This month, we have visited a town built on Black votes, followed the Florida-born anthropologist it helped shape, and watched a peaceful protest unfold at the shoreline. This week, we end where all of those stories collide: the ballot box. In Ocoee in 1920, Black citizens tried to vote, and the response was organized violence that drove families out and nearly erased a community for decades.
Responding to "Florida House and Senate are deeply divided over budget," published on 2/17/26. The House and Senate are once again tied up debating the state budget. Meanwhile, families statewide …
This week, the Florida House passed its version of legislation that would put a referendum to eliminate all non-school property taxes on the 2026 ballot. This short-sighted obsession of Governor Ron …
Over the past week, red tide was observed in six samples from Northwest Florida and one sample each from Southwest Florida and Florida’s East Coast. Bloom concentrations (>100,000 …
Former Manatee County Commissioner Reggie Bellamy, who represented District 2 from 2018 to 2022, has filed to run for the countywide District 6 seat in 2026. Bellamy, a Democrat, …
Several years ago, Pat Simmons noticed Pelican stickers around New Orleans. The city was trying to drum up support for its NBA basketball franchise, formerly the Charlotte Hornets. …
At a time when New College of Florida faces a longstanding student housing shortage, the school is planning to shift $2.5 million from its housing fund to build a baseball field. The move stems …
MANATEE COUNTY — With frigid temperatures in the forecast, Manatee County, in partnership with community organizations, will open cold weather shelters on Monday, February 23, and Tuesday, February …
7 Brew , a drive-thru coffee concept, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new store at 5805 Manatee Ave. West this week. In honor of its opening, the company donated $1,500 to the …
Have you ever seen an out-of-control fire? I have. Seeing flames leaping wild and high, spreading smoke and ash everywhere, was one of the scariest sights ever. Now imagine seeing a fire like …
The Florida House of Representatives approved a joint resolution on Thursday to put in motion a possible constitutional amendment on the November ballot that would completely end non-school property …
In a relatively uneventful hearing, Manatee County Commissioners granted Mosaic’s request for a 14-year extension to its Master Mining Plan (MMP) for its Four Corners Mine. …
On Thursday, Florida Senator Jim Boyd (R-Bradenton) successfully added an amendment to an existing coastal resiliency bill that added protections to help ensure a cruise port cannot …
The love of baseball is never more evident than at the Miracle League of Manasota Field. On Wednesday at Longwood Run Park in Sarasota, members of the Pittsburgh Pirates should have worn …
Burton Sheldon Rosenfield, 94, of Longboat Key, Florida, passed away on February 16, 2026, Presidents’ Day. It was a fitting date for a man who often signed correspondence, including birthday …
Katherine "Kitty" L Thomas, born on August 15, 1936, passed away on February 17, 2026, at the age of 89. Kitty was a resident of Bradenton, Florida. A graveside service will be held at Robert …
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Francisco Sotomayor on February 15, 2026, at the age of 65. Francisco proudly served in the United States Marine Corps for 21 years, retiring with …
Rita Schappacher, gracefully departed from this world on February 16, 2026, at the serene surroundings of hospice in Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. She was born in Ohio and moved to Florida in …
Alma Jean Akin, age 78, of Bradenton, FL, went home to be with the Lord on February 17, 2026, while holding her son’s hand at the Bradenton Tidewell Hospice House. A devoted follower of Christ, a …
The major election bill being pushed by Florida Republicans in the Legislature this session would require proof of American citizenship to register to vote, similar to federal legislation advocated …