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🌱 Why Bradenton Beach chose its own police over county deputies
Bradenton Beach, Florida Patch AM: a 4 min readGood morning Bradenton Beach! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- Why Bradenton Beach chose its own police over county deputies
- What really happened during that late-night scare at Kokonut Hut?
- Coast Guard halts allegedly illegal charter operating off Bradenton Beach
Also on today's calendar: 2026 Sarasota Guitar and Amp Show and 1 more event.
Today's riddle: what do you call a rabbit with fleas? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Wednesday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 84 and low of 76 degrees.
- Thursday: Sunshine; breezy in the p.m., temps: high: 84, low: 75.
- Friday: Nice with plenty of sunshine, with a high of 85 and low of 73 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
• Bradenton Beach opts to retain police (islander.org) — Bradenton Beach leaders have decided to keep the city’s own police department instead of contracting with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, despite a proposal that appeared to offer short-term savings. Residents, business owners and officers packed a May 7 special meeting at city hall to argue that local control, storm response and the city’s small‑town identity outweigh potential cost cuts. 
• Streetlife -05-13-2026 (islander.org) — Bradenton Beach police recently investigated a report from two women who feared they’d been drugged at the Kokonut Hut, though hospital staff said their symptoms didn’t match intoxication and the case is closed pending new information. Nearby Holmes Beach reports include camping violations, alcohol-related citations, a domestic battery arrest, and a burglary near city basketball courts, offering a snapshot of recent law-enforcement activity around the Island.
• Coast Guard terminates charter near Bradenton Beach (islander.org) — A Coast Guard crew from Station Cortez shut down a 42‑foot charter operating near Bradenton Beach Marina after alleging it was running as an illegal passenger vessel under a bareboat label. The boat was escorted back to port, with cited violations including lacking a valid inspection certificate, licensed mariner, drug and alcohol program and proper documentation, and potential fines topping $69,000.
📸 Around Bradenton Beach
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓
Upcoming Events in
Bradenton Beach
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
-
2026 Sarasota Guitar and Amp Show →
3000 Ringling Blvd, Sarasota
10:00 am
Saturday June 6
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
-
Scenic W.A.V.E.S. Meeting →
Bradenton Beach, FL Calendar Bradenton Beach, FL 34217
1:00 pm -
CRA Meeting →
Bradenton Beach, FL Calendar Bradenton Beach, FL 34217
9:30 am -
City Commission Meeting →
Bradenton Beach, FL Calendar Bradenton Beach, FL 34217
12:00 pm
Wednesday May 20
Thursday May 21
📣 Bradenton Beach Shout Outs!
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🗓 Events Nearby
-
Homeschool Wednesdays at Canvas & Clay!
Canvas & Clay Art Studio, 839 8th Ave W, Palmetto
1:00 pm -
Chamber Night
Manatee Chamber of Commerce, 8799 Cortez Road W, Bradenton
4:30 pm -
EXCEL - LEVEL 2 - HANDS ON CLASSES at SCF →
SCF Lakewood Ranch (CIT), 7131 Professional Pkwy E, Sarasota
9:00 am -
The Outsider - By Paul Slade Smith →
The Island Players, 10009 Gulf Dr, Anna Maria
11:30 am -
MYP Social with the Marauders - May 14, 2026 - LECOM Park →
LECOM Park, 1611 9th Street West, Bradenton
5:30 pm -
TCT - In-Person Scheduled
Manatee Literacy Council, 3501 Cortez Rd W, Bradenton
1:00 pm -
Manatee Music Series at GT Bray Park's Amphitheater →
Manatee Chamber of Commerce, 2910 51st St W, Bradenton
6:00 pm -
Music in the Park
Bradenton Riverwalk Pavilion, 452 3rd Ave W, Bradenton
6:00 pm -
DutchCrafters Sip & Shop
Manatee Chamber of Commerce, 3709 N. Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota
9:00 am
Wednesday May 13
Thursday May 14
Friday May 15
Saturday May 16
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Domino's Pizza posted a job opening for Customer Service Rep (5125) - 5606 Marina Dr in Bradenton Beach. Apply here.
- Manatee County, FL posted a job opening for Camp Counselor OPS in Bradenton. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Bradenton Beach here.
🗞 Nearby News
Cortez
- 9 No-Frills Seafood Restaurants In Florida That Locals Would Rather Keep Quiet (takingthekids.com)
- Coast Guard terminates illegal charter voyage near Ana Maria Island (thebradentontimes.com)
- Lakewood Ranch rallies to support golf tournament fundraiser (yourobserver.com)
Holmes Beach
- Ready, set, wait… (islander.org)
- March bed tax tops $6.4M (islander.org)
Anna Maria
- Anna Maria receives 8 bids for city pier T-end work (islander.org)
Ok Bradenton Beach! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Bugs Bunny ! (Thank you bruce A. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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