Bradenton police urge residents to refrain from celebratory gunfire on New Year's Eve

BRADENTON -- Bradenton police are urging residents to refrain from celebratory gunfire during their New Year festivities.

"The Bradenton Police Department would like to wish all of the residents of the city of Bradenton and Manatee County a safe and Happy New Year. New Year's Eve is a night to have fun and celebrate the coming year, however, safety is a must for everyone when they are participating in festivities," Capt. William Fowler wrote in a press release.

"With this in mind, the Bradenton Police Department encourages families to celebrate the holiday responsibly and we urge revelers to refrain from celebratory gunfire as they ring in the New Year."

This story was originally published December 30, 2015 at 4:11 PM with the headline "Bradenton police urge residents to refrain from celebratory gunfire on New Year's Eve ."