Bradenton, United States - October 07, 2024

As Hurricane Milton, recently downgraded from a Category 5 but still a formidable Category 4 storm, barrels towards the Tampa area with an expected landfall imminent, the city of Bradenton is in lockdown mode. The Bradenton Police Department (BPD) has taken extraordinary measures to safeguard both their assets and the community, encapsulating the spirit of resilience pervading the region.

In preparation for what the National Hurricane Center terms "a dangerous major hurricane," BPD reported on October 7th their efforts in constructing a sandbag dam around the entrances of the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature. This landmark, adjacent to the police department, is designed to withstand hurricane conditions, serving as a secure location for a small crew, including Chief Melanie Bevan, to monitor the situation until safety dictates otherwise.

"Old Main Street in Bradenton is a ghost of its usual self," remarked a BPD spokesperson, "with businesses barricading their premises and setting up sandbag defenses, a stark visual of the storm's approach." The police department's lobby has transformed into a hub for emergency supplies, stockpiling food and drinks for shelters and officers who will weather the storm.

Today's efforts saw BPD evacuate critical equipment, records, and over 41,000 pieces of evidence to higher ground, ensuring that Hurricane Milton, following closely on the heels of Hurricane Helene, will not interrupt their service. "We're in this together, Bradenton," the department assured, promising around-the-clock vigilance over the secured items.

With Milton's landfall predicted for late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning, the region is already feeling the storm's outer effects, with hurricane-force winds and tornadoes touching down in Southwest Florida. This scenario has heightened the urgency for complete readiness across Florida's Gulf Coast.