Tony Barrett, a candidate in the Republican primary for the Manatee County Commission District 6 at-large seat, was arrested Thursday morning, charged with one count of domestic battery, “touch or strike.”
A spokesperson for the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the arrest Thursday afternoon, telling TBT that deputies responded to a call the same morning, where they found probable cause to arrest Barrett for the crime of battery.
No additional details were immediately available about the incident that led to the arrest, and Barrett is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Official records identify Barrett as Phillip Anthony Barrett, though he is commonly known as Tony Barrett.
MCSO online arrest records show that Barrett’s bond was set at $750.00. As of Thursday evening, the online portal still showed Barrett's status as “in custody.”
According to the candidate’s campaign biography filed with the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections, Barrett is a U.S. Army veteran and a more than 30-year resident of Manatee County who previously served with Manatee County EMS and the Sarasota County Fire Department. He also spent five years assigned as a tactical medic with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team.
He has worked as a real estate broker for the past 21 years and has been actively involved in local and state real estate organizations. He served as the 2024 President of the REALTOR® Association of Sarasota and Manatee and continues to participate in professional and community initiatives, including as founder of Heroes Welcome Home, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping veterans access housing and support services.
Barrett also serves as an East Manatee Fire Commissioner.
A spokesperson for the East Manatee Fire Rescue District told TBT by phone Thursday afternoon that district officials were aware of Barrett’s arrest but had no additional details regarding the incident.
The spokesperson said that while the fire commission and fire chief have authority to address certain matters involving district employees, elected officials such as fire commissioners are not subject to that authority. The spokesperson described the situation as a personal legal matter and noted that Barrett is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
According to the spokesperson, any authority or oversight concerning a sitting fire commissioner rests with the Governor’s Office.
Barrett’s fire commissioner term ends in November 2026.
Barrett is one of five candidates who qualified for the Manatee County Commission District 6 (at-large) race last week.
The District 6 race includes three additional Republican candidates, John Calovich, Edward Ference, and Tara Poulton. One Democratic candidate, Reggie Bellamy, has also qualified.
TBT will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as more information becomes available.
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Manatee Watch
"He has worked as a real estate broker for the past 21 years and has been actively involved in local and state real estate organizations" dont have to worry about that one anymore.....
Friday, June 19 Report this
teamj1009
Well that short lived political ambition is over........along with most everything else if guilty.
Friday, June 19 Report this
Ladyred4Justice
With a small $750.00 fine, the case will never be prosecuted. The police had probable cause but when the victim refuses to testify, the case WILL be dropped. They don't have enough to convict. It is the story of domestic violence.
I am far more concerned that he is in Real Estate. When aren't the long-term agents in the pockets of developers? He is part of the group that voters threw out. His occupation is what should be front and center. It pits him against the needs of the residents when he makes his money from developers.
Friday, June 19 Report this
CRC42850
How come he is not shown on the arrest site of the sheriff office
Saturday, June 20 Report this
Cat L
Wish I could be surprised about this, but the guy hangs with people who've demonstrated nefarious behavior, so..... Birds of a feather, and all.
Saturday, June 20 Report this