Manatee County Commission candidate charged with domestic battery

By Lesley Dwyer
| 4:00 p.m. June 18, 2026

Tony Barrett speaks at a candidate forum in April at the Lakewood Ranch Country Club.

East County
News

Manatee County Sheriff's Office deputies arrested East County's Tony Barrett on Thursday on a charge of domestic battery touch or strike. The bail was set at $750.

Randy Warren, the public information officer for the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, said deputies found probable cause to make the arrest.

Barrett is running for the District 6 at-large seat on the Manatee County Commission. He serves as a commissioner for East Manatee Fire Rescue.

Barrett was due to host a fundraiser at Joey D's Chicago Style Eatery & Pizzeria on Manatee Avenue West today.

No other details of the arrest were available.

author

Lesley Dwyer

Lesley Dwyer is a staff writer for East County and a graduate of the University of South Florida. After earning a bachelor’s degree in professional and technical writing, she freelanced for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Lesley has lived in the Sarasota area for over 25 years.