Hurricane

Florida officers around the state are in Bradenton after Hurricane Milton. Here’s why

Several Florida police agencies, including the Ocala Police Department, sent officers to Manatee County to help with Hurricane Milton recovery.
Several Florida police agencies, including the Ocala Police Department, sent officers to Manatee County to help with Hurricane Milton recovery. Courtesy of the Bradenton Police Department

Residents in Bradenton and Palmetto may have noticed fleets of unfamiliar law enforcement vehicles in town after Hurricane Milton.

Police agencies from around the state of Florida are stationed in Manatee County to organize the long lines at local gas stations, monitor intersections with inactive traffic signals and help with patrol duties in the powerful storm’s aftermath.

According to a social media post from the Bradenton Police Department, the Ocala Police Department and others deployed officers as part of an emergency mutual aid agreement.

Ocala Police also sent 15 officers to Palmetto, the agency wrote in a Facebook post.

“Their mission is to help our neighbors by ensuring the security and safety of the Palmetto community during this challenging time,” the Ocala Police Department said.

The Palmetto Police Department noted agencies from Davie, Sunrise, Boynton Beach and Hollywood also deployed officers to the area.

This story was originally published October 13, 2024 at 4:48 PM.

Ryan Callihan
Bradenton Herald
Ryan Callihan is the Bradenton Herald’s Senior Editor. As a reporter in Manatee County, he won awards for his local government and environmental coverage. Ryan is a graduate of USF St. Petersburg. Support my work with a digital subscription
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