that a user named Owen Hagan had uploaded at least 11 video files, 10 of which depicted child pornography. When police arrived, Hagan’s mother advised deputies that Hagan was at the residence in his bedroom.
During the search, Hagan’s iPhone 6 was confiscated by police after he declined to allow officers to look through it, although he had previously provided the password upon request. A further search of Hagan’s bedroom resulted in no more electronic devices being found. A later forensic search of Hagan’s phone found multiple visits to dropbox.com with emails being used that matched email addresses found on the phone. It was also found that the user of the phone visited multiple known child pornography sites. In total, 26 files involving sexually explicit images and videos of children as young as 3 years old were discovered on the iPhone, according to the report.
Hagan is currently in the Manatee County jail on a $650,000 bond and arraignment is set for Friday, July 23 at the Manatee County Judicial Center.
MANATEE COUNTY – Manatee County Commissioner Vanessa Baugh’s role in the controversial Lakewood Ranch pop-up vaccination distribution site has prompted a sworn criminal complaint filed by Sarasota-based paralegal Michael Barfield.
Barfield filed his complaint Monday evening with 12th Judicial Circuit State Attorney Ed Brodsky’s office and also with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO). The complaint alleges Baugh’s vaccination-related efforts may have violated Florida law.
The sheriff’s office is now investigating Barfield’s complaint. When contacted by email on Tuesday, MCSO Public Information Officer Randy Warren said, “It’s an active investigation. Michael Barfield filed a complaint yesterday and our detectives are looking into it now.”
“Sometime near Tuesday, Feb. 9, Manatee County resident Rex Jensen received a telephone call from Pat Neal. Governor Ron DeSantis was already on the line when the call was made.” – Michael Barfield
In contrast to the randomized, lottery-style vaccine registration and standby pool protocols previously established by the Manatee County Commission, Baugh helped organize a pop-up vaccine distribution site for 3,000 recipients in the 34202 and 34211 zip codes only. In doing so, Baugh did not consult her fellow commissioners. The vaccinations occurred the week of Feb. 16.
On Feb. 16, Manatee County issued a press release regarding the pop-up clinic. In the press release, Baugh was quoted as saying, “This unique opportunity was made possible by Governor DeSantis calling Rex Jensen wanting to do a vaccination site near Lakewood Ranch. The governor has been trying to find large areas of neighborhoods to target.”
Jensen is the president of Schroeder-Manatee Ranch Inc. Schroeder-Manatee Ranch is the parent company of Lakewood Ranch.
In addition to restricting vaccine access to zip codes only, Baugh produced a list of five specific vaccine recipients who did not have to rely on their names being randomly pulled from the county’s standby registration pool. That list included Baugh herself, even though she decided later not to receive the vaccine.
“Vaccine distribution must not be based on politics. Manatee County unanimously adopted the Vaccine Standby Pool and residents have been patiently waiting for their number to be called. It’s offensive and criminal when one commissioner diverts 3,000 vaccine doses to an affluent area and then adds names, including her own, to a VIP list.” – Michael Barfield
On Monday, Feb. 15, Baugh emailed her list of specific recipients to Manatee County Public Safety Director Jake Saur. Baugh’s list included Jensen, whom she listed as living in the 34212 zip code, and his father, Lawrence Jensen, whom she listed as living in the 34208 zip code. Baugh’s list also included Lakewood Ranch residents Robert and Marie Keehn, whom she listed as living in the 34202 zip code, and herself, whom she listed as living in the 34202 zip code. Baugh also owns the Vanessa Fine Jewelry store in Lakewood Ranch.
Complaint allegations
“Based on the following information, I have a reasonable belief that violations of Florida Statutes occurred by Vanessa Baugh beginning on or about Feb. 9,” Barfield stated in his complaint.
The complaint references the following Florida Statutes:
“When Baugh inserted individuals and herself on a COVID-19 vaccine distribution list, she acted contrary to the adopted Vaccine Standby Pool and used her official position to secure a special privilege, benefit, or exemption for herself and others, which may be in violation of section 112.313(6), Florida Statutes, Misuse of Public Position.
“By including herself and individuals on a COVID-19 vaccine distribution list, Baugh acted contrary to the adopted Vaccine Standby Pool and altered or caused the alteration of an official record or official document, except as authorized by law or contract, or caused another person to perform such an act, which may be in violation of Section 838.022, Florida Statutes, Official Misconduct.
“By including herself and individuals on a COVID-19 vaccine distribution list, Baugh acted contrary to the adopted Vaccine Standby Pool and used her official position to take action in reliance on information to which she had access in her official capacity and which had not been made public, to acquire a pecuniary interest or gain a benefit by such information, which may be in violation of section 839.26, Florida Statutes, Misuse of Confidential Information,” Barfield stated in his complaint.
Supporting statements
Barfield’s complaint includes several additional supporting statements.
“On Jan. 6, the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) of Manatee County held a special meeting regarding COVID-19 and vaccinations. At the conclusion of that special meeting, the Manatee BCC adopted a motion authorizing the county administrator to implement the ‘Vaccine Standby Pool,’ effective Jan. 7, until further notice. The motion was adopted unanimously. As explained in the public presentation during the special meeting, the effect of the Vaccine Standby Pool was to randomize distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine through a lottery system,” the complaint states.
“On or about Feb. 8, constituents of Baugh were actively soliciting her about their eligibility and inability to get appointments for vaccine distribution in Manatee County. Sometime near Tuesday, Feb. 9, Manatee County resident Rex Jensen received a telephone call from Pat Neal. Governor Ron DeSantis was already on the line when the call was made. The reported purpose of the call was to facilitate a location for a pop-up vaccine distribution site at Premier Sports Campus for additional doses of COVID-19 vaccine,” the complaint states.
“On Feb. 9, Baugh sent an email to Jacob (Jake) Saur, Director of Public Safety of Manatee County stating, ‘Jake, the state wants Rex to keep a list. Can we do that.’ That same afternoon, Jensen sent an email to Courtney Coppola, a Florida Department of Health employee, stating Baugh helped reserve the pop-up site and outlining the tentative plan: ‘I have no infrastructure or staff to field all the calls necessary to assemble and maintain a list of candidates for the vaccine. I am copying Commissioner Baugh in the hope that she might be able to think creatively to find a solution,’” the complaint states.
“Baugh ignored the Vaccine Standby Pool process and selected two zip codes within her own district, including friends and herself, that would receive the additional doses of COVID-19 vaccine at the pop-up site. On Feb. 12, Alicia Niki Boyette, a contractor on behalf of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, sent an email to Baugh regarding the registration process for the ‘upcoming vaccination event.’ Boyette indicated that the information the department required for the event was a list with names, date of birth and phone numbers. Baur forwarded the email from Boyette to Saur, who replied that he was working on it. The next day, Baugh replied to Saur ‘Pls send to me when you have info as I am working on a list.’ On Monday, Feb. 15, Baugh sent an email to Saur with the subject matter ‘Names for list’ in which she added a number of individuals to the list of those who would receive the extra doses of vaccine at the pop-up site,” Barfield’s complaint states.
“A notice was sent out to Manatee County residents on Feb. 17 advising that the vaccinations scheduled for Bennett Park under the adopted process would be rescheduled due to inclement weather. Meanwhile, the plan to distribute the additional doses at the pop-up site went forward,” the complaint states.
Barfield comments
When contacted Tuesday, Barfield said, “Vaccine distribution must not be based on politics. Manatee County unanimously adopted the Vaccine Standby Pool and residents have been patiently waiting for their number to be called. It’s offensive and criminal when one commissioner diverts 3,000 vaccine doses to an affluent area and then adds names, including her own, to a VIP list.”
Paralegal Michael Barfield alleges the recent vaccination selection process may have violated state law.- Joe Hendricks | Sun
“Worse, the regular vaccine distribution that was planned for the same weekend was canceled on the grounds of inclement weather. Yet the vaccine distribution at the pop-up site for the VIP list went forward without a hitch. If those optics aren’t bad enough, the VIP list and two zip codes selected by Baugh for vaccine distribution at the pop-up site happen to be the most affluent and white in Manatee County. I might add that these two zip codes have the lowest rate of COVID-19 infection within Manatee County,” Barfield said.
“This conduct is the classic example of corruption and using official power to gain a benefit for friends and the well-connected. It’s time for our system of justice to hold her accountable,” Barfield said.
ANNA MARIA – The season of giving started early in the city of Anna Maria. Residents and business raised more than $18,000 for the Flight to the North Pole organization.
Funds will be used to help terminally ill children and their families.
“Every dollar we earn is given right back to the families,” Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Patrick Manning said. Manning led the donation drive in Anna Maria.
The MCSO and Anna Maria city officials presented a check to Flight to the North Pole representatives outside Ginny’s and Jane E’s Nov. 1.
Manning began asking for donations in early September. It took less than two months to raise a total of $18,696.
“Ginny’s and Jane E’s raised the most,” Manning said. “Over $3,000. They were our biggest donor. Paul and Tammy Foster truly embraced the idea.”
The secret, according to Manning, was that every employee asked customers for any leftover change when they ordered food or drinks at the restaurant.
“The response was amazing,” Manning said.
Flight to the North Pole was founded in 1985 by Eastern Airlines flight attendants. When Eastern Airlines closed the organization hopped over to Continental Airlines. The Flight’s founder, Sidney Ettedgui, eventually landed with the MCSO, bringing the non-profit with him.
Ettedgui said, “As long as we have money there’s no limit to what we do.”
The Flight used to have an actual flight from Sarasota-Bradenton Airport to Fort Myers, but Ettedgui said the events of Sept. 11, 2001, and the heightened security at airports put a stop to that. “It was too much to put the families and children through,” he said, “but there’s still plenty we can do, too.”
Flight to the North Pole funds go to help families with anything. Manning said in the past they’ve paid electric bills, rent and helped with travel costs. “Anything that’s needed,” he said.
Funds aren’t just raised during and before the holiday season. The MCSO holds events and donation drives throughout the year.
The next event is an exotic car show Nov. 10 outside the MCSO headquarters, 600 301 Blvd., Bradenton.
“There’s no better cause to be a part of,” Manning said. “Next year I’m hoping to raise $30,000 from Anna Maria businesses and residents.” The 2018 goal was $10,000.
Manning said, “The further in life you go, you learn it’s not about you, it’s about what you can do to help someone else.”
ANNA MARIA – Seven-and-a-half-year-old New Hampshire resident Nick Costa was recognized last week for an act that helped save the life of his four-year-old brother, Jake.
During the Anna Maria City Commission’s April 26 meeting, Sgt. Mike Jones presented Costa with a certificate of appreciation. The boys’ parents, Jeff and Jessica Costa, accompanied them to the commission meeting.
Before he presented Nick with his certificate of appreciation, Jones described the events that transpired.
“On Sunday, April 22, in the late afternoon, Nicholas was here on vacation with his family. They had just arrived and were settling in at their vacation rental on South Bay. Nicholas and Jacob were playing on the beach with their parents and decided to go to the pool deck. Unbeknownst to Jacob’s father, he followed behind his dad, defeating the pool gate lock. While his dad and brother were attempting to set up a pool table on the deck, Jacob decided to go into the pool. Jacob’s older brother, Nicholas, noticed he was beneath the surface and was in severe danger. Nicholas alerted his father immediately. Mr. Costa jumped in, pulled his son out of the pool and he was unresponsive and not breathing. Dad, along with other family members, started CPR and revived Jacob. On behalf of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Wells and the city of Anna Maria, please accept this small token of appreciation for your heroic act. Good job!” Jones said.
ANNA MARIA – It was a bittersweet honor for the two Manatee County Sheriff’s Office deputies who were first to respond to a drowning at a vacation rental.
Sheriff Rick Wells named Patrick Manning and Matthew Kiernan Deputies of the Month for August.
The tragic incident occurred on July 11 when a woman found her 2-year-old daughter in the swimming pool, unresponsive. The child managed to open both a door and gate to get to the pool.
Manning arrived at the scene within two minutes of getting the call and started CPR. Kiernan joined him and they both worked on the victim until EMS arrived. Manning followed the ambulance to Blake Medical Center while Kiernan secured the scene and arranged for the mother to get to the hospital. The victim did not survive.
In his announcement, Sheriff Wells praised the deputies’ knowledge of their zone, which produced the short response time.
“Despite the negative outcome of the incident, there clearly could not have been a faster, more professional or compassionate response,” Wells wrote.
Manning said the honor was “bittersweet” and he wants the public to know they have the full force of the sheriff’s office when needed.
Manning has been a law enforcement officer for 32 years while Kiernan has worn a badge for 18 years.
