Bradenton, Florida – Public visitation at the Manatee County Jail has been temporarily suspended following an incident involving an electrical panel explosion that left an employee injured. The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon as the employee was performing maintenance on the panel, resulting in burns and the need for medical attention at a local hospital.
The injured employee, whose condition remains unspecified as of Tuesday evening, was alert when taken to the hospital. Fortunately, no other individuals at the jail sustained injuries in the explosion, according to the sheriff’s office. The facility, situated near Manatee County’s northern border on the west side of U.S. 41, was promptly placed on lockdown as a safety precaution.
Emergency response teams, including fire department officials and Florida Power & Light personnel, quickly arrived on the scene to assess and address any potential safety hazards related to the electrical panel. Following their assessments and repairs, the jail lockdown was lifted, paving the way for potential resumption of public visitation by Wednesday, pending completion of necessary security-related tasks.
Randy Warren, a spokesperson for the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, explained that certain protocols, such as rebooting security systems and cameras, are essential before welcoming back visitors to the facility. The temporary suspension of public visitation serves as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and security of both employees and visitors following the unforeseen electrical malfunction.
As the jail staff work diligently to restore normal operations and ensure the facility’s safety, measures are being taken to prevent any potential risks or disruptions to the visitation process. The prompt response and collaboration between various agencies have been instrumental in addressing the situation promptly and efficiently, safeguarding the well-being of individuals within the facility and the surrounding community.