Residents of a Manatee County neighborhood gathered Wednesday morning to protest outside The Crossings, an addiction recovery center on 24th Street East, raising concerns about safety and the facility’s impact on the surrounding community.
Neighbors said problems involving people associated with the recovery center have changed how some families use and monitor their properties. Some residents said they no longer allow children or grandchildren to play outside without close adult supervision.
The Crossings has operated at the location since March 2025.
Residents pointed to a June 28, 2026, incident as one of the events that heightened concerns. According to court documents cited in reports about the protest, a man staying at the facility was captured on a Ring security camera attempting to enter a nearby home.
Neighbors said there have been other incidents involving individuals staying at the facility and are calling for changes, with some residents seeking to have the recovery center closed or relocated.
Manatee County Commissioner Amanda Ballard said she has heard the concerns raised by residents and has been communicating with leadership at The Crossings. Ballard indicated that county officials are seeking a solution that addresses neighborhood safety while recognizing the need for addiction recovery services.
The Crossings CEO Chad Dubin responded to the concerns by acknowledging that neighbors had raised valid safety issues. Dubin said the incidents prompting those concerns occurred under previous management and that those individuals are no longer associated with the facility.
The dispute comes as Manatee County works toward implementing a required local certification process for recovery homes. The certification is expected to include inspections and additional oversight of facilities operating within the county.
Residents said they plan to continue pressing county officials and facility leadership for measures they believe will improve safety in the neighborhood.