Bradenton Times News Articles

The Bradenton Police Department is investigating a possible child abduction attempt involving two students who attend Prine Elementary School in Bradenton. The alleged incident took place yesterday afternoon, Thursday, May 3rd as the two students were walking home from school. According to the Police Report, a man driving a White Hummer SUV with Large Chrome Spinner Wheels stopped, leaned out of the vehicle and asked the two students if they wanted candy. The students did not respond and the vehicle drove off. The alleged incident occurred in the 3000 block of Oxford Drive.

How close is too close, and how big is too big when it comes to your neighbor's gazebo, playhouse or outdoor kitchen? The fifteen foot set-back ordinance that applied to the back of the properties in one part of the county has now been reduced to five feet, when it comes to leisure-oriented, open air structures. 

It’s Mural Paint Day on Saturday, and Bradenton residents - sixth grade through seniors - are invited to join the artist Michael Parker and his team of neighborhood muralists to help paint the 100 feet of panels of Life Choices Life Cycles. No experience or talent is necessary – just enthusiasm and two hours of time between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on May 5.

Riverview Boulevard in Northwest Bradenton will be closed at the 3900 block for Bridge Replacement beginning Monday. The project is expected to run from May 7 – November 16. An aging bridge over McLewis Bayou is being replaced. All non-local raffic will be rerouted to Manatee Avenue West at 43rd Street to the west and 39th Street to the east.

At the BOCC land use meeting Thursday, there were four issues pushed back on continuances. The location of backyard structures dominated the day. Experimenting with an ordinance modification reminded us as to why many rules are made, but that didn't stop commissioners from moving the set-backs to a more snug, close-fitting position. 

Tampa Bay Rowdies goalkeeper Jeff Attinella has been named the North American Soccer League Defensive Player of the Week, the league announced on Monday. A Clearwater native and graduate of the University of South Florida, Attinella made six saves in Tampa Bay’s 3-1 victory over previously unbeaten Ft. Lauderdale on Saturday night at Al Lang Stadium. With the victory, the Rowdies extended their unbeaten streak to four games and moved into a tie for second place in the NASL standings with eight points.

In today's media world, consumers have an utterly unprecedented volume of options in terms of sources. From straight news to commentary, to editorial opinion; whether online, in print, audio or video, even second hand from social networks, there is no shortage of content. Sadly, despite such a well-fed wind tunnel, so much of what is said can be divided into two distinct narratives, each designed to confirm biases at either end of the ideological spectrum. Do we even realize we're tipping the band to play our song?

May is coming in with a roar. There's a host of events and activities this weekend. Wine, women and song seem to be the theme, and don't forget that Saturday is Cinco de Mayo. From concerts to tastings to the usual first Friday activities and even a wedding festival, there is plenty going on. Grab your sombrero: it's time for a Weekend Adventure in Bradenton!