The Bradenton District is located within Troop F Headquarters and includes all of Manatee County, Hardee County, Desoto County, and Highlands County. The Bradenton District is commanded by a Captain. Other staff includes two District Shift Commanders (Lieutenants), five Sergeants (Squad Sergeants), thirty-eight Troopers and three Senior Secretaries.

Bradenton District Headquarters

Manatee County: Manatee County is the northernmost county within the troop located along the coast. It has a population of approximately 306,779+ which includes the 52,498+ residents of the City of Bradenton, the largest city in Manatee County. It should be noted that the population of Manatee County increases drastically during the winter months due to part-time winter residents from the northern states. Manatee County has a total of 216 miles of state roads and 824.6 miles of county roads as well as 20.5 miles of Interstate 75. Last year, the Troopers assigned to Manatee County accounted for 14,976 Arrests, 5,137 Written Warnings, 2,162 Faulty Equipment Notices, 386 DUI Arrests and 6,229 Crash Investigations. Of notable interest, Bradenton was the original location site of the First Florida Highway Patrol Training Academy.

Desoto County: DeSoto County is the sub-district headquarters for the Arcadia Sub-District. It has a population of 34,105 which includes the 6,498 residents of Arcadia, the only city located in DeSoto County. DeSoto County is a major citrus and cattle community. DeSoto County has a total of 91.37 miles of state roads and 352.4 miles of county roads. DeSoto County is a rural county located toward the central part of the state. Of notable interest, DeSoto County is home of the Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo

Hardee County: Hardee County is also a rural community. It has a population of 27,787 residents which includes the 3,858 residents of Wauchula, the largest city in Hardee County. Hardee County is a major citrus and cattle community. It has a total of 91 miles of state roads and 526.6 miles of county roads. Of notable interest, Hardee County is the home of Pioneer Park Days in Zolfo Springs.

Highlands County: Highlands County is located in the central part of the state and has a very much diversified community. It is a very popular spot for retirees from the northern states and winter homes for part-time residents. It is also a major citrus and cattle community. It has a population of 92,057 including the 10,000 residents of Sebring, the largest city in Highlands County. It has a total of 121.65 miles of state roads and 1,100 miles of county roads. Of notable interest, Highlands County is the home of the Sebring International Raceway