Bradenton Times News Articles

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.

Two home runs by Maikel Franco powered the Threshers to a 6-3 win over the Marauders Thursday night at Bright House Field in Clearwater. The Marauders and Threshers split the series two games apiece. Bradenton returns home Friday to start a seven-game homestand.

While the politicized talking points used after the Benghazi attacks were generally accepted by most Americans as having been no worse than “mishandled,” brewing scandals at the IRS and DOJ have Americans of all stripes outraged and rethinking everything that comes out of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Let's take a look at a week's worth of scandals.

Alas, stone crab season is coming to a close on to,orrow, so be sure to quench your crab claw fix today. Several fishing tournaments are scheduled throughout the month, and contributing Captain Rick Grassett says that tarpon season has come on strong this year. Besides tarpon, reds, trout and snook on shallow grass flats of Sarasota Bay are also a good angling option this time of year. An unexpected cold front is supposed to move in on Monday, then dissipate mid-week.