Aging is inevitable, and for many, it signals the beginning of a new chapter - one where you cross off bucket list items and live life to the fullest, on your own terms. However, for some men, aging is a horrible prospect, filled with chronic fatigue, irritability, and inability to perform in the bedroom. If you're concerned about life in middle age and beyond, we've got great news: there are easy, proven steps that you can take to help stop the negative effect of aging.
Global Life Rejuvenation was founded to give men a new lease on life - one that includes less body fat, fewer mood swings, and more energy as you age. If you're ready to look and feel younger, it's time to consider TRT (testosterone replacement therapy), and growth hormone peptides. These therapies for men are effective, safe, and customized to fit your goals, so you can keep loving life as you get older.
TRT, and growth hormone peptide therapies bridge the gap between your old life and the more vibrant, happier version of you. With a simple click or call, you can be well on your way to a brighter future. After all, you deserve to be the one in charge of your wellness and health. Now, you have the tools to do so - backed by science and applied by our team of TRT and HRT experts with more than 13 years of experience.
For men, getting older comes with its perks, like living life on their own terms and not having to "sweat the small stuff" day in and day out. At the same time, there are aspects of aging that men dread, like hormonal changes. Yes, you read that right – men, not just women, go through hormonal changes as they age. For men, the biggest change involves a drop in testosterone.
Lower levels of testosterone can wreak havoc on a male's mind and body and when left untreated, can result in symptoms like:
Those symptoms are concerning, but with testosterone replacement therapy and anti-aging medicine, many males improve their quality of life with age. The good news is that TRT and anti-aging meds aren't only reserved for "old guys." In fact, there's no magic age at which men should start thinking about hormone replacement therapy. Everyone's body is different, so if you're experiencing the above conditions in your mid-30s, TRT could be a viable solution when you consult with a doctor.
Testosterone is a crucial hormone for men and plays an important role throughout the male lifespan. Most of a male's testosterone is produced through the testicles. Also called the male sex hormone, testosterone starts playing its part during puberty.
When a male goes through puberty, testosterone helps males develop:
As boys turn to men and men grow older, testosterone levels deplete naturally. Sometimes, events like injuries and chronic health conditions like diabetes can lower testosterone levels. Unfortunately, when a man loses too much T, it results in hypogonadism. When this happens, the testosterone must be replaced, or the male will suffer from symptoms like muscle loss, low libido, and even depression.
TRT is exactly what it sounds like: a treatment option for men that replaces testosterone so that your body regulates hormones properly and restores balance to your life. Also called androgen replacement therapy, TRT alleviates the symptoms that men experience with low T.
Originally lab-synthesized in 1935, testosterone has grown in popularity since it was produced. Today, TRT and other testosterone treatments are among the most popular prescriptions in the U.S.
Without getting too deep into the science, TRT works by giving your body the essential testosterone it needs to function correctly. As the primary androgen for both males and females, testosterone impacts many of the body's natural processes – especially those needed for overall health. For example, men with low T are more prone to serious problems like cardiovascular disease and even type-2 diabetes.
When your body quits making enough testosterone, it causes your health to suffer until a solution is presented. That's where TRT and anti-aging medicine for men can help. TRT helps balance your hormones and replenish your depleted testosterone. With time, your body will begin to heal, and many symptoms like low libido and irritability begin to diminish.
For men, aging is the biggest contributor to lower testosterone levels, though there are other causes like obesity, drug abuse, testicular injuries, and certain prescribed medications. Sometimes, long-term health conditions like AIDS, cirrhosis of the liver, and kidney disease can lower testosterone levels.
When a man's testosterone levels drop significantly, it alters his body's ratio of estrogen and testosterone. Lower testosterone levels cause more abdominal fat, which in turn results in increased aromatase, which converts even more testosterone into estrogen.
If you're concerned that you might have low T, you're not alone. Millions of men in the U.S. feel the same way. The best way to find out if your testosterone is low is to get your levels tested.
For sustainable testosterone replacement therapy benefits, you must consult with hormone doctors and experts like those you can find at Global Life Rejuvenation. That way, you can find the root cause of your hormone problems, and our team can craft a personalized HRT plan tailored to your needs.
Are you used to blasting through a productive day and accomplishing all your daily goals? Do you find yourself losing muscle mass and the craving to be intimate with your partner? Does your partner complain about how irritable you have become? If you're not usually a curmudgeon, your body could be giving you a sign. It could be time to speak with a doctor about TRT and anti-aging medicine for men in South Bradenton, FL.
If you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, you might be battling against low testosterone:
One of the most common reasons that men choose TRT is because they have lost that "spark" with their partner. It's not easy for a man to hear that they're not performing like they used to. Intimacy is a powerful part of any relationship. When a once-healthy sex life dwindles, it can cause serious relationship issues.
The good news is that low libido doesn't have to be a permanent problem. TRT and anti-aging medicines help revert hormone levels back into their normal range. When this happens, many men have a more enjoyable life full of intimacy and sex drive.
Weak erections – it's an uncomfortable subject for many men in the U.S. to talk about. It's even worse to experience first-hand. You're in the midst of an intimate moment, and you can't do your part. Despite being perfectly normal, many men put blame and shame upon themselves when they can't achieve an erection. And while the inability to perform sexually can be caused by poor diet, obesity, and chronic health conditions, low testosterone is often a contributing factor.
Fortunately, weak erections are a treatable condition. The best way to regain your confidence and ability in bed is to speak with your doctor. Once any underlying conditions are discovered, options like TRT may be the best course of treatment.
Hair Loss
Do you find it harder and harder to work out and lift weights in the gym? Are you having problems lifting heavy items that you once had no problem lifting?
Recent studies show that when men are inactive, they lose .5% of muscle strength every year, from ages 25 to 60. After 60, muscle loss doubles every decade. While some muscle loss is common as men age, a significant portion can be tied to low testosterone levels. When a man's T levels drop, so does his muscle mass.
Testosterone is a much-needed component used in gaining and retaining muscle mass. That's why many doctors prescribe TRT South Bradenton, FL, for men having problems with strength. One recent study found that men who increased their testosterone levels using TRT gained as much as 2.5 pounds of muscle mass.
Whether your gym performance is lacking, or you can't lift heavy items like you used to, don't blame it all on age. You could be suffering from hypogonadism.
If you're like millions of other men in their late 20s and 30s, dealing with hair loss is a reality you don't want to face. Closely related to testosterone decline and hormone imbalances, hair loss is distressing for many men. This common symptom is often related to a derivative of testosterone called DHT. Excess amounts of DHT cause hair follicles to halt their production, causing follicles to die.
Because hair located at the front and crown is more sensitive to DHT, it grows slower than other follicles and eventually stops growing permanently. Thankfully, TRT and anti-aging treatments for men in South Bradenton, FL, is now available to address hair loss for good.
While it's true that you can't change your genes, you can change the effects of low testosterone on your body. Whether you're suffering from thinning hair or hair loss across your entire head, TRT and other hormone therapies can stop hair loss and even reverse the process.
Also called "man boobs," gynecomastia is essentially the enlargement of male breast tissue. This increase in fatty tissue is often caused by hormonal imbalances and an increase in estrogen. For men, estrogen levels are elevated during andropause. Also called male menopause, andropause usually happens because of a lack of testosterone.
If you're a man between the ages of 40 and 55, and you're embarrassed by having large breasts, don't lose hope. TRT is a safe, effective way to eliminate the underlying cause of gynecomastia without invasive surgery. With a custom HRT and fitness program, you can bring your testosterone and estrogen levels back to normal before you know it.
Decreased energy was once considered a normal part of aging. Today, many doctors know better. Advances in technology and our understanding of testosterone show that low T and lack of energy often go hand-in-hand.
If you're struggling to enjoy activities like playing with your kids or hiking in a park due to lack of energy, it could be a sign of low T. Of course, getting tired is perfectly normal for any man. But if you're suffering from continual fatigue, a lack of enjoyment, or a decrease in energy, it might be time to speak with a doctor.
Whether you're having a tough time getting through your day or can't finish activities you used to love, TRT could help.
A study from 2011 showed that men who lose a week's worth of sleep can experience lowered testosterone levels – as much as 15%, according to experts. Additional research into the topic found almost 15% of workers only get five hours of sleep (or less) per night. These findings suggest that sleep loss negatively impacts T levels and wellbeing.
The bottom line is that men who have trouble sleeping often suffer from lower testosterone levels as a result. If you find yourself exhausted at the end of the day but toss and turn all night long, you might have low T.
TRT and anti-aging medicines can restore your T levels back to normal, which can help you sleep better with proper diet and exercise.
You're feeling down about everything, and there's no solid explanation for why you're in such a crummy mood. Your daily life is great and full of success, but you can't help but feel unexcited and unmotivated. If you're experiencing symptoms like these, you may be depressed – and it may stem from low testosterone.
A research study from Munich found that men with depression also commonly had low testosterone levels. This same study also found that depressed men had cortisol levels that were 67% higher than other men. Because higher cortisol levels lead to lower levels of testosterone, the chances of severe depression increase.
Depression is a very real disorder and should always be diagnosed and treated by your doctor. One treatment option gaining in popularity is TRT for depression. Studies show that when TRT is used to restore hormone levels, men enjoy a lighter, more improved mood. That's great news for men who are depressed and have not had success with other treatments like anti-depression medicines, which alter the brain's chemistry.
Ask anyone over the age of 50 how their memory is, and they'll tell you it wasn't what it used to be. Memory loss and lack of concentration occur naturally as we age – these aren't always signs of dementia or Alzheimer's.
However, what many men consider a symptom of age may be caused by low testosterone. A 2006 study found that males with low T levels performed poorly on cognitive skill tests. These results suggest that low testosterone may play a part in reducing cognitive ability. If you're having trouble staying on task or remembering what your schedule is for the day, it might not be due to your age. It might be because your testosterone levels are too low. If you're having trouble concentrating or remembering daily tasks, it could be time to talk to your doctor.
Why? The aforementioned study found that participating men experienced improved cognitive skills when using TRT.
Even though today's society is more inclusive of large people, few adults enjoy gaining weight as they age. Despite their best efforts, many men just can't shed the extra pounds around their midsections, increasing their risk of heart disease and cancer.
Often, male weight gain is caused by hormone imbalances that slow the metabolism and cause weight to pile on. This phase of life is called andropause and happens when there is a lack of testosterone in the body. Couple that with high cortisol levels, and you've got a recipe for flabby guts and double chins.
Fortunately, TRT treatments and physician-led weight loss programs can correct hormone imbalances and lead to healthy weight loss for men.
The benefits of hormone replacement therapy for men are numerous. TRT not only grants relief from low-T symptoms but can help give protection against age-related diseases. Additionally, doctors now recognize male testosterone as an important role in alleviating depression.
Some of the most exciting benefits of TRT can include:
Because men do not go through a specific period of hormonal changes like women do (called menopause), many doctors refer to "male menopause" as androgen decline. This is just another term for low testosterone, but like female menopause, the symptoms can be serious and affect your quality of life.
The best way to fight back against male menopause is with male HRT treatment from Global Life Rejuvenation. We provide the following HRT treatments for men:
Our treatment options are personalized for your body and are available as creams, gels, injectables, and implantable pellets. To find out if testosterone replacement therapy is safe for you, contact Global Life Rejuvenation today to schedule your comprehensive testing and anti-aging treatment consultation.
Growth hormone peptides are an innovative therapy that boosts the natural human growth hormone production in a person's body. These exciting treatment options help slow down the aging process and give you a chance at restoring your youth.
Sermorelin is a synthetic hormone peptide, like GHRH, which triggers the release of growth hormones. When used under the care of a qualified physician, Sermorelin can help you lose weight, increase your energy levels, and help you feel much younger.
Human growth hormone (HGH) therapy has been used for years to treat hormone deficiencies. Unlike HGH, which directly replaces declining human growth hormone levels, Sermorelin addresses the underlying cause of decreased HGH, stimulating the pituitary gland naturally. This approach keeps the mechanisms of growth hormone production active.
Benefits of Sermorelin include:
Ipamorelin helps to release growth hormones in a person's body by mimicking a peptide called ghrelin. Ghrelin is one of three hormones which work together to regulate the growth hormone levels released by the pituitary gland. Because Ipamorelin stimulates the body to produce growth hormone, your body won't stop its natural growth hormone production, which occurs with synthetic HGH.
Ipamorelin causes growth hormone secretion that resembles natural release patterns rather than being constantly elevated from HGH. Because ipamorelin stimulates the natural production of growth hormone, our patients can use this treatment long-term with fewer health risks.
One of the biggest benefits of Ipamorelin is that it is suitable for both men and women. It provides significant short and long-term benefits in age management therapies, boosting patients' overall health, wellbeing, and outlook on life. When growth hormone is produced by the pituitary gland using Ipamorelin, clients report amazing benefits.
Some of those benefits include:
Whether you are considering our TRT services, HRT for women, or our growth hormone peptide services, we are here to help. The first step to turning back the hand of time starts by contacting Global Life Rejuvenation.
Our friendly, knowledgeable TRT and HRT experts can help answer your questions and walk you through our procedures. From there, we'll figure out which treatments are right for you. Before you know it, you'll be well on your way to looking and feeling better than you have in years!
866-793-9933
The newly formed all-Republican Manatee County Board of Commissioners will discuss re-installing a 22-foot monument to Confederate soldiers that was removed from the Bradenton courthouse lawn in 2017.Driving the news: Most commissioners approved of discussing the idea at a future meeting after three residents, including one representing a conservative group called Manatee Patriots, raised the issue last week, the Bradenton Herald ...
The newly formed all-Republican Manatee County Board of Commissioners will discuss re-installing a 22-foot monument to Confederate soldiers that was removed from the Bradenton courthouse lawn in 2017.
Driving the news: Most commissioners approved of discussing the idea at a future meeting after three residents, including one representing a conservative group called Manatee Patriots, raised the issue last week, the Bradenton Herald reports.
What they're saying: "I don't like ignoring our history. It is what it is. Some things about it are good, some things aren't, but it's our history," said commissioner Vanessa Baugh, who voted against taking the monument down in 2017, per the Herald. "We shouldn't be changing our history."
The idea drew both support and outrage from community members during public comment at Tuesday's County Commission meeting.
The big picture: As of February 2022, there were 77 Confederate memorials still present in Florida, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center, which has been tracking public symbols of the Confederacy.
Flashback: In August 2017, Manatee County's memorial was removed following a clash of protesters and counter-protesters in downtown Bradenton.
Context: The marker was erected in 1924, some 60 years after the Civil War, during the Jim Crow era and the second rise of the Ku Klux Klan following the release of DW Griffith's film "The Birth of a Nation."
What's ahead: Commissioners have not said when the issue will be discussed, but any decision will need to be put up for a vote before the commission.
Jerry Pirkl had a rare joy despite the circumstances.The 84-year-old retired Braden River resident relies on oxygen to breathe. He was redirected from his original shelter to one at Nolan Middle School designated for special medical needs. Pirkl had never evacuated from a hurricane in ...
Jerry Pirkl had a rare joy despite the circumstances.
The 84-year-old retired Braden River resident relies on oxygen to breathe. He was redirected from his original shelter to one at Nolan Middle School designated for special medical needs. Pirkl had never evacuated from a hurricane in his 40 years in Florida, but amid the impending Hurricane Ian, he was still cracking jokes with the nursing staff as if he'd known them his whole life.
“You know, I wouldn't be too upset if it's not there” after the storm, Pirkl said about his trailer home.
Ahead of Hurricane Ian, Sarasota and Manatee counties opened several of their schools as storm shelter locations. Thousands of county residents migrated to the locations as the county governments ordered evacuations from vulnerable homes.
In Sarasota, there were about 2,600 people in shelters as of Wednesday morning and the county can handle about 26,000, according to a county spokesperson. In Manatee, there were close to 5,000 people in shelters as of Wednesday morning and the county can handle about 27,000, a county official said. Manatee County stopped taking evacuees at shelters as of 10 a.m. Wednesday.
Where are Sarasota-Manatee hurricane shelters? What's my Sarasota-Manatee evacuation zone?
Live updates: Hurricane Ian on track to bring dangerous conditions to Sarasota County on Wednesday
Hurricane Ian:The eerie calm before the storm in St. Petersburg as Florida waits for Hurricane Ian
At the Nolan Middle location, Department of Health officials helped those who needed additional medical assistance at hurricane shelters. Chris Tittel, a spokesperson for the health department working at the shelter, said the facility was capable of caring for more than 600 patients with about 120 people staffed to work. The shelter operates 24/7, and can last up to six days without needing resupply from the emergency operations center.
At about noon Tuesday, the facility only had about five patients, including Pirkl.
A former stagehand at the Van Wezel, Pirkl said he knew he was bound to evacuate since late last week. His trailer home falls under the lowest level for evacuation, and he said he'd been keeping up with the forecasts.
As the forecasts became more grim, he began packing. He said he's worried that some people may try and weather the storm despite Ian's strength.
"There’s gonna be people dying because they think they’re smarter than the weatherman," he said.
Like Pirkl, others did heed the warnings from public officials and weather experts. Closer to the coast at Manatee High School, several people came with the Salvation Army bus to seek shelter.
Troy Perry, 41 from Bradenton, came off the bus with a towel over his shoulders, a black backpack on his back and a grey suitcase pulled behind him. It was his first time using a storm shelter, but he wasn't nervous, he said.
“I’m calm,” Perry said. “We’ll make do, hopefully.”
One Bradenton mother came with Salvation Army and brought her two kids. Hannah D said she usually rides out hurricanes at home, but circumstances were different this time and they could not ignore the evacuation order.
She wasn't worried though. Living in Florida her whole life, she said she's used to hurricanes and they don't scare her.
"I've been doing this my whole life," she said. "It is what it is."
Farther south in Sarasota County, about 10 evacuees filled Southside Elementary School. The residents took the upstairs classrooms indoors, and individuals were split into rooms by gender.
Nicholas Goodpaster, 37, said he's unemployed and homeless. A Sarasota native, he said it's the first time he’s sought a storm shelter from a hurricane.
He said the facility seemed very safe, and he was feeling calm ahead of the storm.
Below are the schools in Sarasota and Manatee Counties open for use as shelters.
Sarasota County
Atwater Elementary School – 4701 Huntsville Ave, North Port, FL 34288
Booker High School – 3201 N Orange Ave, Sarasota, FL 34234
Brookside Middle School – 3636 S Shade Ave, Sarasota, FL 34239
Fruitville Elementary School – 601 Honore Ave, Sarasota, FL 34232
Gulf Gate Elementary School – 6500 S Lockwood Ridge Rd, Sarasota, FL 34231
Heron Creek Middle School – 6501 W Price Blvd, North Port, FL 34291
North Port High School – 6400 W Price Blvd, North Port, FL 34291
Phillippi Shores Elementary School – 4747 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231
Riverview High School – 1 Ram Way, Sarasota, FL 34231
Southside Elementary School – 1901 Webber St, Sarasota, FL 34239
Taylor Ranch Elementary School – 2500 Taylor Ranch Trail, Venice, FL 34293
Woodland Middle School – 2700 Panacea Blvd, North Port, FL 34289
Manatee County
Nolan Middle School (Special Needs) - 6615 Greenbrook Blvd, Bradenton, FL 34202
Braden River High School (Pet Friendly) - 6545 State Road 70 E, Bradenton, FL 34203
Manatee High School (Pet Friendly) - 902 33rd St Ct W, Bradenton, FL 34205
Mills Elementary School (Pet Friendly) - 7200 69th St E, Palmetto, FL 34221
Bayshore Elementary School - 6120 26th St W, Bradenton, FL 34207
Freedom Elementary School - 9515 FL-64, Bradenton, FL 34212
Gullett Elementary School - 12125 44th Ave E, Bradenton, FL 34211
Harvey Elementary School - 8610 115th Ave E, Parrish, FL 34219
Lee Middle School - 4000 53rd Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34210
Myakka Elementary School - 37205 Manatee Ave, Myakka City, FL 34251
Miller Elementary School - 601 43rd St W, Bradenton, FL 34209
McNeal Elementary School - 6325 Lorraine Rd, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
Rogers Gardens Elementary School - 515 13th Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34205
Williams Elementary School - 3404 Fort Hamer Rd, Parrish, FL 34219
Willis Elementary School - 14705 The Masters Ave, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
A bloom of the toxic algae known as red tide continues on the Southwest Florida coast this week as spring break season gets underway on area beaches.Reports of dead fish and respiratory irritation c...
A bloom of the toxic algae known as red tide continues on the Southwest Florida coast this week as spring break season gets underway on area beaches.
Reports of dead fish and respiratory irritation came in from Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee and Collier counties over the last seven days, a red tide update from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said.
Red tide is caused by Karenia brevis, a single-celled organism that is found in the Gulf of Mexico. High concentrations of K. brevis cells, called blooms, release toxins that can kill fish and other marine life and cause respiratory issues for people.
Patchy drifts of red tide algae have remained present along Florida’s west coast since October.
Conditions at local beaches vary day to day and week to week depending on the location and strength of the algae, as well as wind and tidal conditions.
Several online resources can help you check if your favorite beach is being impacted by red tide.
NOAA’s Red Tide Respiratory Forecast is updated several times a day with the level of red tide risk at specific beaches along the Gulf Coast, from Pinellas County through Collier County. Visit habforecast.gcoos.org.
Mote Marine Laboratory’s Beach Conditions Report is updated frequently by lifeguards and includes reports of red tide conditions, including respiratory irritation and dead fish, as well as other hazards on local beaches. Visit visitbeaches.org.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission issues weekly red tide reports with conditions by county and maintains a map of red tide sampling around the state. Visit myfwc.com/research/redtide/statewide.
University of South Florida’s Red Tide Prediction and Tracking center provides short-term forecasts of red tide’s movement around Tampa Bay and the west coast of Florida. Visit ocgweb.marine.usf.edu/hab_tracking.
Tampa Bay area: Red tide conditions worsened along Pinellas County’s shoreline this week, where bloom concentrations were detected at multiple beaches from Redington Beach south to Mullet Key. Levels were lowest near northern beaches around Clearwater and Dunedin, but respiratory irritation was reported along the entire coast.
Manatee County and Anna Maria Island: Very low and low levels of K. brevis were detected around Anna Maria Island in state water samples collected on Monday — a decrease from last week. However, breathing irritation and dead fish were still being reported at beaches around the island on Thursday.
Sarasota County: Along Sarasota County’s coast, red tide levels ranged from very low to medium this week. Many dead fish and moderate to intense breathing irritation were reported by lifeguards at several beaches, including Lido Beach and Siesta Key.
Southwest Florida: Red tide algae was also found at varying levels offshore of Charlotte, Lee, Collier and Monroe counties this week. Southern Lee and northern Collier had the worst, with high concentrations found on both coasts.
University of South Florida’s short-term red tide forecast predicts that red tide’s presence on the coast will continue over the weekend. Manatee County and Anna Maria Island are expected to have the lowest levels of red tide, while medium to high levels could persist in Pinellas, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee and Collier counties.
NOAA warns of a moderate to high risk of respiratory irritation over the next 36 hours in Pinellas, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee and Collier. Possible respiratory irritation is anticipated when the wind is blowing onshore in Manatee and Monroe counties.
This story was originally published March 3, 2023, 11:30 AM.
BRADENTON, Fla. — Three family members and a responding firefighter were injured Thursday afternoon in a gas-related home explosion.On Friday, one family member, who was not home when the residence blew up, and the family's attorney held a news conference.They both demand answers.What You Need To Know "We're gonna find out what happened — why it happened," said attorney C.J. Czaia. "The family is super upset. You think they would stay in a house full of gas if they knew...
BRADENTON, Fla. — Three family members and a responding firefighter were injured Thursday afternoon in a gas-related home explosion.
On Friday, one family member, who was not home when the residence blew up, and the family's attorney held a news conference.
They both demand answers.
"We're gonna find out what happened — why it happened," said attorney C.J. Czaia. "The family is super upset. You think they would stay in a house full of gas if they knew it was full of gas? Somebody made a grave mistake."
Carina Lopez said her father and brother, Adrian Lopez Sr. and Jr, are both in really bad shape, but doctors said they are stable.
"At the moment, my brother — they say he does have third-degree burns on his arms," she said. "My dad has second degree … all over his body."
Lopez said she's also very concerned about her mother's health.
"My mom at the moment, she’s getting tested. She might have some damage to her heart from the gas."
As for why her father and brother were inside the home when it exploded, Lopez said they were told not to be concerned about the gas.
"They just smelled the gas, but they were told there was nothing to worry about…They didn’t tell them to evacuate or anything," she said. "So they were just outside at first. And then my brother and my dad went inside really quick, and [the home] just exploded.
It all happened at a home near the intersection of 9th St. W and 30th Ave. W in Bradenton.
"I was in front of the house, all you hear is boom, a loud boom. I look over I see the flames up in the air," said witness Nathaniel Bevin.
A firefighter was also injured while battling the resulting fire and suffered non-life threatening injuries.
A spokesperson for TECO energy released the following statement to Spectrum Bay News 9:
"Peoples Gas worked closely with the fire department to respond to the reports of the smell of natural gas near an excavation site mid-day [Thursday]. While crews and representatives from the fire department were working in the area to locate the source of the natural gas odor and make the excavation area safe, the explosion occurred at a residence. The incident is under investigation and we are cooperating with local fire department officials, who are leading the investigation."
In a news release on Thursday, Cedar Hammock Fire Control District said, "fire and TECO crews responded at 11:30 a.m. to a report of a natural gas leak in the 2900 block of 9th Street West. According to officials, while they were setting up a perimeter and searching for the leak, an explosion was heard at 2:03 p.m."
According to that release, officials believe there was a build-up of gas in the sewer lines.
The family says it happened in a matter of seconds because of a gas leak a couple blocks away. Stay with @BN9 for updates. pic.twitter.com/HCPno0IT0e
— Alese Underwood (@AleseU) December 4, 2020
Florida Power & Light responded and shut down power to the area, officials say, to "mitigate potential ignition sources."
The release states that the Red Cross has been notified and will assist those affected.
BRADENTON BEACH – Manatee County’s sewer rehabilitation project will begin soon along the west side of Gulf Drive South. The county project is expected to impact traffic and parking along Gulf Drive South and the adjacent side streets for the next year and a half to two years.On Jan. 12, several Manatee County staff members and Woodruff & Sons construction firm employees participated in a public information meeting at Bradenton Beach City Hall that was attended by more than 50 people. In that informal setting, county a...
BRADENTON BEACH – Manatee County’s sewer rehabilitation project will begin soon along the west side of Gulf Drive South. The county project is expected to impact traffic and parking along Gulf Drive South and the adjacent side streets for the next year and a half to two years.
On Jan. 12, several Manatee County staff members and Woodruff & Sons construction firm employees participated in a public information meeting at Bradenton Beach City Hall that was attended by more than 50 people. In that informal setting, county and construction company representatives explained the project and answered questions posed by attendees. Project maps and illustrations were also displayed.
Ogden Clark serves as strategic affairs manager for Manatee County’s Public Works Department. He said the mobilization of equipment and materials will begin this week and the work is expected to start the following week.
“We realize this project is going to affect businesses, rental companies, residents and visitors, but there’s a definite benefit to the project that will improve the county sewer system that’s out here today,” Clark said.
Funded by utility rate revenues and debt service, the $8.1 million project has an estimated September 2024 completion date. Clark said the two-year project was going to require peak season work no matter when it started and the materials and the contractor are available now.
Woodruff & Sons employee Chad Wakeman said, “We’re trying to minimize the impacts on Gulf Drive. We’ll do the main line first, which will not really affect Gulf Drive. When we come across Gulf Drive (into the side streets), we’ll do the bypass into the Cortez Beach parking lot so we’ll have two lanes of traffic going at all times.”
Woodruff and Sons will not be working nights and weekends and the multi-use trail on the west side of Gulf Drive South and the bike lane along the east side of the road will remain open.
Woodruff & Sons’ Matt Anderson said the first phase of work will occur along Gulf Drive, from Sixth Street South to 10th Street South. Those four blocks of the Cortez Beach parking lot will be closed and remain closed for approximately four months. As the project progresses south, the parking lot closures will shift accordingly and the parking areas where the work has been completed will reopen. Anderson said approximately 100 Cortez Beach parking spaces will be closed at any given time.
He said 12th Street South will be the first side street to be closed to vehicular traffic and he expects that to happen in July.
“For 4 to 6 weeks, you’re not going to have vehicular access to those properties,” Anderson said of the side street closures that will force residents, visitors and rental guests to park in designated parking areas across the street at Cortez Beach while the work takes place.
Clark said the county hopes to provide at least a month’s notice before a side street is closed to vehicular traffic.
Anderson said inaccurate utility line surveys often present unforeseen challenges.
“Everything’s subject to change. We could blow through this and have nothing go wrong or we could get out here and have all kinds of problems. We’re going to hit a water line. We’re going to take out a phone line. I guarantee it,” he said.
One attendee noted the city recently undergrounded the utility lines along Gulf Drive South and several of the same side streets to be impacted by the sewer project.
“They have to mark it and we have to work around it, “Anderson said.
Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie said he appreciates the county’s outreach efforts that will also include reaching out to impacted residents, vacation rental owners and property management companies.
“Everybody needs to know what’s going on and prepare for it. It’s not going to be fun; it’s not going to be pretty; but infrastructure needs to be replaced. This stuff’s more than 50 years old,” Chappie said.
Clark advises residents, property owners, business owners and visitors to frequently check the project website and to also sign up for email updates.
“We’ll do our best to keep you informed,” Clark said.
