BRADENTON — The arrest report related to East Manatee Fire Commissioner and Manatee County Commission candidate Tony Barrett’s domestic battery arrest alleges that a physical altercation with a woman he lives with left both parties with visible injuries, according to records obtained by TBT. Barrett, who was arrested early Thursday morning on a misdemeanor domestic battery charge, described the situation as "unfortunate," stating he regrets that it occurred, and told TBT he believes he will ultimately be exonerated.
According to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office arrest report, the incident occurred after Barrett and the female victim returned home separately from a charity poker tournament hosted by the nonprofit Heroes Welcome Home, of which Barrett is the founder and CEO. The event was held on the evening of June 17.
Barrett and the victim, who the report notes as Barrett’s ex-girlfriend, are reported to reside together but stay in separate bedrooms.
Deputies wrote that following the victim’s arrival home, “hours” after Barrett had already returned to the shared residence, the two allegedly became engaged in a verbal argument in the female victim’s bedroom. The argument escalated into a physical confrontation, during which Barrett allegedly pulled the woman's hair and struck her head against the floor multiple times. The victim was able to “disengage from Barrett in an unknown manner” and phoned 911, says the report.
Deputies noted that there was visible injury observed to the right side of the victim’s head, which “appeared to be red and starting to swell.”
Barrett sustained a visible cut to the inside of his upper lip and a minor injury to his hand, according to the report.
Finding probable cause, deputies arrested Barrett at 4:04 a.m. on June 18, charging him with a first-degree misdemeanor; battery 'touch or strike.'
Reached by phone on Friday, Barrett—who official records identify as Phillip Anthony Barrett—acknowledged that he was arrested on one count of domestic-related battery. While speaking to TBT, Barrett declined to detail the incident or what led up to it, but said he regretted the situation, calling it “unfortunate.”
“I have always been a supporter of women and women’s programs. Domestic abuse is wrong, and I do not condone violence against women,” Barrett said.
Barrett added that he looks forward to the case being heard in court, where all the facts and evidence can be presented. He said he believes those facts will exonerate him of the domestic abuse charges.
“I’m someone who takes responsibility for my actions, and I will continue to do so,” he said.
Tony Barrett is a candidate in the Republican primary for the Manatee County Commission District 6 at-large seat, who just qualified to appear on the ballot last week.
According to his campaign biography, Barrett is a U.S. Army veteran, a longtime Manatee County resident, and a real estate broker who previously served with Manatee County EMS, the Sarasota County Fire Department, and as a tactical medic with the Manatee County Sheriff's Office SWAT team. He is the founder of Heroes Welcome Home, a nonprofit that assists veterans with housing and support services, and currently serves as an East Manatee Fire Commissioner.
When asked whether he was considering suspending his campaign in light of the arrest, Barrett said he intends to remain in the race.
"This will not define me," Barrett said. "I will continue to run."
Barrett’s fire commissioner term ends in November 2026. In a statement to TBT on Thursday, an East Manatee Fire Rescue District spokesperson said the department was aware of the arrest, which is a personal legal matter, adding that Barrett is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The spokesperson noted that any authority or oversight concerning a sitting fire commissioner rests with the Governor’s Office.
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Cat L
"This will not define me"
Yes it will. Repeatedly smashing someone's face on a floor is not an "oops" sort of behavior. There is no accidental way to do that, you meant to do it.
Saturday, June 20 Report this
kmskepton
Of course he will. Ugh.
Sunday, June 21 Report this
rjckeuka4
"I have always been a supporter of women and women's programs. Domestic abuse is wrong, and I do not condone violence against women." REALLY?? Then why do you do it?? How can any man beat a woman and look at himself in the mirror? Of course, you also want to represent the women of District # 6. RIGHT!! The hypocrisy is suffocating!!
Sunday, June 21 Report this
teamj1009
Typical politician (wannabe) response.......just like mentioned slammed the female's head into the floor. So it was deliberate and you committed domestic battery. Tell me how you do not condone it but you did it.......but oh ya elect me.
Sunday, June 21 Report this
BarbieBellBurnett
Of course he will continue to run. In today’s political climate domestic violence isn’t a career-ending issue. Think long and hard on this Manatee County. We already have development associated commissioners on the board. This one just has his arrests already checked off his lists.
Monday, June 22 Report this