A 51-year-old man drowned after jumping from the Anna Maria Island Bridge at noon Aug. 10 to retrieve his hat. He had been bicycling east bound on Manatee Avenue, only about 50 feet from land, when apparently his hat flew into Anna Maria Sound.
Andy Lewis Milton Sr. secured his bicycle to the bridge railing and jumped into the water for the hat.
Witnesses said he made it to a channel marker, about 50 feet from the bridge, but when he released the post, he disappeared in the current.
The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office identified the victim as Andy Lewis Milton Sr.
Two officers with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officer reported having driven over the bridge at the time of the incident and they initiated a rescue effort.
Manatee County Marine Rescue, West Manatee Fire Rescue and Emergency Medical Services arrived on scene to assist in the waters east of Kingfish Boat Ramp in Holmes Beach.
Several boaters in the area joined the search effort.
Milton was taken by ambulance to Blake Medical Center where he was pronounced dead, according to officials.
MCSO public information director Dave Bristow reported the victim was believed to be homeless.
— Bonner Joy