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BRADENTON, Fla. – A video captured at 2:14 a.m. reveals chaos as hundreds flood 12th Street West in downtown Bradenton. The Bradenton Police swiftly intervened to disperse multiple fights.
“What’s significant about this case is it encompassed our entire police force,” said Captain Brian Thiers.
Despite calls for assistance—including reports of battery, fire, and harassment—help went unheeded. The Bradenton Police acknowledged that this incident isn’t isolated; another large altercation and even a shooting occurred post-bar closing recently.
“I have officers out there in harm’s way. They were outgunned, they were outnumbered,” stated Police Chief Melanie Bevan.
In response, the City of Bradenton mandates bars and restaurants to seek a special permit for alcohol service after midnight. A new ordinance under consideration would limit alcohol sales and consumption to 2 a.m.—thirty minutes earlier than current regulations.
“Why would we want to stay open until 2:30 to encourage people to come down here because this is the only place for them to get their drink on,” questioned Vice Mayor Marianne Barnebey.
Other council members concurred. “This is not Bradenton. We never want to see this again,” asserted Councilwoman Jayne Kocher.
The city’s goal is to safeguard residents, visitors, and law enforcement.
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“It really changes very little. By and large, we have establishment owners very responsible, and it is safe and secure for the most part, with the exception of a couple of problematic incidents, but we want to ensure we have tools in the toolbox to maintain our great reputation,” commented City Administrator Rob Perry.
Most bar owners have voiced a similar commitment.
“We did not want an Ybor City and that was our exact terminology and here we are today,” said James Miller, owner of Cork’s Cigar Bar.
Should the ordinance pass, establishments will have a 60-day window to apply for the after-midnight permit.
The city will also waive the $100 application fee for existing establishments.
A final reading, alongside public comments, is scheduled for September 25.
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Key Information
- Incident Time: 2:14 a.m.
- Location: 12th Street West, Downtown Bradenton
- Police Response: Multiple fights; officers overwhelmed.
- New Regulations: Bars require a special permit for post-midnight alcohol service.
- Potential Ordinance Change: Limit alcohol sales to 2 a.m.
- Public Comment Date: September 25.
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Article original publish date: 2024-09-13 07:00:00
Article source: www.fox13news.com
Read the full story at the original source: www.fox13news.com
