Bradenton assisted living roof collapse prompts 157-resident relocation

Following a partial structural collapse at a Bradenton assisted living facility over the weekend, 157 residents were relocated, and an investigation is underway, according to local officials.

“The exact cause of the partial collapse has not been determined,” Bradenton Public Information Manager Tiffany Shadik says in a July 27 email to the Business Observer, responding to questions about the status of the investigation. “The affected area involved a portion of the roof in the dining hall.”

Nobody was injured during the incident at the facility at 105 15th St. E. in Bradenton, according to Manatee County officials, who responded to the call about the collapse on July 25.

"Out of an abundance of caution, the City of Bradenton Fire Marshal ordered the evacuation after determining the partial roof collapse had compromised multiple building systems essential to the safe operation of the facility," Manatee and the City of Bradenton say in a joint statement on July 27. "Damage to fire protection, electrical and air conditioning systems, along with impacts to critical support areas necessary for resident care, and the inability to safely complete a full structural assessment during the emergency response, made it unsafe for residents to remain in the building."

Courtesy image

Personnel from the Bradenton Fire Department and Manatee County EMS responded, assisting with the evacuation and relocation of residents to sister Aviata facilities, according to a statement.

Aviata operates multiple assisted living facilities across Florida. Around the region, it has locations from Fort Myers to Englewood to New Port Richey.

Because of the number of residents who had to be relocated, officials said that partners from neighboring counties provided additional transportation resources, including ambulances and accessible transit vehicles.

“This is exactly the kind of situation where strong partnerships and preparation make a difference,” Manatee County Commissioner Amanda Ballard, who was at the facility during the response, says in a statement.

By 4 a.m. on July 26, emergency response and relocation efforts had concluded, Manatee County and Bradenton officials say, and Aviata assumed responsibility for its residents.

Image via City of Bradenton Fire Department / Facebook

Following the collapse, the property owner is responsible for retaining a licensed structural engineer to evaluate the building, according to Shadik, who says Bradenton's Chief Building Official is on-site July 27 for the engineering assessment.

The 3.88-acre property on 15th Street East is owned by Welltower, an Ohio real estate investment trust that invests in healthcare and senior housing and purchased the site for $18 million in 2023. The building there spans more than 73,000 square feet, according to Manatee County property records.

“As the structural assessment and official investigation continue, we are fully cooperating with the appropriate authorities. Out of respect for that process, we will share additional information as it is confirmed,” Aviata at Bradenton Villas posted July 26 on Facebook. “We are working around the clock to support every resident, maintain continuity of care and communicate directly with families as relocation efforts continue.”

Aviata is also coordinating with the Agency for Health Care Administration, which is conducting site visits at the facilities where residents were relocated, as part of its regulatory oversight, according to a statement from Manatee County and Bradenton. Families seeking information about their loved ones who were relocated can contact Aviata through its general information number at 800-781-9593.