Bradenton Police Department

🐾 Another name will be added to Florida's Animal Cruelty Database, which went live on January 1st. This week, Christian Cuello entered a plea of nolo contendere for abusing a nine-week-old puppy. His name joins Daniel Rivera, who was convicted in May on multiple charges, including animal cruelty, for throwing a kitten off a balcony.

🐶 We're happy to report that the puppy, seen here when he was a few months old, has a new family. The kitten, seen here days after her rescue, is living her best life with a BPD employee. 🐱

With a searchable statewide database, Florida residents, pet sellers, and rescue organizations can screen applicants to ensure they are not placing an animal with an animal abuser. And, it strengthens accountability for animal cruelty statewide. 🐾

Here's the database: https://web.fdle.state.fl.us/dexter/about.jsf

🎓 The Bradenton Police Department is proud to announce that Chief Josh Cramer has graduated from the 298th session of the FBI National Academy. This program is recognized globally as one of the most prestigious leadership training courses in law enforcement. It gathers the top 1% of law enforcement leaders from the United States and around the world for 10 weeks of advanced education focused on leadership, public safety, communications, and officer wellness.

Chief Cramer's achievement reflects his commitment to innovation, leadership, and exceptional service, highlighting the Bradenton Police Department's ongoing dedication to these values.

"Attending the FBI National Academy is a tremendous honor, but my greatest privilege has been serving the City of Bradenton for over three decades," said Chief Cramer. "I would like to congratulate my Session 298 classmates for their achievements, friendship, and thank them for the ideas and experiences we shared. I also want to commend the Academy instructors for keeping us engaged and encouraging us to reflect on our departments, families, and ourselves. Most importantly, I want to express my gratitude to the men and women of the Bradenton Police Department, Mayor Gene Brown, my wife Maria, and my family for their support over the past 10 weeks."

Graduation was held on June 18, 2026, in Quantico, Virginia. The 298th session of the National Academy consisted of 255 law enforcement professionals from 26 countries, 46 states, and the District of Columbia.
City of Bradenton, Florida - Government

We'd wish you a happy Taco Tuesday again, but last week's post went as sideways as a cracked drive-through chalupa unwrapped at a red light. So, we'll stick with "Have a great day, and please don't crime."

It's going to "feel like" 104 degrees outside today. So, we hope you "feel like" staying inside and not committing crimes. Happy Friday Eve Eve Eve Eve!

BPD is proud to have several officers whose sons and daughters followed in their footsteps and joined law enforcement. One example is Lt. Weldon Sr. and his son, Officer Weldon Jr.

Unfortunately, they share the same inherited trait: an absolute inability to be found whenever the Public Information Officer needs a photo. Since securing an actual picture proved impossible, we've commissioned this incredibly lifelike portrait in honor of Father's Day.

⚾ Tossing a few highlights from Friday's Marauders First Responders Appreciation Night into your feed, including first pitches by Chief Josh Cramer and Detective Brian Gates (also an Honor Guard member). A heartfelt thank you to the Bradenton Marauders and Pittsburgh Pirates organizations for their ongoing support of the first responder community! 💙

🇱🇷 AMERICA TURNS 250. BRADENTON IS GOING BIG! 🇱🇷
Join us July 4 for live music, food trucks, vendors, family fun, and the largest fireworks display in City history along the Riverwalk and Old Main Street. Festivities start at 5 p.m.; fireworks launch around 9 p.m. Before you stake out your perfect viewing spot and start arguing over who forgot the sunscreen, here's what you need to know:

🌉 The Green Bridge closes to vehicles around 8 p.m.
Why? Because fireworks launch from the Green Bridge Fishing Pier, and we'd rather not mix explosives and traffic. The bridge will reopen after the show once crews clear any debris. The De Soto Bridge remains open.

🚤 Boaters: A safety zone will be established around the launch site before the fireworks begin. Translation: Keep clear of the area unless you'd like a front-row seat to a Marine Patrol lecture.

🅿️ Parking is free in downtown garages and lots. However, the Rossi Park parking lot will be closed for vendors, a car show, and other event activities.

🚔 Plan ahead for traffic. Thousands of people are expected downtown, so give yourself extra time to get where you're going. The fireworks are spectacular. Sitting in unnecessary traffic because you left at 8:45 p.m.? Less spectacular.

We'll remind you again before the big day!

💙 In December, we visited our friend Jasmine, who was preparing to undergo a 17-hour surgery that included amputating her left leg. For 12 years, a rare, unnamed condition caused her left leg to grow so fast that it soon weighed more than her body. The day of the surgery, her leg weighed 174 lbs - 2.5x her body weight. This week, Jasmine and her family walked into BPD with doughnuts and invitations to her Quinceañera, planned for later this year. We're so proud of you, Jasmine’s Journey! 🌸

🔥🥵 Our area is under a Heat Advisory today, with "feels like" temperatures up to 110 degrees. Stay hydrated, hang inside if you can, and check on relatives and neighbors. And PLEASE do not leave children, pets, or older folks in a hot car for ANY amount of time - EVER.
US National Weather Service Tampa Bay Florida