Bradenton families seek GoFundMe fundraiser support after apartment fire

Two GoFundMe fundraisers have been launched for residents displaced after their homes at the Coral Club Apartments caught fire .

The blaze, which began around 1:30 p.m. on Friday at the Bradenton apartment complex in the 5900 block of 36th Street West, caused over $1 million in damage, according to a fire marshal. A resident reported minor injuries and a pet died in the fire, a news release said.

Single mother of two, Nicole, was celebrating her daughter’s 15th birthday when the fire engulfed their apartment and burned virtually all of their possessions. Clothes, electronics, keepsakes, family photos and more were all lost in the fire, according to the GoFundMe created for them.

Ariana Miraglia and her boyfriend Michael also lost all of their belongings, and “they walked out only with the clothes on their backs,” according to their GoFundMe.

Miraglia’s fundraising page says that Michael smelled the fire and called 911. He also helped “others get aware and out of the building,” the caption says.

Additionally, Miraglia and Michael are missing their cat, Nugget, who they haven’t seen since the fire started.

Fundraisers launched after Bradenton fire

The fire, which is still under investigation by the Bureau of Fire, Arson and Explosives Investigations, started at about 1:30 p.m. on Friday, and took first responders about 30 minutes to extinguish.

Four agencies arrived to help the firefighting efforts. These agencies included Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue, Southern Manatee Fire Rescue, the City of Bradenton Fire Department and Manatee County Emergency Medical Services.

One individual reported experiencing minor injuries due to the fire, and there was one pet fatality, according to a news release from the Cedar Hammock Fire Control District.

Nicole’s friend of over 20 years, Sarah Morlan, created the GoFundMe and asked the community to assist Nicole and her children in their efforts to rebuild their home and recover from this event.

Cayla Miraglia, Ariana’s sister, created the other GoFundMe.

“Every bit of help gets them one step closer to stability and healing,” Ariana wrote.

Nicole’s GoFundMe has raised over $1,800 of its $8,000 goal, and the GoFundMe for Miraglia has raised over $6,000 of its $10,000 goal.