Pandemic, Toe Sucker, Mick Jagger: Top 2020 Stories In Bradenton

Bradenton FL

31 December, 2020

9:50 AM

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BRADENTON, FL — The coronavirus pandemic dominated headlines — and the interest of Patch readers — in the Bradenton area in 2020. And for good reason. These are unprecedented times and new information about COVID-19, as well as how communities have battled the spread of the virus, has been released daily. But other stories unrelated to coronavirus grabbed readers' attention in 2020, as well. Here are some of the top Patch stories in Manatee County this year. Coronavirus in the news From the start of the pandemic, Bradenton-area residents turned to Patch for answers. Before any state closures or mask mandates, one of the top-read stories on Bradenton Patch this year was a February warning from a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention official that Florida should start planning for a coronavirus pandemic. And we all know what happened after that. Readers paid attention as reports of early Florida COVID-19 cases started trickling in and as the first deaths were reported back in March. They were also interested when Florida's Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency in April. Top local pandemic-related stories included the announcement that the annual Fourth of July fireworks show over Manatee River was postponed and when Manatee County commissioners lifted the countywide curfew in April. They were also eager to learn about the six Manatee County testing sites that originally opened in April. 2020 Elections This year's elections brought many changes to local leadership. Bradenton saw a new mayor — Gene Brown — elected, and Republicans swept the Manatee County Commission. County Administrator Cheri Coryea On The Chopping Block The Board of County Commissioners made plans to move toward firing county administrator Cheri Coryea at a special meeting in November. That vote was led by the four commissioners who were sworn in less than three days earlier. Ultimately, the commissioners had a change of heart a few weeks later and Coryea will retain her position. Florida Police Search For Toe-Sucking Bandit In January, police were searching for a toe-sucking bandit who startled a Manatee County resident on Christmas Eve morning in 2019. The resident said he awoke to discover an intruder in his bedroom sucking on his toes. Rolling Stones Front Man, Girlfriend Moving To Manatee County Rolling Stones front man Mick Jagger and his girlfriend Melanie Hamrick, a former ballerina with The American Ballet, are moving to Manatee Couple. The couple purchased a $1.98 million home in Lakewood Ranch in December. Bomb Squad Finds "Numerous Suspicious Chemicals" In Bradenton A 52-year-old Bradenton man was taken into custody in January after the Manatee County Sheriff's Office Bomb Squad seized "numerous suspicious chemicals" from the man's home, including 2 to 3 pounds of what was described as a highly sensitive homemade explosive, the sheriff's office said. After House Fire, Father And Son Remain Hospitalized The Lopez family is still recovering after a fire destroyed their home and injured a father and son. Profane Trump Flag Affixed To Downtown Traffic Signs Just days before the Nov. 3 election, Bradenton police received several calls about a profane Trump flag affixed to the top downtown traffic signs. The flag was placed on top of a trio of signs – a "One Way" sign, a "No Left Turn" sign and a "Do Not Enter" sign – at the intersection of 15th Street West and Manatee Avenue/SR64 without permission. Person With Rifle Breaks Into Lanai In Lakewood Ranch Manatee County Sheriff's Office are seeking an unknown suspect that broke into an enclosed lanai at a Lakewood Ranch home while carrying a rifle on Dec. 1. The suspect cut through the screen door to enter the lanai at a home in the Greenbrook/Summerfield area of Lakewood Ranch. Manatee Detectives Struck By Van; Second Officer Opens Fire A Manatee County Sheriff's Office detective was struck by a Toyota van and a second officer opened fire in February. No one was injured during the incident. A spokesperson for the sheriff's office said the driver failed to obey commands to show detectives his hands and drove toward a second detective, who opened fire. Video Shows Homeless Man's Rescue From Bowlees Creek In November, deputies rescued a homeless man who was stuck in Bradenton's Bowlees Creek for two days. Manatee County Sheriff's Office shared a video from the rescue. Missing Manatee Kayaker Found Alive But Disoriented A 39-year-old kayaker was reported missing in September. First responders found him following a day-long search. 1,000-Gallon Sewer Spill Reported In Bradenton More than 1,000 gallons of sewage leaked from a manhole in Bradenton in October. According to an incident report, Manatee County officials were alerted to the incident after a manhole beneath the pavement near State Road 64 East and 117th Street East overflowed. Bradenton Man Sentenced To 3 Life Terms In Prison A 26-year-old Bradenton man was sentenced to three life terms in prison February after being found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder, drug trafficking and other offenses.