Investigation Continues After Roof Collapse Forces Evacuation of 157 Seniors at Bradenton Assisted Living Facility
Bradenton city officials are continuing their investigation into the partial roof collapse that forced the evacuation of 157 residents from Aviata at Bradenton Villas over the weekend.
The collapse occurred Saturday evening, prompting a large-scale emergency response involving the City of Bradenton, Manatee County Public Safety, the Bradenton Fire Department and regional partners. Officials confirmed that no injuries were reported and that every resident was safely evacuated from the assisted living facility. The final residents were relocated by approximately 3 a.m. Sunday.
With the emergency response now complete, the focus has shifted to determining whether the building is structurally safe. Temporary stabilization work is underway on the damaged portion of the facility while Aviata arranges for a licensed structural engineer to conduct a comprehensive assessment. Bradenton’s Chief Building Official will oversee the engineering evaluation and continue coordinating with state and local agencies throughout the inspection process.
The cause of the roof collapse remains under investigation, and officials have not released a timeline for when the building assessment will be completed.
Residents have been relocated to other facilities throughout the region, but many left the building with only essential belongings. Community organizations are now working to help meet their immediate needs.
The Suncoast Aging Network is collecting donations of essential items for displaced residents, including clothing for men and women of all sizes, shoes, socks, toiletries, lotion and adult briefs. Organizers say the donations will help seniors who may not have had an opportunity to gather personal items before being evacuated.
Because assisted living facilities are licensed and regulated by the State of Florida, Aviata is responsible for communicating directly with residents’ families regarding resident care, relocation and facility operations. Officials have directed family members with questions to contact the facility.
Manatee County officials described the evacuation as a difficult and disruptive situation and expressed appreciation for the coordinated efforts of emergency responders and regional partners who helped safely relocate all residents.
The City of Bradenton said it will continue providing updates as the structural assessment progresses and more information becomes available.
