Breaking: Deadly Shooting at Rossi Park Shocks Bradenton Residents Today
Bradenton, FL — April 18, 2025: A peaceful Friday afternoon at Rossi Park turned tragic today when gunfire erupted near the skate park, leaving one person dead and two others injured. The shooting, which occurred shortly after 4:30 p.m., sent parkgoers into a panic and has left the Bradenton community reeling in shock.
Witnesses at the scene reported hearing multiple gunshots, followed by chaos as families, children, and teens scrambled for cover. Emergency responders arrived swiftly and secured the area as paramedics attended to the wounded. One victim, a male believed to be in his early 20s, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Two other individuals, including a 16-year-old, were transported to Manatee Memorial Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities have not yet released the names of the victims pending notification of their families.
In a press conference held just before sunset, Bradenton Police Chief Melanie Bevan confirmed that investigators believe the shooting may have been targeted. “This was not a random act of violence. It appears to be the result of an escalating personal dispute,” Chief Bevan said. “We are gathering evidence, reviewing surveillance footage, and speaking to witnesses.”
Police have not announced any arrests, but detectives are pursuing several leads. Officers were seen canvassing the park and nearby Riverwalk area for clues and potential video evidence from parkgoers. The city has urged anyone with cellphone footage or eyewitness information to come forward.
The shooting has left the Bradenton community stunned. Rossi Park is a popular gathering place for families and youth, known for its skateboarding area, green space, and peaceful waterfront views. “This is where we come to relax with our kids,” said Mia Jordan, a mother of two who was nearby when the shooting occurred. “Now we’re afraid to even walk down here.”
In response to the incident, Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown issued a statement this evening, expressing his condolences and promising increased safety measures across the city’s parks. “Our city mourns this loss, and we will take every necessary step to protect our residents and restore peace to our public spaces,” he said.
A community candlelight vigil is being organized for tomorrow evening at Rossi Park in memory of the victim. Local leaders are calling for calm, unity, and a renewed focus on youth support and violence prevention efforts. As of now, the park remains closed as the investigation continues.
