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Bradenton redevelopment board authorizes termination of private downtown security contract after patrol discrepancies
Summary
The Bradenton Community Redevelopment Agency board approved terminating its private downtown security contract after police and city staff reported patrol and reporting inconsistencies; the board authorized up to a 30‑day termination but empowered staff and police to end the contract sooner if warranted and to pursue replacement options.
The Bradenton Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) board voted unanimously to authorize termination of the downtown private security contract after police and city staff reported repeated discrepancies between security logs and camera evidence, missed patrols and apparent failures to report property damage.
Sergeant Aaron Pine of the Bradenton Police Department told the board the department reviewed footage and found instances where contracted guards reported being on site but were not visible on video at the times claimed. City staff and parks supervisors described incidents where bathrooms were left heavily damaged overnight and the contractor’s logs did not reflect timely inspection. Ross Peterson, the city’s superintendent of landscaping and grounds, told the board his crews discovered vandalism and that contracted guards had not reported the issues.
The CRA had budgeted funds for security services; staff said they would transfer management to the police department and pursue a procurement process (RFP) or an alternative contract recommended by police. The board passed motion to send a termination notice to the vendor (30‑day default language in the contract) but authorized staff to terminate earlier if conversations with the contractor confirm that earlier termination is appropriate.
Board members also discussed park safety and possible Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) upgrades and said the police department could pursue small matching grants for lighting or camera improvements. The board asked staff to return with procurement options and to coordinate with police on immediate patrol coverage while a replacement contract is procured.
