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Episode 260: Mitch Maley & Dawn Kitterman

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 …
3 hours ago
Local government

BOCC meeting adjourned after board fails to reach a quorum

A meeting of the Manatee County Commission was unable to convene for official business Tuesday after multiple commissioners’ absences left the board without a quorum. Commissioners …
Staff Report
Yesterday at 6:40 PM
Manatee ER at Harrison Ranch, located at 10820 U.S. 301 North in Parrish, opened Tuesday, Oct. 6. (Courtesy photo)

MMH announces new free-standing ER at Harrison Ranch

Manatee Memorial Hospital’s new freestanding emergency department in Parrish opened Tuesday, Oct. 6, accepting its first patient at the …
Staff Report
Yesterday at 6:35 PM
Local Government

Manatee County Commission Notes: 10/6/26

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 6:32 PM
More local news
Election 2026
Save Florida Home Rule with featured speaker, TBT's Mitch Maley, will hold a discussion on Amendment 3 this Saturday
Amendment 3 is the most high-profile of the three constitutional amendments on Florida's November 3, 2026 ballot and the most far-reaching homestead property tax reduction ever proposed by the state …
Save Florida Home Rule
Yesterday at 4:37 PM
Local
Does My Vote Count? Community Dialogue Thursday
This Thursday, Braver Angels and the League of Women Voters Manatee County will host a community conversation on election security. Moderated by Dr. Pat Maher, Tampa Alliance Co-Chair for …
Staff Report
Yesterday at 4:24 PM
National
President Donald Trump gestures as he exits the stage during a midterm election rally at the Choctaw Event Center on Oct. 1, 2026, in Durant, Oklahoma. Photo by Jessica Tobias/For Oklahoma Voice
Anxiety is growing Trump may try to disrupt the midterm elections
When Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin declared in September that Immigration and Customs Enforcement could serve warrants on individuals at polling places this fall, officials in Denver, …
by Jonathan Shorman
Yesterday at 4:00 PM
Election 2026
Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office located at 600 301 Blvd W, Bradenton, FL 34205
Today is the last day to register to vote for the Nov. election
Monday, October 5, 2026, is the final deadline to register to vote for the November 3, 2026, general election. Florida law sets this deadline at 29 days before Election Day and applies to first-time …
Staff Report
3 days ago
TBT Exclusive
PACs and political networks fund text campaigns in City of Bradenton races
Political committees are directing money at two of Bradenton's City Council races this election cycle, using targeted text message campaigns to promote candidates, undermine others, …
by Dawn Kitterman
5 days ago
local
This Week in Local Government: 10/4/26
This week, the Palmetto City Commission, the Manatee County Commission, and the Manatee School Board will be in session. The Manatee County Commission will hold three meetings …
by Dawn Kitterman
5 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.
Yesterday at 5:45 PM
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
Yesterday at 4:07 PM
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
5 days ago
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
4 days ago
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
Robert Tompkins
Robert “Bob” Tompkins, 88, passed away on September 21, 2026, leaving behind family and loved ones who will carry his memory for generations to come. Bob was born on March 20, 1938, in …
Thursday, October 1
obituary
Richard Todd Harmon
Richard Todd Harmon passed on September 26, 2026, at the age of 60. Born on October 10, 1965, Richard lived in Parrish, Florida.
Thursday, October 1
obituary
Jeannette Eldridge Contarino Vannais
Jeannette Vannais, 96, Tropic Isles, Palmetto, FL passed peacefully on September 22, 2026. Jeannette lived in Woodbury Heights, NJ, Bradenton, FL, West Palm Beach, FL and the last 15 years in …
Thursday, October 1
Join us on social media
TBT Podcasts
podcast
Thomas Schwarz is a candidate for the Bradenton City Council Ward 3 seat. He joins Mitch and Dawn to discuss his grassroots campaign and vision for Bradenton's future. You can learn more about …
Wednesday, September 30
podcast
Sari Lindroos-Valimaki is the Democratic candidate for Manatee County Commission District 1. She joins Mitch and Dawn to discuss her platform and issues such as the rewriting of the Land Development …
Thursday, September 24
COMMENTS FROM OUR READERS
TBT ENDORSEMENTS
Local Events and More...
Calendar of events
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
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
Film

Movie Review: Resident Evil

I don’t think I could ever survive as one of those social media film pundits that make a living dropping smooth-brained hot takes on movies they haven’t seen. As someone who has spent the last 20 …
by Jared Rasic
Thursday, September 24
ICYM - In Case You Missed It
PFAS, or Polyfluoroalkyl substances, are chemicals that are resistant to breaking down, or “forever chemicals.” Having both …
5 days ago
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

Rethinking the cost of engagement rings

ModGents reports couples are rethinking engagement ring costs, prioritizing personal budgets over traditional salary formulas amidst financial pressures.

Brianna Sparks for ModGents
7 hours ago

The pros and cons of being a surrogate

Circle Surrogacy reports that becoming a gestational surrogate is a personal choice involving emotional, financial, and time commitments, requiring careful consideration.
Heather Wilkinson for Circle Surrogacy
7 hours ago

Digital for efficiency, human for empathy: What renter preferences reveal about modern customer expectations

Zego reports that customers prefer a balanced approach to service, favoring digital for efficiency and human interactions for complex issues.
Jennifer Stahlman for Zego
7 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
As of Wednesday afternoon, Tropical Storm Isaias was about 500 miles from the mouth of Mississippi River with 50 mph winds as Florida’s leaders said they were “prepared and ready to respond” …
Jay Waagmeester (via Florida Phoenix)
3 hours ago
A leading Democratic campaign committee is projecting confidence in U.S. Senate toss-up races four weeks before Election Day, though it has yet to commit resources to the reddest states that have …
Jacob Fischler (via Florida Phoenix)
7 hours ago
WASHINGTON — The number of women in the U.S. Senate is unlikely to increase and may decline following the November midterm elections, though there are still opportunities for candidates to make …
Jennifer Shutt (via Florida Phoenix)
7 hours ago
This story has been updated to reflect that Tropical Depression 9 is now Tropical Storm Isaias and to update the storm’s trajectory. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed an executive order Tuesday night …
Christine Sexton (via Florida Phoenix)
Yesterday at 9:30 PM