Headline News From The Islander

A 19-year-old Bradenton man was arrested March 11 on felony drug charges after allegedly admitting he was on his way to sell a friend cocaine and marijuana.

According to the probable cause affidavit, a Holmes Beach police officer initiated a traffic stop at 4600 Gulf Drive. As the officer approached the vehicle, he observed Matthew Cammilleri in the passenger seat attempting to conceal a large Crown Royal bag.

The officer observed a large amount of marijuana sticking out of the Crown Royal bag.

According to the report, police recovered 42.3 grams of marijuana, .3 grams of cocaine, a digital scale and a marijuana grinder.

Cammilleri allegedly admitted that the drugs and paraphernalia were his, and that he was en route to a friend’s house to sell him the cocaine.

According to the report, Cammilleri said he is unemployed and sells the marijuana to make a living and was going to attempt to sell the drugs to his friend, so he could pay his rent.

Cammilleri was arrested for felony possession of cocaine with intent to sell, felony possession of marijuana with intent to sell and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.

He was booked into the Manatee County jail and held on $9,500 bond. According to jail records, he posted bond March 12 and was released.

He was scheduled to be arraigned at 9 a.m. Friday, April 5, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

A small group of curiosity seekers, including young kids more interested in the police and a tractor on the beach, watch as a sandcastle is toppled and the beachfront returned to its natural, sandy slope. Lacking anyone to take responsibility, HBPD called out a city worker to rectify what can be a dangerous situation for late-night beach strollers and joggers. Islander Photos: Bonner Joy

Holmes Beach Police Officer Chip Frappier walks up the beach from the sandcastle to await public works employee Dave Benton on a front-end loader. Frappier said the beach attraction — which he learned had been present for two days — amounts to “dangerous excavation,” adding, “that’s against the law.”

The young Irish — known as the “Wee Ones,” roll in comfort in the parade wagons. Click Here for more photos Islander Photo: Bonner Joy