Community Palmetto Community Comes Together for Anti-Violence Family Day

North River Fire Fighters handed out free tee shirts to the community from the side of their truck

MCSO's Lt. John Murrell with Deputy Johnny Jones entertaining us with their humorous anecdotes.

Manatee County Sheriff Officer’s played catch with the community children

PALMETTO – Last Saturday, the Palmetto community gathered to show their commitment against the recent surge of violence in their neighborhoods. The Ministers Anti-Violence Task Force provided food and refreshments for a large crowd of residents eager to sustain their sense of community amid the recent bloodshed.

Reverend Willie Holley of Pathways Christian Fellowship was pleased with the event remarking, ”We're thankful and grateful that the ministers, community leaders and citizens are coming together to take a stance against violence.“

Upbeat music played and the casual setting of the playground and sports field seemed to help citizens feel welcome to approach various public servants. The North River Fire Department set up a truck and handed out tee shirts to everyone in attendance. The Manatee County sheriff and Palmetto Police Department officers could be seen playing catch with neighborhood children.

The imagery was so perfect, it looked almost like a staged scene from a diversity and tolerance public service announcement. Palmetto Police Chief Rick Wells expressed his appreciation and gratitude by adding, ”I hope this is a common theme and we continue to see this on a regular basis.“

The Manatee Health Department even offered attendees routine blood testing out of their mobile health vehicle. Manatee County Rural Health Services, Inc. was also available to discuss services and sliding-fee scale payment for community members without access to health care. Manatee County and Palmetto City officials were in high attendance throughout the day. All were expressing joy in seeing their community building a stronger bond.

Manatee County Commissioner Michael Gallen, whose district 2 includes the community was pleased by the show of support. ”I encourage us all to be models," said Gallen. "If there was a time for a village to raise a child this is it.“

Palmetto Police Chief Rick Wells, Manatee County Rural Health Services, Inc. Special Projects Coordinator Marcile Powers, Caroline Braun, Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Bob Mealy	Corporal Kimberly Camacho giving out erasers to the children on behalf of the Palmetto police department.