Bradenton Herald week in review

Manatee arcade raids net 265 machines and $120K cash

State, local and federal authorities conducted raids on three Manatee County arcades as part of Operation Silent Spin, seizing 265 arcade machines and more than $120,000 in cash, officials say. The Florida Gaming Control Commission, Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, and Homeland Security Investigations participated in the sting, which resulted in multiple criminal charges and requests to hold some suspects for federal immigration authorities. Spin City Arcade and Mike’s Arcade, both in Bradenton, were among the locations targeted. Authorities say illegal gambling operations are frequently linked to weapons, drugs, trafficking, and violent crime. Notably, Spin City Arcade had previously been raided in September 2023, yet allegedly continued operating. The FGCC is now seeking expanded enforcement resources, including a proposed unit focused on southwest Florida, where officials say illegal gambling activity has sharply increased.

Reported by Michael Moore Jr., published May 19

Florida defends new congressional map in court

A Tallahassee judge heard arguments May 15 over whether to temporarily block Florida’s new congressional map ahead of the midterm elections. State attorney Mohammad Jazil argued the court had no need to rush and that any ruling should follow a proper trial. The map, crafted by a DeSantis office staffer, cuts Democratic seats in Florida by half and is projected to favor Republicans in 24 of the state’s 28 congressional seats. Plaintiffs, including Common Cause and the League of Women Voters of Florida, argue the map violates Florida’s voter-approved Fair Districts Amendment, which prohibits drawing districts that favor a political party. DeSantis’ office has also contended that Florida’s ban on partisan gerrymandering is invalid. Judge Joshua Hawkes did not issue a ruling. Primary elections are scheduled for August 18.

Reported by Romy Ellenbogen, published May 15

Wrong-way crash on I-75 kills Bradenton woman

A Bradenton woman was killed and several others were seriously injured after a wrong-way driver struck multiple vehicles on Interstate 75 in Charlotte County early Sunday morning, Florida Highway Patrol says. The crash occurred around 1:13 a.m. near mile marker 150 on I-75 North. Authorities say Dennis Lee Olson, 53, of Sarasota, entered the interstate traveling the wrong way in a Ford F-150, striking a Kia sedan and a Honda SUV. The 21-year-old driver of the Honda died at the scene. The Kia’s driver, a 34-year-old Arcadia woman, and her two passengers — boys aged 12 and 15 — were hospitalized with serious injuries. A Tesla that struck crash debris was driven by a 19-year-old Sarasota woman who was uninjured. After receiving treatment for non-incapacitating injuries, Olson was arrested on charges of vehicular homicide and DUI manslaughter and booked into Charlotte County Jail, FHP says. The crash remains under investigation.

Reported by Ryan Ballogg, published May 17

Bradenton weighs utility rate hike amid aging infrastructure

Bradenton city officials say the city is “behind the eight ball” when it comes to utility rates, warning that small increases over the past five years have not kept pace with infrastructure needs. According to data presented at a recent workshop, Bradenton charges less than nearby municipalities, including the City of Palmetto and Manatee County Government. City Administrator Rob Perry noted the city has not adjusted rates appropriately to cover repair, replacement and preventative maintenance. On June 10, the city council is expected to vote on a proposed 7.5% rate increase that would add roughly $3 to the average bill. Chief Operating Officer Lance Williams cautioned that a consultant’s study due in July may reveal significantly greater needs beyond the proposed hike. The city’s “Face It, Fix It” initiative targets aging infrastructure linked to sewage spills into the Manatee River.

Reported by Carter Weinhofer, published May 18

Bradenton man convicted of attempted murder charge

A Bradenton man has been convicted of attempted murder in connection with a robbery and shooting that took place in October 2023, according to the State Attorney’s Office for the Twelfth Judicial Circuit. The trial was held at the Manatee County Judicial Center from May 11 to May 14. Prosecutors say that on Oct. 14, 2023, Lafleur allegedly attempted a robbery and fired 15 rounds at the victim, striking him five times in the arm and legs. Witnesses reportedly saw Lafleur running toward a nearby apartment following the shooting. Under Florida law, he faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and a minimum of 25 years, with sentencing to be scheduled at a later date. Assistant State Attorney Dickey Hough credited community involvement, noting that a cooperating witness was essential in identifying the defendant and securing the conviction.

Reported by Amaia Gavica, published May 18

Teen arrested in fatal shooting of Manatee High senior

Bradenton police have arrested a 16-year-old in connection with the fatal shooting of a Manatee High School senior. Santana Davis faces a charge of manslaughter with a firearm, authorities say. Police responded to a 911 call at 10:15 p.m. May 18 in the 700 block of 12th Avenue West, where they found a teenager dead outside a home. The victim has been identified, with family permission, as Demetrius Lightfoot Jr., 17. Police note that the circumstances surrounding Lightfoot’s death and Davis’s alleged role remain under investigation. The Manatee County School District has been notified and is providing crisis counselors to support affected students. Anyone with information is asked to contact Bradenton police at 941-932-9356.

Reported by Amaia Gavica, published May 20

This story was originally published May 20, 2026 at 5:41 PM with the headline "Bradenton Herald week in review."