Bradenton Beach Weighs Outsourcing Police

0:00It's April 23rd, I'm Cory with the story. This is Tampa Bay News today, driven by AI. Bradenton Beach on Annamaria Island is rethinking its small police force after Hurricane Helene wrecked 95% of the city last year, with just 10 sworn officers and one civilian staffer. The department's $2.1 million budget is straining the recovery efforts big. Time. City leaders say outsourcing to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office could slash cost by about $600 to $8,000 a year, dropping the price tag to around $1.5 million or less. Officials admit it's a tough call, but the math is pushing them toward that option. Folks there cherish the local cops as part of their laid back island vibe, yet the financial hit from the storm has everyone on edge. The mayor is worried about more budget cuts coming from Tallahassee, making things even shakier. Meanwhile, the officers are moving to unionize with the International Union of Police Associations and they're feeling the heat from this timing.

1:00City Hall insists the issues are separate, but the uncertainty is weighing heavy on the rank and file. Commissioners just voted unanimously to get a full proposal from the sheriff's office and plan to dive back in a few weeks. They're urging residents to chime in before any big moves lock in the future of island policing.