The Friends of the Manatee County Agricultural Museum says $74,400 disappeared from its BMO account in May through six unauthorized transactions. The money had been saved for a new climate-controlled storage facility, a project the nonprofit says is urgent because the Palmetto museum has run out of space and has been turning away new collection pieces for a while.
The nonprofit reported the fraud as soon as it was discovered, but BMO denied the reimbursement claim, citing a 24-hour reporting requirement. Friends president Sandy Garrison called the loss devastating but said the organization will still move forward with the storage project and is seeking community donations to make it happen.
The case is a reminder for every account holder on the Suncoast: if you get a call that appears to be from your bank, hang up and dial the number printed on the back of your card. Attorney Gary De Pury shared that advice, and it’s worth repeating to family and neighbors. Reporting fast matters, because those clocks start ticking whether you know about them or not.
Want to help the museum rebuild? Have you ever visited the Manatee County Agricultural Museum? Tell us in the comments.
