Bradenton Herald week in review

Rossi Park closing for a month for shade upgrades

Rossi Park, located at 444 Third Ave. W. along the Bradenton Riverwalk, will be closed for approximately one month to allow for the installation of new sunshade structures. The closure runs from Monday, May 18 through Thursday, June 25, according to the City of Bradenton. Most of the park will be off-limits, including the splash pad, pavilion, restrooms, and lawn area. However, the playgrounds will remain open and accessible via the Riverwalk. City officials acknowledged the inconvenience, noting that the splash pad is especially popular this time of year, but said the improvements will add much-needed shade and make the area more comfortable for visitors once the work is complete.

Reported by Amaia Gavica, published May 11

DeSantis backs closing Alligator Alcatraz facility

Gov. Ron DeSantis has expressed support for shutting down Florida’s state-run immigration detention facility in the Everglades, known as Alligator Alcatraz, just 10 months after it opened. Speaking to reporters in Lakeland, DeSantis said “it would be great” to dismantle the facility, following reports that the Department of Homeland Security and state officials were weighing its closure. He noted that discussions began after Markwayne Mullin was confirmed as DHS secretary in late March. DeSantis also addressed the $608 million he promised would be reimbursed by the federal government, vowing repayment was coming “very shortly.” The federal government has stated in court it will only cover per-detainee costs, not construction expenses, potentially leaving Florida taxpayers responsible for millions spent building the remote site. Community leaders, including Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, welcomed the possible closure, citing inhumane conditions and wasted taxpayer funds. Attorney Katie Blankenship, who filed court declarations alleging client mistreatment at the facility, said, “There’s no question that it should be shut down immediately.”

Reported by Churchill Ndonwie, Claire Heddles, published May 7

Bradenton officer fired after child abuse allegation

A Bradenton police officer was fired and faces a felony child abuse charge after authorities say he drunkenly harmed his child while off duty. Nicolas Leeman, 29, a K-9 officer who joined the department in October 2022, was arrested on April 22 and booked into Manatee County Jail before being transferred to Hillsborough County. Authorities say Leeman spent the day drinking while serving as the child’s sole caretaker on January 29. A witness found him asleep and intoxicated, with the child showing bruising on both sides of the back. Ring doorbell footage allegedly shows Leeman slamming the child into a car seat. Medical staff later documented chronic subdural hemorrhages. Leeman’s bond was set at $5,000. Child abuse is a third-degree felony in Florida, punishable by up to five years in prison.

Reported by Michael Moore Jr., published May 9

Ex-employee sentenced for stealing from Bradenton butcher

A former employee of The Chop Shop, a specialty butcher shop in West Bradenton, has been sentenced to nearly two years in prison followed by more than 28 years of probation after prosecutors say she stole up to $300,000 from the business. Felicia Stivers, 54, allegedly carried out the theft over two years through fraudulent cash reversals in the store’s system. The owner reported suspicious financial activity to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office after discovering the pattern, which dated back to 2022. Surveillance footage reviewed by detectives appeared to show Stivers pocketing around $6,000. She entered a no-contest plea ahead of a scheduled trial. Circuit Judge Matt Whyte also ordered Stivers to pay restitution and barred her from handling money for third parties without approval during probation.

Reported by Michael Moore Jr., published May 8

Bradenton woman charged after child drowns at pool party

A Bradenton woman has been charged with child neglect causing great bodily harm after her 4-year-old daughter drowned at a pool party, police say. Rosette Pierrecius, 32, was arrested Sunday morning following the incident at Kendall Ridge Apartment Homes, 302 26th Ave. W. Officers responded at 9:10 p.m. Saturday after the child slipped under the water during a large gathering. Investigators say she was likely at the bottom of the pool for several minutes before being discovered. Officers administered CPR before EMS transported the child to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Pierrecius is being held at Manatee County Jail on $5,000 bond. Under Florida law, the charge is a second-degree felony carrying up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine if convicted.

Reported by Ryan Ballogg, published May 10

Bradenton riverfront mansion listed for $5.35 million

A gated riverfront estate in Bradenton has gone under contract for $5.35 million. Located at 6100 Riverview Blvd., the property sits on nearly one acre along the Manatee River and spans nearly 7,700 square feet of living space across two stories. Built in 2011, the mansion includes five bedrooms, five bathrooms, a half bathroom, and a private guest apartment with its own living room, kitchenette, and bedroom. The estate also features a courtyard with a custom fountain, multiple balconies, and screened terraces offering panoramic river views. While under contract, backup offers are still being accepted, according to the listing held by Re/Max agents Jay and Christy Travis.

Reported by Jason Dill, published May 8

This story was originally published May 13, 2026 at 6:01 PM with the headline "Bradenton Herald week in review."