BRADENTON, Fla. — A tiny home was stolen off the property of the Manatee Police Athletic League in Bradenton. The tiny house was being stored on the property the league shares with Team Success Charter School.
“Where are you going to hide it? Where are you going to put it? What is your need for it?” Fred Spence the President of Spence Management Group that runs the charter school said.
Spence said affordable housing is a big issue in Manatee County. Leaders at Team Success Charter Schoolcame up with an idea to address the problem. Spence along with the Board President Dr. Douglas R. Colkitt thought tiny houses might solve some of their issues.
“This was our first batch. I think it’s about 12 or 14 we already have in the community,” Spence said. “The goal is to see how we can get more and how we can meet the need in the community.”
The donated homes cost roughly $50,000 each. The house was stolen from the property during Christmas break. Spence said it was taken sometime between Dec. 14 and Dec. 15. The thieves broke the lock to the gate and the lock on the trailer hitch and drove off.
“My plea would be to anyone that has seen one in a place that you normally wouldn’t see anything like that, we would like you to come forward and at least make a phone call,” Spence said. “Just let us know where it is, you don’t have to identify yourself but give us a chance to bring it back and to help families that need it.”
The school is offering a $5,000 reward for information. If you see the tiny home or know who stole it call the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office at 866-634-TIPS (8477).
