Updated: November 10, 2025 — Bradenton, FL – A serious crash at River Heritage Boulevard and State Road 64 in Manatee County left a motorcyclist critically injured Sunday afternoon. Authorities say a turning car entered the rider’s path, raising renewed concern about intersection safety on this busy stretch of SR 64.
How the Crash at SR 64 and River Heritage Happened
The crash took place around 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at the intersection of State Road 64 and River Heritage Boulevard in eastern Manatee County.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a 75-year-old woman from Bradenton was driving a Toyota Corolla westbound on SR 64 with her 73-year-old male passenger, also from Bradenton. At the same time, a 28-year-old man from Parrish was riding his motorcycle eastbound on SR 64, approaching the same intersection.
As the vehicles neared River Heritage Boulevard, the driver of the Toyota moved into the left-turn lane to enter the neighborhood. When she began turning, she pulled directly into the motorcyclist’s path. The rider tried to brake and swerve, but there was no time to avoid the impact.
The motorcycle struck the right side of the car, throwing the rider onto the roadway. Witnesses reported a violent collision that blocked multiple lanes of traffic.
Emergency Response and Injuries Reported
First responders from Manatee County EMS and the Florida Highway Patrol arrived quickly at the scene. The 28-year-old rider was airlifted by Bay-Flight to Blake Hospital in critical condition. The driver and passenger of the Toyota suffered minor injuries and remained at the scene to assist investigators.
Troopers temporarily closed portions of State Road 64 as crash reconstruction teams documented evidence and cleared debris. The FHP Traffic Homicide Unit is continuing its investigation to determine contributing factors and whether any citations will be issued.
This serious accident once again highlights the dangers faced by motorcycle riders and the importance of extra caution from drivers making turns at busy intersections throughout Manatee County.
Editor’s note: Details of this crash were sourced from the official Florida Highway Patrol report. Minor clarifications were made for readability and consistency with FHP’s intended narrative, as the original report contained typographical errors regarding vehicle direction.
