Bradenton in Manatee County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

Florida Highway Patrol School

Bradenton, Florida 1939

Photographed by Tim Fillmon, December 24, 2016

1. Florida Highway Patrol School Marker (side 1)

Inscription. (side 1)
In 1939, the Legislature created the Department of Public Safety and Florida Highway Patrol. Governor Fred P. Cone appointed W.F. Reid director in September. On October 1, Major H. Neil Kirkman was appointed Commandant of the Highway Patrol. To get the first troopers a training school was organized, based on the Ohio Highway Patrol. Principal instructor was Major George Mingle of the OHP. Kirkman's personal friend, Kirkman arranged with the Bradenton Chamber of Commerce to use their rooms in the Municipal Pier for classes. The men lived at the Manavista Hotel, located at 13th St. West at the River. The first class accepted only 39 men. Mornings were lectures at shooting, motorcycle riding, first aid and accident reporting. One local boy was accepted: Mack Britt, age 28, a Palmetto High 1931 graduate. On November 5, Miss Irene Arnold, Patrol secretary, arrived with 38 other students. The men underwent physical exams at the Manavista given by Dr. L.W. Blake. (Continued on other side) (side 2) (Continued from other side) Manatee Co. Sheriff C.J. Hutches and J.T. Lowe of Duval County's Road Patrol taught motorcycles,

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using 12 Model 84 Harley Davidson cycles. F.B.I. Special Agent J.W. Vincent told the students about arrest techniques and fingerprinting. Practical work included self-defense, use of the police labs and cooperation with other jurisdictions. State Senator Dewey Dye of Manatee Co., spoke on courtroom demeanor and legal topics. Georgia Highway Patrol Chief Lt. L.O. Whiteside taught public safety awareness. Recruits learned the evils of marijuana from the U.S. Customs Bureau. Harlee and Harrison Motor Company supplied a fleet of Ford V-8s, 85-hp 1940 Models. Bradenton Police radio officer Bill Sheetz demonstrated how to operate the radio, located in the trunk of his car. By the end of the four week course, the new troopers were in full uniform of forest green whipcord with orange bands on the grey hats, patterned after the New York State Police. The Patrol insignia was an orange. Graduation day oath was administered by Fla. Secretary of State R.A. Gray.

Erected by Manatee County Historical Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1939.

Location. 27° 29.847′ N, 82° 34.411′ W.

Florida Highway Patrol School Marker (side 2) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tim Fillmon, December 24, 2016

2. Florida Highway Patrol School Marker (side 2)

Marker is in Bradenton, Florida, in Manatee County. It is at the intersection of 12th Street West and 3rd Avenue West, on the right when traveling south on 12th Street West. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 222 12th St W, Bradenton FL 34205, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Florida’s Gulf Coast

and on Tampa Bay.

It is also in the American South

and on the Gulf Coast.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Bealls Centennial (within shouting distance of this marker); Courthouse Square (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Carnegie Library (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Honorable R.B. "Chips" Shore Courthouse Grounds (approx. 0.2 miles away); First Presbyterian Church of Bradenton

Florida Highway Patrol School Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tim Fillmon, December 24, 2016

3. Florida Highway Patrol School Marker

(approx. 0.2 miles away); Bradenton General Hospital (approx. 0.4 miles away); Bradentown Depot (approx. 0.4 miles away); Major Adams Cemetery (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bradenton.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 19, 2017. It was originally submitted on January 18, 2017, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. This page has been viewed 807 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 18, 2017, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.