Manatee County Search & Rescue

06/18/2026

🌊 Water Safety Starts With You 🌊

As families continue enjoying Manatee County's beaches, pools, rivers, and waterways this summer, we encourage everyone to make water safety a top priority.

Drowning can happen in seconds and often without warning. The most effective prevention measure is active adult supervision. Designate a responsible adult to maintain constant visual contact with children whenever they are near water—whether at the beach, a pool, a boat, or a vacation rental.

If you're visiting a new location, take time to identify potential hazards, locate safety equipment, and establish clear water safety rules with your family.

Beachgoers should always pay attention to warning flags, posted signs, and lifeguard instructions. Changing weather, currents, and rip currents can quickly create dangerous conditions for even experienced swimmers.

A few simple precautions can make all the difference. Stay alert, stay prepared, and help ensure every day on the water ends with safe and happy memories.

06/18/2026

MISSING OUT OF MANATEE COUNTY

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Manatee County Sheriff's Office at 941-747-3011.

https://www.facebook.com/share/18e9grbemu/

UPDATE: Amari has been found and is safe.

MISSING ENDANGERED JUVENILE (Runaway): Amari Glenn Collier, 14, was last seen running across State Road 70 near US 301 around 5:40 am on June 17, 2026.

He is 5’8, approximately 185 lbs, and was wearing a white T-shirt and red patterned PJ pants.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to call the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office at (941) 747-3011.

06/14/2026

🇺🇸 Happy Flag Day from Manatee County Search and Rescue! 🇺🇸

Today we proudly celebrate the Stars and Stripes and reflect on the values of freedom, unity, and service that our flag represents.

As our nation approaches America's 250th Anniversary, we honor the generations of men and women who have defended our freedoms and helped build the country we are privileged to serve.

At Manatee County Search and Rescue, we remain committed to serving our community with dedication, professionalism, and pride. On this Flag Day, we encourage everyone to take a moment to display the flag, learn its history, and remember those who have sacrificed for our nation.

God Bless America, and Happy Flag Day!

06/10/2026

UPDATE: Located Safe

MISSING OUT OF BRADENTON

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Bradenton Police Department at 941-932-9348.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1HwdxVSR2V/

** UPDATE (6/12/26): Michael has been located. Thank you for your assistance. **
MISSING ENDANGERED ADULT: Michael Christopher Mooreside, 35, left Manatee Memorial Hospital against doctor's orders, and we have been unable to locate him. Mooreside reportedly lives in a van and may have a dog. He is 5'6", weighs 210 lbs, and was last seen wearing a red shirt, gray shorts, black flip flops, and a black hat. If you have information on Mooreside's whereabouts, please call BPD at 941-932-9300. Case #: 2026-003699

06/08/2026

A magnitude 6.1 earthquake was recorded off the coast of Cuba at approximately 2:00 p.m., according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)

While the shaking was felt across portions of Florida, there are currently no tsunami advisories, watches, or warnings in effect for the United States.

We will continue to keep an eye on the situation and share updates if necessary.

06/08/2026

This morning, our pilots were out conducting training operations with our Skydio X2-E drones, sharpening their skills and maintaining proficiency in aerial search techniques, mapping, reconnaissance, and emergency response operations. Regular training ensures our team remains prepared to support public safety agencies during missing person searches, disaster response, damage assessments, and other critical incidents throughout our community.

Technology is a powerful tool, but it is only effective when paired with dedicated personnel who continually train and improve their capabilities. We are proud of our drone operators and their commitment to readiness.

When the call comes, we'll be ready.

06/05/2026

Driver Training & Area Familiarization

Being ready to respond starts long before the call comes in.

At Manatee County Search & Rescue, our drivers regularly participate in training and area familiarization to ensure they can safely and efficiently navigate our response vehicles throughout the communities we serve. From rural backroads and flood-prone areas to urban neighborhoods and off-road access points, knowing the terrain can make all the difference when minutes matter.

Driver training focuses on safe vehicle operations, defensive driving techniques, vehicle capabilities, and understanding the unique challenges presented by emergency response in a variety of environments. Area familiarization helps our members identify key access routes, staging locations, boat ramps, trailheads, and other critical infrastructure that may be needed during search, rescue, disaster response, or community support missions.

Preparation, training, and local knowledge are all part of our commitment to serving Manatee County and surrounding communities safely and effectively.

06/04/2026

🚨 Help Us Grow! 🚨

For 25 years, Manatee County Search & Rescue has proudly served our community by assisting with missing persons, disaster response, community events, and emergency preparedness. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization made up of dedicated first responders, we rely on the support of our community to help us continue our mission.

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Every like, follow, and share helps us connect with the community we serve and supports our ability to recruit volunteers, educate the public, and respond when we're needed most.

🌐 Learn more about us at www.ManateeCountySAR.org

Thank you for your continued support of Manatee County Search & Rescue. Together, we can make a difference and help keep our community safe.