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opinion

Ranked Choice Voting is Necessary to Save Democracy

Despite its broad, bi-partisan popularity, both the Democratic and Republican parties have fought tooth and nail to prevent municipalities from implementing ranked-choice voting. However, in …
by Mitch Maley
3 days ago

City of Bradenton Wastewater Facility Faces Challenges Following Last Year's Hurricanes

The City of Bradenton has reported a wastewater release that led to 450,000 gallons of partially treated wastewater being bypassed from the city’s reclamation facility …
by Dawn Kitterman
3 days ago
commentary

DeSantis wants Florida to control Everglades restoration, not the feds

Florida is such an exciting place to live. Alligators lurk in any body of water that’s bigger than a puddle . In cold weather, iguanas fall from the trees like autumn leaves. We’ve got …
by Craig Pittman
4 days ago

Manatee County Fair Opens in Palmetto

The Manatee County Fair opened Thursday and runs through Sunday, January 26. All of your favorite fair events are back, including live music, fair food, ag exhibits, and much, …
Staff Report
4 days ago
More local news
Red Tide Status Update: 1/17/25
Over the past week, red tide was detected in 60 samples collected from Southwest Florida. Bloom concentrations (>100,000 cells/liter) were observed in 12 samples: two from Manatee County, one from …
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
3 days ago
Manatee County Offices Closed January 20 to Observe Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Manatee County Government offices will be closed on Monday, January 20, to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. There will be no solid waste collection on Monday. Collections …
Manatee County Government
3 days ago
BREAKING NEWS
DeSantis Appoints AG Ashley Moody to Replace Rubio in Senate
On Thursday morning, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody would replace Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), pending the incoming Secretary of …
Staff Report
5 days ago
Red Tide Status Update: 1/15/24
Over the past week, red tide  was detected in 98 samples collected from Southwest Florida. Bloom concentrations (>100,000 cells/liter) were observed in 20 samples: two from Hillsborough …
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
5 days ago
public domain photo by Gage Skidmore
Michael Flynn files request for Florida Supreme Court to hear defamation lawsuit vs Rick Wilson
Former Trump national security adviser Michael Flynn has filed an appeal with the Florida Supreme Court to hear his defamation case against Rick Wilson, the former Florida Republican strategist and …
by Mitch Perry
5 days ago
U.S. attorney general nominee probed about Trump threats of vengeance, Jan. 6 pardons
Former Florida Attorney General Pamela Jo Bondi remained on a smooth path to confirmation for the top spot at the U.S. Justice Department after senators on Wednesday closed the …
by Ashley Murray
5 days ago
Opinions
EarthTalk: Fast Growing Hardwood Alternative Wows Green Builders
Bamboo, one of the fastest-growing plants on the planet, is well-known as a rudimentary building material used for many centuries. Today, although the resource is often limited to scaffolding or …
Wednesday, January 15
opinion
You’re off to a Smashing Start, Commissioners!
I’ve long assured both readers and those who hold elected office that I much prefer to write about the things government is doing right than bemoan its many shortcomings. This week provided an …
by Mitch Maley
Saturday, January 11
EarthTalk: Greener Dish Soap?
Popular dish soaps often claim to easily tackle grease, leave dishes sparkling clean, and uphold commitments to sustainability and safety. But these promises are often misleading. These products may …
Thursday, January 9
COMMENTARY
Sunday Favorites: Haunting Tales from Tampa
Last weekend, I stepped into the eerie past on a ghost tour of Tampa, kicking off and wrapping up at the famously haunted Tampa Theatre. Along the way, I uncovered spine-tingling stories and fascinating pieces of the city’s history. From restless spirits to macabre mysteries, here are a few chilling tales that still linger in the shadows of Tampa’s streets
by Merab Favorite
Yesterday at 12:00 AM
Commentary
Council Corner: Jayne Kocher: Ward 1
As we begin the new year, we’re all relieved to leave behind the storms of 2024 and the challenges they brought. However, our work continues as we address and resolve their lingering effects. …
City of Bradenton
3 days ago
Sunday Favorites: Ybor's Mysterious Web of Underground Tunnels
Beneath Ybor City’s brick streets lies a secret: a web of underground tunnels shrouded in mystery. Were they used by bootleggers during Prohibition, Tampa’s mafia for smuggling, or something else entirely? Let’s dig into the history and legends of this fascinating underworld.
by Merab Favorite
Sunday, January 12
Obituaries
Robert Davis
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Robert "Bob" Davis on January 15, 2025. Born in New York City in 1944, "Bobby D." was introduced to tennis at the age of 8. During the 1950 and …
Yesterday at 2:54 PM
Pamela Parmenter
Pamela Sue Kelly Parmenter, 73, of Clearwater, FL, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2024, just one day shy of her 74th birthday. She was born on January 1, 1951, in Butler, PA, to the late Reid …
Yesterday at 2:51 PM
Keith Caldwell
Keith Caldwell, 85, of Bradenton, passed away on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. Family services will be private.
Yesterday at 2:49 PM
This week's reader poll

What grade would you give the new Manatee County Commission so far?

Tuesday, January 14

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TBT Podcasts
In this week's episode, Mitch & Dawn discuss the county's new ADU policy, dry January, the frigid Florida weather, and much more!
Wednesday, January 15
podcast
Fresh off the holiday break, Mitch & Dawn discuss the Manatee County Commission's reversal on wetland policy, new board chair George Kruse's significant proposals regarding board business, and …
Wednesday, January 8
COMMENTS FROM OUR READERS
Local Events and More...
Calendar of events
Sports & recreation

Ode to Spring Training

Anything (theoretically) is possible in Major League Baseball when spring training camps swing open their gates in February. Count me in among the optimists. Baseball keeps me young. The sound …
by Don Laible
5 days ago

Manatee County’s Robinson Has Pitching Pedigree

Don Robinson never tires of talking baseball, especially pitching. When you are fortunate enough to come across someone who has spent a lifetime in the game, and your time is limited with them, …
by Don Laible
Thursday, January 9

Pirates Strengthen Lineup With Horwitz Trade

Spencer Horwitz needs the Pittsburgh Pirates as much as they need him. In about six weeks, MLB spring training camps are scheduled to open. For the Pirates, for the third time in as many seasons, the …
by Don Laible
Friday, January 3
Arts & Entertainment
Hot Cheetos Pickle Nachos!

Manatee County Fair Adds Unique Culinary Delights for "Midway Menu Makeover"

The Manatee County Fair welcomes fairgoers with a fresh lineup of classic carnival foods reinvented for 2025. The Strates Shows Midway, known for its iconic fair fare, has added …

Staff Report
3 days ago

Rock N The Sand Announces Music Festival to Benefit Anna Maria Island

Rock N The Sand Musician Community will present a unique music festival to benefit the recovery efforts on Anna Maria Island from the devastation caused by Hurricanes Helene …
Staff Report
5 days ago

Hilarity Ensues in Island Players Latest Production

Birthday Suite, a comedy in two acts, recently opened at the Island Players playhouse in Anna Maria, FL.  Performances are Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30 PM and …
Staff Report
5 days ago

Weekend Sounds: Jan. 17-19

It's another weekend, and you know what that means. If you guessed another great lineup of local, talented musicians in Manatee, Sarasota, and surrounding counties, you would be …
Staff Report
5 days ago
ICYM - In Case You Missed It
opinion
In last week’s column , I suggested that the Manatee County Commission reevaluate its posture toward our state delegation. This week, Senator Jim Boyd and Representative Will Robinson took a …
by Mitch Maley
Thursday, January 9
Opinion
In recent years, the relationship between Manatee County Commissioners and our delegation in the state legislature has been chummy, to say the least. That’s not surprising since both were …
by Mitch Maley
Saturday, January 4
Guest Commentary
Manasota 88 recently released its list of 2025 environmental priorities for Southwest Florida.
by Glenn Compton
Friday, January 3
Tennis balls, primarily made from rubber and synthetic materials, do not biodegrade and can persist in the environment for years. Made with a combination of rubber and felt, they contribute both …
Thursday, January 2
Opinion
Syria, known throughout history as the “crossroads of civilization,” now finds itself at a crossroads of its own. After 54 years, the Assad family’s brutal dictatorship in Syria has …
by Farrah Hassen
Tuesday, December 24, 2024
Interesting News

4 Tips for a Fresh Start in 2025

(Family Features) Moving from one year to the next is a perfect opportunity to think about the new chapter you want to write for yourself.

Today

Defend Your Home from Harsh Winter Conditions: 7 pro tips to avoid long-term damage

(Family Features) Harsh winter elements like snow, ice and wind can wreak havoc on your home - if it's not properly prepared and maintained.
Today

Expert Pregnancy Tips for Staying Healthy This Winter

(Family Features) Staying up to date on recommended vaccines is important during pregnancy. This is especially true during the winter months when more people tend to get sick from flu, COVID-19 and RSV.
Today
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
WASHINGTON — Hours before his four-year term ended, President Joe Biden issued preemptive pardons early Monday to several officials and lawmakers who have been the target of incoming …
Ashley Murray (via Florida Phoenix)
3 hours ago
WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump rallied a packed arena Sunday in the nation’s capital ahead of his inauguration Monday, heralding an era of “the Trump effect” and vowing to “act …
Ashley Murray (via Florida Phoenix)
7 hours ago
Here are activities planned around the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, who will be sworn into office at noon Eastern on Monday in the U.S. Capitol, though the timing of some events …
States Newsroom staff (via Florida Phoenix)
7 hours ago
Ron DeSantis never passes up the chance to be spiteful, petty, and craven. He’s ordered the flags, which should still be flying at half-staff to honor President Jimmy Carter, be raised to …
Diane Roberts (via Florida Phoenix)
8 hours ago