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Risks of the Homestead Exemption Bill and why I'm voting no on Amendment 3

The governor’s initiative, modified by the Legislature and known as Amendment 3, will appear on all statewide ballots this November and will require 60% statewide approval to pass. The ballot …
by Terry Schaefer
2 hours ago
Election 2026

For Governor of Florida, we recommend David Jolly

Florida’s 2026 gubernatorial race features Republican Congressman Byron Donalds and former Republican Congressman David Jolly, now a Democrat. Jolly represented Florida's 13th Congressional …
6 hours ago
Sports

Rafael Flores Jr. Ready to Take Next Step in Pirates Depth Chart

Beginning next spring in Bradenton, I’m looking forward to Rafael Flores Jr.’s 2027 season. When the Pirates recalled Flores Jr. from Triple-A Indianapolis in early July, the rookie catcher …
by Don Laible
Yesterday at 8:33 PM
Guest Opinion

Florida’s Proposed Vaccine Rollback Endangers Our Most Vulnerable

Vaccines are among the most important advances in modern medicine. A walk through an old cemetery makes this painfully clear: before the 1950s and 1960s, infant and child graves were heartbreakingly …
by Linda LongMSN, MBA, APRN, Adult NP-BC, Gerontological NP-C Lakewood Ranch, Florida
Yesterday at 8:17 PM
More local news
Local government
Manatee School Board members Richard Tatem, Chad Choate, Charlie Kennedy, Cindy Spray, and Heather Felton.
Manatee County School Board Notes: 10/06/26
The League of Women Voters of Manatee County Education Issues Committee observes the Manatee County School Board meetings for items of interest to citizens and the League and notes adherence, or lack …
LWV Manatee County
7 hours ago
Investigation
Sarasota County Commissioner Teresa Mast at a board meeting | Photo by Christian Casale.
Sarasota County commissioner’s husband paid $42K by lobbyist for developers
On April 9, the developer behind Lakewood Ranch gave $10,000 to a political committee chaired by prominent Tallahassee lobbyist Dave Ramba. About eleven weeks later, that same committee paid …
By Christian Casale | Suncoast Searchlight
Yesterday at 8:13 PM
Local government
Manatee County Commission Notes: 10/8/26
The League of Women Voters of Manatee County Government Committee observes Manatee County Commission meetings for items of interest to citizens and the League, and notes adherence to, or nonadherence …
LWV Manatee County
Yesterday at 8:09 PM
Environment
Red Tide Status Update: October 9, 2026
The red tide organism,  Karenia brevis, was observed at background to very low concentrations in 11 samples collected from and offshore of Florida’s Gulf Coast. We continue to use …
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Yesterday at 7:56 PM
local government
Manatee County Commissioners Approve 12-Month Data Center Moratorium
The Manatee County Commission approved a temporary, 12-month moratorium on new data center-related development applications in unincorporated Manatee County.  The Board …
Manatee County Government
2 days ago
state
IRS takes up whistleblower claim over Hope Florida money that flowed to Uthmeier’s political committee
The Internal Revenue Service is reviewing a whistleblower claim about $10 million in Medicaid settlement money that moved through the Hope Florida Foundation and, within weeks, into a political …
by Michael Barfield
3 days ago
Opinions
Election 2026
For Manatee County Commission District 2, we recommend Charles Smith
The Manatee County Commission District 2 race features incumbent Amanda Ballard and former D2 Commissioner Charles Smith.
4 days ago
Guest Opinion
Robert McCann. Manatee County Government
The Cost of Complacency: Manatee County’s Missed Opportunity for Change
Elections are often described as moments of choice. But sometimes, they are moments of complacency. In Manatee County, voters recently had an opportunity to reshape the direction of local government, …
by Bob McCann
5 days ago
Opinion
Florida’s Amendment 3: Tax Relief, Socialism, and Loss of Services?
When Florida voters look at their general election ballots, few items carry as much personal financial weight—or as much potential disruption to local government—as Amendment 3. 
by Joe McClash
Saturday, October 3
COMMENTARY
Sunday Favorites
A Day Aboard the Miss Cortez III
The Miss Cortez III didn’t stay close to shore. The all-day fishing boat carried passengers 20 to 50 miles into the Gulf of Mexico, part of a fleet that became a familiar sight along the Cortez …
by Merab Favorite
Sunday, October 4
guest commentary
The Silent Dying of the Braden River Demands Our Attention
For 40 years, I have lived on the banks of the Braden River in Manatee County, Florida, watching its waters from my home just feet from the shoreline. As a retired marine scientist with over 50 years …
by Randy Edwards
Friday, October 2
Commentary
A Florida wetland cypress dome, via Everglades National Park. Developers have tried tor years get DEP put in charge of issuing federal wetlands permits, but judges have ruled that that system violates the Endangered Species Act.
Congress tries end-run around Florida court decision protecting wetlands
When naturalist John James Audubon visited Florida in the 1830s, he marveled at our vast flocks of birds but complained about all the wetlands covering the landscape. “The general wildness, …
by Craig Pittman
Friday, October 2
Obituaries
obituary
Alma I. Alnunu
Alma I. Alnunu, age 71, of Bradenton, Florida passed on October 6, 2026. She was born on May 31, 1955 in Jerusalem. A Funeral Service will be held at St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, 7671 …
2 days ago
obituary
Cathy Remiasz
In loving memory of Cathy Remiasz, who passed away at the age of 40 on September 29, 2026. Cathy was a cherished member of our family who will be remembered with love and compassion. Though life …
2 days ago
obituary
Mary Fugate
Mary Fugate, the beloved matriarch of our family, passed away peacefully on September 30, 2026, at the age of 92, surrounded by the family she loved so deeply. Mary had a remarkable passion for …
2 days ago
Join us on social media
TBT Podcasts
podcast
Harvey Shifrin is the Democratic candidate for Florida House District 72, currently represented by Bill Conerly, whom he faces on the Nov. ballot. Harvey joins Mitch and Dawn to talk about his …
3 days ago
podcast
Mitch and Dawn discuss the ongoing drama between Commissioner Jason Bearden and County Administrator Charlie Bishop, including Tuesday's meeting and the lack of a quorum, as well as dark money in the …
4 days ago
COMMENTS FROM OUR READERS
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Local Events and More...
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Sports & recreation
Sports

Random Ramblings from the 2026 MLB Season

The New York Mets, at $357,626,125, have the highest MLB team payroll in 2026. The Mets are not in the postseason. The team with the lowest payroll, the Cleveland Guardians, at $69,984,029, not only …
by Don Laible
Friday, October 2
Sports

Pirates Presenting Case for 2027 Postseason Participation

I don’t bet. But if I did, odds are the Pittsburgh Pirates are a postseason club in 2027. Forget the fear-mongering circulating that there might not be an MLB season in 2027. A new collective …
by Don Laible
Thursday, September 24
Sports

Bradenton's Harrison Wins 2026 US Open Doubles Title

Christian Harrison of Bradenton won the 2026 US Open men's doubles title with Neal Skupski of Great Britain by defeating Germany's Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz 64 76. Harrison and Skupski also won …
by Scoop Malinowski
Tuesday, September 22
sports

Mission Accomplished for Marauders 2026 Broadcaster

Mission accomplished. Matthew Hargrove came to Bradenton in the spring to be the voice of the Marauders. In completing the 2026 Florida State League, Hargrove is a better professional ...
by Don Laible
Friday, September 18
Arts & Entertainment
music
photo by Spidey Smith

Interview: Jake Owen

"This is still a young man's game." That’s something Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder has said. Pearl Jam's singer-songwriter is correct. The peak for many singer-songwriter's is during their salad …

by Ed Condran
2 days ago
Arts & Entertainment

Tickets On Sale Now for 2026 European Holiday Market at the Bradenton Area Convention Center

Tickets are on sale now for the third annual European Holiday Market hosted at the Bradenton Area Convention Center , December 2-6, now with an added day for optimal cultural immersion …
Manatee County Government
Thursday, October 1
Music

Interview: Alice Cooper

Alice Cooper has more than earned his reputation as the “Godfather of Shock Rock.”  From his half-century of onstage decapitations to last year’s unexpected reunion album with his original …
by Bill Forman
Thursday, October 1
Arts & Entertainment

Art Walk returns to VOTA this weekend

Art Walk returns to Bradenton's Village of the Arts this weekend. This month's theme is Fall in Love with Art! The monthly event will take place Friday and Saturday for t wo days of art, …
Tuesday, September 29
ICYM - In Case You Missed It
PFAS, or Polyfluoroalkyl substances, are chemicals that are resistant to breaking down, or “forever chemicals.” Having both …
Saturday, October 3
Election 2026
The non-partisan Manatee County School Board D5 race features two political newcomers: Jonathon Mullis and Cam Bedinghaus. They are vying for the seat being vacated by Richard Tatum. We see Jonathan …
Tuesday, September 29
Yes, Trump is moving fast to unwind federal air-pollution and climate safeguards, with many changes to take effect before Trump leaves office in January 2029. …
Saturday, September 26
Election 2026
The Manatee County Commission District 1 race features Republican Liz Arnold and Democrat Sari Lindroos-Valimaki and will determine who serves the remaining two years in the seat vacated after Carol …
by Mitch Maley
Friday, September 25
Guest opinion
The Environmental Protection Agency is accepting comments on the Updated Definition of “Waters of the United States.” "Waters of the United States," determines which waters are protected under …
by Glenn Compton
Friday, September 25
Interesting News

Self-Employed and Can’t Get a Mortgage? The Loan Type May Be the Problem

Many self-employed borrowers who are told they do not qualify for a mortgage are not actually unqualified. They are applying through a loan type that measures income in a way that works against them. …

Alejandra Rodriguez (via KeyCrew)
8 hours ago

Massachusetts Appraisal Rules Change in November. Buyers Who Wait to Prepare Will Lose Deals.

Most Massachusetts homebuyers will not think about new appraisal rules until those rules delay their closing. By then, according to Colleen Barry of Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty, the …
Alejandra Rodriguez (via KeyCrew)
8 hours ago

A Seller’s Strongest Negotiating Position in Fairfield County, CT Starts Before the First Showing

The Fairfield County, Connecticut housing market heading into fall 2026 doesn’t fit neatly into a single headline. Some homes are drawing multiple offers above asking. Others, in the same county …
Heather Hook (via KeyCrew)
8 hours ago
Florida report

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Bob Delaney - Undercover Film "Hiding in Plain Sight" Working Undercover in New Jersey as a State Trooper

Emmy Award winning director, Nick Nanton, interviews Bob Delaney. Former undercover New Jersey state trooper and NBA referee. Bob Delaney talks with Nick Nanton about his incredible careers in two vastly different fields, from infiltrating the Mafia in the 1970s to becoming one of the NBA's most respected referees. In this episode, Bob opens up about his experience with post-traumatic stress and his passion for helping others overcome it.

State News
Pensacolians picked up sticks and swept fallen leaves from their driveways, sidestepping downed power lines and analyzing how to remove fallen trees hours after Hurricane Isaias came to town. Others …
Jay Waagmeester (via Florida Phoenix)
3 hours ago
Note: The Phoenix will update this story as it develops. Florida turned to the clean-up after Hurricane Isaias made landfall on the Florida Panhandle Friday night, with Gov. Ron DeSantis saying the …
Jay Waagmeester, Michael Moline (via Florida Phoenix)
7 hours ago
It took Christa Pike nearly a week to regain consciousness after the Tennessee Department of Corrections failed to kill her with two doses of the barbiturate pentobarbital, a drug used to put animals …
Michael Kiefer (via Florida Phoenix)
Today
PENSACOLA — Evacuation orders for coastal and low-lying areas have been issued for counties across the Florida Panhandle over the past two days as powerful Hurricane Isaias, fueled by warm Gulf …
Jay Waagmeester, Christine Sexton (via Florida Phoenix)
Yesterday at 9:00 PM