BRADENTON, Fla. (WFLA) — Over the weekend, the tranquil setting at Aviata at Bradenton Villas was abruptly disrupted when a portion of the facility’s roof caved in, prompting an urgent evacuation of 157 residents. The evacuation unfolded from Saturday evening into the early hours of Sunday, according to the Bradenton police.
Fortunately, no one was harmed as the incident occurred in the cafeteria, which was empty at the time. In response, some residents were taken in by family members, while others were relocated to various care facilities, said officials from Manatee County.
The sudden relocation led to bewilderment, as several concerned individuals expressed their frustration about not knowing the whereabouts of their loved ones. Interviews with 8 On Your Side revealed this widespread uncertainty early Sunday morning.
One particular case highlighted a woman who struggled to trace the whereabouts of a friend under care at the facility. It was only after she communicated with a facility administrator that she found out her friend had been transferred to a New Port Richey location.
8 On Your Side reporters also noticed warning signs plastered on the front doors, declaring the building unsafe for occupancy. These signs indicated that the premises would remain closed until the necessary repair work, the specifics and timeline of which are yet undisclosed, is completed.
Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown said they’re working with Manatee County and all regional partners to make sure everyone is safe and cared for.
Aviata released the following statement regarding the incident:
Our hearts are with the residents, families, caregivers, and first responders impacted by the structural incident at Aviata at Bradenton Villas.
The safety and well-being of those entrusted to our care has always been—and will always remain—our highest priority. We are incredibly grateful that residents were safely evacuated and that no injuries have been reported.
We recognize that this has been a difficult and emotional time for our residents, their loved ones, and our dedicated team members. We are working around the clock to support every resident, maintain continuity of care, and communicate directly with families as relocation efforts continue.
We also extend our sincere gratitude to the Bradenton Fire Department, EMS, law enforcement, emergency management officials, healthcare partners, and the many caregivers whose swift response and compassion made a difference.
As the structural assessment and official investigation continue, we are fully cooperating with the appropriate authorities. Out of respect for that process, we will share additional information as it is confirmed.
Thank you to our community for your patience, your support, and your concern for our residents and caregivers. We remain steadfast in our commitment to providing safe, compassionate care and supporting every family through this challenging time.
The Manatee County Public Safety Department released the following statement:
Update: By approximately 3 a.m., all residents of Aviata at Bradenton Villas had been safely evacuated and relocated following the partial structural collapse at the facility.
Throughout the night, Manatee County Public Safety coordinated the relocation effort alongside the Bradenton Fire Department, the City of Bradenton, facility staff and regional partners. Manatee County EMS, our transportation crews, and ambulance and accessible transportation resources from Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties worked together to safely transport residents to sister facilities.
All residents are accounted for, and the facility remained in contact with families throughout the evacuation and relocation process.
We are grateful to our transportation crews, every first responder, healthcare partner, transportation provider and facility staff member who worked through the night to ensure residents were safely relocated.
At this time, no injuries have been reported.