Salutes for exceptional duty by Manatee County Sheriff's Office and Bradenton police

A salute to Manatee County Sheriff’s Deputies Leonel Barboza and Jackson Dugmore for their diligent handling of a difficult case involving allegations of child abuse.

After arriving at a residence last March, Barboza spent 30 minutes negotiating with an uncooperative mother who refused to exit a bedroom and allow him to assess the child.

Finally, the mother came out with the child wrapped in a blanket to obstruct Barboza. But he managed to look under the blanket, saw significant injuries, removed the child from the mother’s possession and called EMS. A medical evaluation revealed significant bruising and scratches from aggravated child abuse. The mother was charged with child neglect.

Meanwhile, another suspect had fled on foot, but was located by phone and detained by Dugmore. After subsequent questioning, Dugmore charged him with aggravated child abuse.

Barboza and Dugmore are the MCSO Deputies of the Month for May.

· And a salute to Bradenton Police Department Officer of the Quarter Alex Wentland. A BPD patrol officer since 2016 and a member of its Marine Unit, Wentland has assisted in training 12 recruit officers since 2022 and created a reference guide for his trainees. A favorite among colleagues, Wentland’s approach to training combines experience and knowledge with an endless supply of positivity and humor.

· That’s 17 years of wedded bliss for Akila and Ryan Doobie Boyd.

· And Amy Wick Davis is one year shy of the Big 6-0!

· A bow to Blake Hospital ICU Nurse and DAISY Award recipient Amelia Bennett.

The DAISY Award recognizes the extraordinary work of nurses around the world.

· And bows to RNs Angela Grimm and Loida Guzman, latest recipients of the Quality Patient Experience Star Award at Manatee Memorial Hospital.

· Uh, oh! Kristi Cascarelli is about to hit the Big 4-0! Tuesday’s the day!

· Jason Boone is 38.

· And Karen Weaver is 39. Again.

· Big ups to Warren Bell. The 1975 Manatee High alum, basketball All-America and All-County pitcher for the Hurricanes will be inducted into the MHS Athletic Hall of Honor on Oct. 17.

A retired educator, he’s mentored thousands of young Manatee County athletes and remains involved with sports as a YMCA volunteer and referee.

Vin’s People runs Sundays. Email Vin Mannix at vinspeople@gmail.com. Or call 941-962-5944. X (formerly Twitter): @vinmannix.