Bradenton's Gang Issues (Orlando, Sarasota, Cortez: agriculture, work, sick)

[UKOK]

We were down in Sarasota recently and were told that the problems in Bradenton have escalted because of the crackdown in Sarasota that has pushed many of the problems up and over into Manatee county. For example; the newish law that makes it illegal to sleep on the street in Sarasota. Wondering what the locals think, is there any truth to this?

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by UKOK

We were down in Sarasota recently and were told that the problems in Bradenton have escalted because of the crackdown in Sarasota that has pushed many of the problems up and over into Manatee county. For example; the newish law that makes it illegal to sleep on the street in Sarasota. Wondering what the locals think, is there any truth to this?

UKOK - my husband and I were speculating on that very thing. We truly feel that a lot of Sarasota's problems are being pushed up into Manatee. Back when we lived in Sarasota which was 10 years ago, there was a HUGE problems with bums/criminals/druggies loitering downtown and in Bayfront Park. They were all over our neighborhood, and it was very unsafe. Now that Sarasota has become even more upscale than it was then, it doesn't surprise me that they have finally really cracked down. Unfortunately, Bradenton doesn't seem to be addressing the problem, and it's a real shame, it's such a pretty little town. Better as a place to visit, though.

[UKOK]

Originally Posted by gypsychic

Back when we lived in Sarasota which was 10 years ago, there was a HUGE problems with bums/criminals/druggies loitering downtown and in Bayfront Park. They were all over our neighborhood, and it was very unsafe. Now that Sarasota has become even more upscale than it was then, it doesn't surprise me that they have finally really cracked down.

Interesting. Did you notice a huge difference when you visited downtown recently vs 10 years ago? We spent a ton of time downtown and it felt totally safe. In all the time we were there we just saw one homeless guy waking up in a park. Driving up north by MLK is where it became mighty shady. Shame what is happening to Bradenton as I agree it is (was) a lovely little town. You can almost see with all the work going on gentrifying northern Sarasota that Brandednton is going to get worse.

[Ladywithafan]

Originally Posted by UKOK

Interesting. Did you notice a huge difference when you visited downtown recently vs 10 years ago? We spent a ton of time downtown and it felt totally safe. In all the time we were there we just saw one homeless guy waking up in a park. Driving up north by MLK is where it became mighty shady. Shame what is happening to Bradenton as I agree it is (was) a lovely little town. You can almost see with all the work going on gentrifying northern Sarasota that Brandednton is going to get worse.

I live in downtown sarasota, having moved from out on the beach in Bradenton/Holmes bch....

I can not stand being in Bradenton, even though my mother lives in a wonderful area...of west Bradenton....it is not safe even in daylight...

I know we sound awfull knocking this town, but those of us who have lived there, know.

last friday's murder out in Oneco, cops then pulling over the vehicle at the mall with one of the "person's of interest" who pulls a gun & shoots himself...hello?

You can feel the difference in atmosphere/aura when you drive from Sarasota and cross the county line into B-town.

[tropics]

Wow, I can't believe what people are saying about Bradenton. It seems those who are speaking the loudest are those who have never lived hear or no longer live here.

I have been in Bradenton my entire life. Grew up in NW Bradenton and now have my own family and live in West Bradenton between 75th and 59th st.
I will agree the crime rate has escalated, and we are dealing with the local gangs.. But as you speak of the shooting that took place on the beach over Easter do you not realize that the folks involved in that shooting were not from Bradenton but Brandon? Also do you not realize that for the last 15 years we have had some kind of disturbance on the beaches during the Easter weekend. As an individual who grew up here we always avoided the beaches on Easter (especially Conquina) as all the folks from other towns would cram our beaches and violence would prevail.

So, what can I say? I have never experienced any crime personally. My car has never been broken into or my home. I have not experience vandalism of any sort. I think folks here are talking extreme, either you were not aware of the crime prior or much of the media has tainted your opinions.

Just think 20 years ago, would you drive down 13th ave E and 9th st e by Tropicana? Did you hang at Rogers Projects? If you did life was in your own hands between the drugs, crime and prostitution. Today you can drive through these areas with out issues......
Mostly the same areas have the issues today as they did over the many years.. Around Manatee Hospt, 14th st, 41 towards Sarasota and surrounding areas around Desoto Mall. These places continue to be the issues....

Bradenton has a lot to offer, I believe. I am not sure if those who bad mouth Bradenton were just not fortunate enough to live in the more desirable areas or what their personal issue's are. But I will say since living here, growing up here, raising a family here and working here I believe Bradenton has a lot to offer.
Don't get me wrong we have some work to do, but no more then many communities in the area.

Hope no one's take offense this is my opionion, but it bothered me that everyone could only bad mouth Bradenton. Also about the griffiti along Cortez and 75th. I will check it out since I am not far from there. If it is there I will make sure it is taken care of and removed.

If anyone wants positive info on Bradenton, I would be happy to share.

Tropics

[Edvard]

You Manatee County residents have been saved! They have two solutions: remove the pine trees (pine trees lead directly to gang shootings) and quit charging people with murder, attempted murder etc. Well, actually they don't charge for that now. Everyone either wont talk, or forgets who shot Red, what Baby Daddy was arguing about when Boo capped Shorty etc. Even a 125% case is a guaranteed no-file. You rock, Earl Moreland! Now, the highly motivated State Attorney will simply let them plea to the 2nd degree misdemeanor of "discharging a firearm into occupied clothing". The bad guys are lovin' it!

[Ladywithafan]

Originally Posted by tropics

Wow, I can't believe what people are saying about Bradenton. It seems those who are speaking the loudest are those who have never lived hear or no longer live here.

I have been in Bradenton my entire life. Grew up in NW Bradenton and now have my own family and live in West Bradenton between 75th and 59th st.
I will agree the crime rate has escalated, and we are dealing with the local gangs.. But as you speak of the shooting that took place on the beach over Easter do you not realize that the folks involved in that shooting were not from Bradenton but Brandon? Also do you not realize that for the last 15 years we have had some kind of disturbance on the beaches during the Easter weekend. As an individual who grew up here we always avoided the beaches on Easter (especially Conquina) as all the folks from other towns would cram our beaches and violence would prevail.

So, what can I say? I have never experienced any crime personally. My car has never been broken into or my home. I have not experience vandalism of any sort. I think folks here are talking extreme, either you were not aware of the crime prior or much of the media has tainted your opinions.

Just think 20 years ago, would you drive down 13th ave E and 9th st e by Tropicana? Did you hang at Rogers Projects? If you did life was in your own hands between the drugs, crime and prostitution. Today you can drive through these areas with out issues......
Mostly the same areas have the issues today as they did over the many years.. Around Manatee Hospt, 14th st, 41 towards Sarasota and surrounding areas around Desoto Mall. These places continue to be the issues....

Bradenton has a lot to offer, I believe. I am not sure if those who bad mouth Bradenton were just not fortunate enough to live in the more desirable areas or what their personal issue's are. But I will say since living here, growing up here, raising a family here and working here I believe Bradenton has a lot to offer.
Don't get me wrong we have some work to do, but no more then many communities in the area.

Hope no one's take offense this is my opionion, but it bothered me that everyone could only bad mouth Bradenton. Also about the griffiti along Cortez and 75th. I will check it out since I am not far from there. If it is there I will make sure it is taken care of and removed.

If anyone wants positive info on Bradenton, I would be happy to share.

Tropics

Personally, I'm not badmouthing a place where I built my home on Key Royale, on Tampa Bay that is now worth over $2million...in 10 years, but, since divorcing & moving "in town"....parents live in Village Green & there is "Sur 13" grafitti on a box on 75th street at the entrance....

Lived in an apartment complex off Manatee & 75th...by the new Publix...shootings, robberies, our next door neighbor was killed at that auto shop, back last year June...we had just been moved in a week....

Since moving to Bradenton in 1991, I have totally experienced the change. Now, if I didn't get divorced & move out of my dreamworld, I would have no idea what's going on off the island. However, we have our closet drug users out there....and a lot of hand slapping.....Oh the stories an islander could tell...however, I'll keep it quiet, wouldn't want to disturb the utopia of dreamland.

[Sarasota_Blues]

I've lived in the Sarasota/Bradenton area for 26 years. I have seen such a tremendous change in both cities during this time. Bradenton is still a nice town, for the most part, as long as you reside west of 34th St. If you're a retiree, or don't venture out much at night, you'll probably not encounter trouble. However, the changes I have seen to this town (Bradenton) have been astounding over the decades. Just go to Desoto Mall on any weekend, and you'll see groups and groups of youths, who are dressed like P.Diddy wannabees. It's not just the attire, but the behavior in public makes a trip to that mall uncomfortable for many....

Fact is, hardly a few days goes by, where you don't read about this shooting, or that robbery somewhere in Bradenton. I wouldn't drive through most areas east of US 41 at night!

I've lived in downtown Sarasota (Gillespie) for almost 20 years, and while it has gotten much better here, the transients continue to make their way to the Salvation Army via this neighborhood. Sarasota supposedly did institute that crackdown on homeless and vagrancy, and if many of the undesirables moved north to Bradenton, that "may have" contributed to Bradentons recent plights. However, the homeless and the gang-related activity are mostly 2 different situations. Most of your gangs aren't homeless, and most of the homeless don't belong to gangs. That's an apples to oranges comparison.

However, as "Nirvana" stated, this country is becoming run into the ground by illegal immigrants, and this countries inability to keep problem people incarcerated, where they belong.

[Platinum350]

Ok, let me ask this...where would a good area to live w/ a close to commute to Bradenton, which is where i'll be working. Looking for the beach, nightlife and good restraunts.

[tropics]

Ladywithafan,
Yes, I know the apartments you lived in , the old Carmel Apartments which has changed names numerous times. That apartment complex has always had issues. Not sure why as the location is great, with great schools but for some reason it has always attracted a poor clientel. I would never imagine living there not even 25 years ago. Big change from Key Royale. Village Green, when I run by tomorrow I will look at the entrances off 75th. I have some County Contacts I can give a call to.
The Island life, well even though it looks like a tropical paradise it has always had its owns issue as well. Back in the day even when it was more families located there the drugs and drinking were rampant. Of course there were a lot of folks who were working the restaurante industry in which this life style was common. Most folks now working the restaurante / bar industry can't afford to live on the island and have moved into town. Still the island was one of the places I grew up hanging out, many times the police were chasing us off the beaches. Best Parties in High School were on the Island.. Of course it was also my first introduction to folks pot smoking in middle school.
I am no way saying we don't have issues, yes we do. But I also want to make a point that is still a great place to live. Times have changed here in Bradenton, the growth it self has cause some of the issues. I believe all across Florida and other states small towns are dealing similar issues.
SarasotaBlues
Desoto Square Mall, can't stand the place. I do not venture to the mall at night or day, don't really care for the stores in the first place. But you are correct the crew of teens and adults that hang there are not my cup of tea. Desoto needs to step up on security that is for sure. We tend to visit the outlets mostly and good old Bealls Department store. Of course I never really ventured out growing up hear at night around 1st street or 14th street or 41. That was just a place we stayed away from. Immigration, yes we need some work done in that area as well for other areas in Florida. That is a big subject for me and I will not even go there.

Plantinum 350
Well, no night life in Bradenton that is for sure. Maybe a good thing as we would probably have more issues. As an individual who was born and raised here, left for colledge and returned and am now raising a family. I would suggest Sarasota or even St Pete/ Clearwater. Not a bad commute. Where will you be working at?

Always great to remember the good old days of Bradenton. For myself I grew up in NW, own a horse close by and would ride everyday after school. We would ride to the causway and spend the day. Stables all up and down 9th ave and 17ave. Had my own Fort in the woods next to Desoto Memorial now Riverview Landings and would spend days on the rope swing into the river. I knew every Desoto Memorial employee by name, as well as they knew mine and my dog. Life has changed alot, but I still do enjoy Bradenton. Do I wish it hadn't change as much, yes! But unfortuatnely the growth in Florida was not stoppable, and I am not sure I could ever replace Bradenton in the old days with another location.

Tropcis