Daily Bradenton News

After several anti-abortion bills were passed in the 2011 session, it was expected that the issue would subside as the legislature tackled redistricting and casino gambling in 2012. However, of the 10 abortion-related bills already filed, three made it out of committee this week.

Ernest Hemingway fans have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to lose themselves in a theatrical experience that captures the essence of the golden age of literature. In this innovative theatrical event that uses the timeless beauty of Seagate, Powel Crosley Estate's 1929 Mediterranean Revival-style mansion, as the picture perfect "set," Gwendolyn Crosley invites Hemingway into her home for performances of some of his best-loved works.

Gene Gallo, the Ward 1 representative on the Bradenton City Council, was chosen by fellow council members on Wednesday to serve as vice mayor for the year.

While the Republicans were debating in Tampa, the Cleveland Orchestra was providing world class entertainment at the Van Wezel in Sarasota, Monday night.  The evening featured a performance of the second Brahms piano concerto by Yefim Bronfman, considered one of the world’s finest concert pianists. It was the first of four concerts this week in Florida that the orchestra is performing with Bronfman.

I met Newt Gingrich in 1993 when he spoke at Bradenton Municipal Auditorium.  Never having heard of the man I went into that lecture prepared to hear a typical half-hearted prepared political speech. I left the auditorium a changed person: a "born again American".

The 4th of July celebration is a Palmetto tradition that has taken place for decades, but last year, officials decided to kick things up a notch. Over 8,000 spectators attended the free Eddie Money concert and firework show, which took place in Sutton Park. This year, the Palmetto Community Redevelopment Agency booked Three Dog Night for the headliner. Mama won’t "tell you not to come" to this family-oriented celebration which will feature at least three bands.

On Tuesday, the House Agriculture & Natural Resources Subcommittee unanimously approved proposed state water quality standards that would replace federal pollution limits that opponents say are too expensive to implement. The committee agreed to file HB 7051, which would waive requirements in Florida law that the Legislature ratify rules that would cost more than $1 million to implement. Meanwhile, while the DEP and EPA continue negotiations, a lawsuit is being heard in federal court, challenging the EPA's position.

Though municipalities, law enforcement agencies, religious groups and the Florida Chamber of Commerce had lobbied hard for the demise of Internet Cafes, storefront casinos that operate through a loophole in the state's sweepstakes rules, it looks as if they might not only survive the 2012 session, but see new regulations put in place that could ensure their long-term existence.

Officer Jason Nuttall has been selected to receive the Bradenton Police Department’s Officer of the Month award for February 2012 for singlehandedly arresting three thieves and thwarting two burglaries in a matter of days.

Manatee leaders are calling on the community to offer solutions to curb local homelessness and to provide housing and shelter for thousands of local people who have no place to call home each night. The public is invited to attend the “No Place like Home” forum from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Jan. 28 at Renaissance on 9th, 1816 9th Street W., Bradenton. Dr. Robert Marbut will be the keynote speaker. Marbut is founding president at Haven for Hope, a San Antonio nonprofit facility hosting multiple key service providers in a campus-like environment.