About

About Bayview CERT

Bayview Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) was formed in 2025 in the Del Webb BayView community in Parrish, Florida, with the support of Manatee County Emergency Management and North River Fire District Station #5. Bayview CERT is proud to be one of more than 24 CERT teams serving Manatee County and the first CERT team established north of the Manatee River.

What began with a small group of dedicated volunteers has quickly grown into a strong and highly trained community resource. Today, Bayview CERT includes approximately 50 certified volunteer members, with many members holding additional certifications and licenses including CPR, Stop the Bleed, HAM radio operation, CERT Train-the-Trainer, GMRS communications, drone pilot licensing, and other emergency response credentials.

Bayview CERT is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to serving and protecting our community during emergencies and disasters. All donations made to the organization are tax-deductible and directly support training, equipment, and preparedness efforts.

Bayview CERT Mission Statement

Our mission is to assist neighbors and support first responders when disasters or emergencies impact our area. During major events, professional emergency personnel may be delayed due to hazardous conditions, damaged infrastructure, or overwhelmed communication systems. Bayview CERT members are trained to provide immediate assistance until first responders arrive.

CERT volunteers receive training in:

• Basic emergency response

• Fire safety

• First aid and triage

• Light search and rescue

• Disaster preparedness

• Emergency communications

This training allows Bayview CERT members to provide immediate life-saving and life-sustaining support within the community during critical situations.

The Bayview CERT organization is divided into operational teams and phases to provide efficient neighborhood coverage and coordinated response during activations. The Driftwood Amenity Center has been designated as the primary staging area for deployments and coordination with North River Fire District Station #5.

Bayview CERT operates under the guidance and standards of FEMA, the Department of Homeland Security, and Manatee County Emergency Management Services. Our volunteers come from a wide variety of professional and personal backgrounds, and all residents interested in serving the community are welcome.