Bradenton Times News Articles

Extending this season’s hot streak of productions that make bold artistic statements, Asolo Repertory Theatre presents Noah Racey’s Pulse. A song and dance celebration that harkens back to the golden age of hoofing, Pulse is written, conceived, and choreographed by Broadway song and dance man Noah Racey in collaboration with Broadway director and two-time Tony Award nominee Jeff Calhoun. Pulse opens at the FSU Center for the Performing Arts on Thursday, May 23 with an 8 p.m. curtain.

According to a study reported in Forbes in 2010, only 35 percent of Americans have a will, and many of those who do spent less time planning for it than they did their last vacation. In neglecting estate planning, though, they run the risk of losing a sizable portion of their estate to taxes and fees. In establishing objectives for transferring your estate, it is important to develop a wealth management plan that matches your priorities

This week, the experts at EarthTalk are asked a movement by beer companies to garner support for the Clean Water Act.

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office is currently looking for the listed Absconded Sexual Offenders and Career Offenders from Manatee County.

The Food Bank of Manatee is asking the community to take part in upcoming events to help “White Out Hunger” and fill their shelves this summer, when donations are slow. “Summer is always a difficult time of year for us,” said Cindy Sloan, Director of The Food Bank of Manatee, “because food donations decrease considerably, while demand increases. Without school-provided meals, local families need food assistance even more.”

Jay Romine took over this week as the new director of Manatee Technical Institute’s Law Enforcement Academy. The recommendation to appoint him to the position was approved at Monday’s Manatee School Board meeting. The recently-retired Chief of Police for the City of Holmes Beach brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the position.          

It seems that Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam is running for re-election in 2014. The former Congressman quietly opened a campaign account last month, though he made no formal announcement. Putnam, who has built a high profile as Ag Commissioner, has strong ties with the Republican legislature and was seen as a possible 2014 primary foe for Governor Rick Scott, whose relationship with state lawmakers has often seemed strained.

The possibility of the International Rowing Championships being held at Nathan Benderson Park Rowing Facility dominated the talk at Wednesday's Tourist Development Council meeting. The Florida Legislature must have some interest too, because in its new budget it allocated $5 million to the park, contingent to the rowing facility being awarded the games. So what's the chances of the Sarasota/Bradenton area being thrown onto the world regatta stage? Well, the TDC members weren't popping the champagne, but I might have heard some rattling glasses.

Florida's Deferred Retirement Option Program provides a unique opportunity for the state's public sector employees. But what is the best way to utilize its advantages? That answer can vary depending on the retiree's specific personal, financial and familial situation. One local financial advisor is conducting free seminars geared specifically at FRS members who are currently in, or are considering enrolling in the DROP program.

Supposedly, according to the county, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office was stepping up patrols to try to slow down the non-stop barrage of construction/dump trucks that started to use Golf Course Road to get to somewhere in Twin Rivers. These trucks are going in excess of 60 MPH many times and often convoy in multiple trucks. We are concerned, sickened, and angry in Parrish.