By Sheriff Rick Wells
One of the most important ways I measure whether we’re truly making a difference in this community is simple: we look at the numbers. And this year, those numbers tell a strong story.
Overall crime in Manatee County dropped 19.7% from 2024 to 2025. That’s not just a statistic—it’s a significant, historic decrease, and it reflects a trend we’re proud to see continuing.
Progress like this doesn’t happen by chance. It’s the result of focused enforcement, proactive policing, and strong partnerships with the people we serve. Most importantly, it’s driven by the hard work and dedication of the men and women of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. I couldn’t be prouder of their commitment to keeping this community safe.
That said, we’re not taking a victory lap. We’re certainly not “resting on our laurels.” Manatee County continues to grow, and with that growth comes new challenges. More residents, more development, and more activity mean we must continue adapting—adding deputies, refining our strategies, and ensuring we respond quickly and effectively when people need us.
Whether you’ve called Manatee County home for decades or you’re just arriving, I want you to know this: your Sheriff’s Office is fully committed to making this a safe place to live, work, and raise a family.
But we can’t do it alone.
Public safety works best when it’s a shared effort. Staying aware, reporting suspicious activity, and simply looking out for your neighbors all play a role in keeping our community strong.
Together, we will continue building on this momentum and keeping Manatee County a place we’re all proud to call home.
