BRADENTON, Fla. — A partial roof collapse that forced the evacuation of 157 residents from a Bradenton assisted living facility over the weekend was not an isolated incident. State inspection records show the building had a documented history of roof leaks, water intrusion, and storm-related damage dating back several years.
The collapse occurred Saturday at Aviata at Bradenton Villas, formerly operated as Residence at Bay Vue, prompting a large-scale emergency response involving multiple agencies. Fortunately, officials reported that no residents or staff members were injured. All 157 residents were relocated to other Aviata facilities throughout Florida while engineers continue evaluating the structure.
Fundraiser launched after Bradenton assisted living roof collapse https://t.co/ZnZST3uWJq
— Bradenton Herald (@bradentonherald) July 28, 2026
According to records from the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), state inspectors cited the facility in 2023 after discovering widespread evidence of water intrusion throughout the building.
Among the findings:
- Multiple roof leaks in common areas and resident rooms.
- Water entering around windows and air-conditioning units.
- Missing shingles and exposed roof sections covered only by blue tarps.
- Water-stained ceilings that inspectors said had been painted over.
- Moisture-related conditions near food preparation areas, including condensation dripping above uncovered food and visible microbial growth on walls and ceilings.
One resident reportedly told inspectors that leaking water became so severe during a storm that portions of a room and hallway accumulated approximately five inches of standing water.
Inspection documents also referenced an earlier local agency report from May 2023 that assigned the property a “Red” status, describing extensive water damage, bubbling walls, and cracks throughout portions of the building.
That report specifically noted:
“Roof damaged by Hurricane Ian, unrepaired since September 28, 2022.”
Inspectors later reviewed documentation showing roof repair work had been ordered in May 2023, including replacement shingles and sealing work on part of the roof.
The former operators of the facility were fined $4,500 by the state in September 2023 following the inspection findings related to roof leaks and building maintenance deficiencies.
Following Saturday’s structural failure, officials indicated the collapse was believed to have resulted from a combination of extensive water damage and termite damage. The exact cause remains under investigation as structural engineers continue assessing the building.
The evacuation required assistance from Manatee County Emergency Management, Bradenton Fire Department, Emergency Medical Services, and neighboring counties to safely transport residents to alternative care facilities.
