In 1939, a United States Commission, appointed by Congress, officially declared the Manatee River as the landing place of the conquistador Hernando De Soto. But it was the Bradenton Chamber of Commerce that thought to celebrate that designation with a festival and beauty pageant that still exists today. Here's the story behind Bradenton's Heritage Festival.
Hey, look at that! We’ve almost made it through another tough year. Take that, 2023! We beat you! You know what comes next: Preparing to do a better job with 2024.
Well, 2023 is about to be in our rearview window. It's been a turbulent 12 months at every level, from local to state, to national to global; there seems to have been more chaos than should …
In the quiet corners of Manatee County, where the dusty trails of tradition meet the unexpected twists of fate, one man's journey from the cold slabs of a butcher shop to the wide-open ranges unfolds like a captivating tale of untamed potential. Meet Archie Rutledge, the unlikely cowboy whose knack for calming wild horses didn't just change his destiny, it reshaped the very landscape of his life.
One of my favorite Christmas tales is Dr. Seuss’ story of the Grinch. I especially like the animated cartoon narrated by Boris Karloff (not the first name that comes to mind when you think …
One of Sarasota's first editors and publisher's was a woman. Rose Wilson founded the Sarasota Times in 1899. Her passion for the first amendment transcended decades and in the 10s and 20s she became an important figure in the women's suffragist movement. Here's her story.
One Christmas when I was a kid my parents gave me a chemistry set. No doubt they hoped it would lead me to a career in science or medicine. But I was a little anarchist, more interested in …
Last week, we embarked on an exhilarating journey with Ellicott and Minor, Florida's version of Lewis and Clark. Together, we traversed the untamed landscapes of Florida, circumnavigating its coast with a singular purpose: the quest to define boundaries. This week, we will discover more drama surrounding the Florida Georgia line.
Look, up in the sky! It’s a bird! It’s a plane ! It’s a bunch of planes! And a helicopter too! And the noise is making all the horses go bonkers!
A few things on my mind today ... Earlier this month, I joined the Legislative Committee of the Manatee Chamber of Commerce at its Legislative Lobby Days. Chamber staff was able to procure …
This is the time of year I always feel compelled to remind everyone that the first Thanksgiving took place in Florida . It happened about 50 years before the Pilgrims showed up. The attendees …
The Bradenton Police Department Fill The Truck toy drive returns Saturday, Dec. 16. from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at BPD, 100 10th St. W. Officers and staff will collect new, unwrapped gifts for children …
Today, the Florida-Georgia line stands as a clearly defined boundary, universally acknowledged by the masses. However, a look at its historical roots reveals a turbulent past, shrouded in intriguing events that have shaped its significance. Join us this week as we unravel the captivating history behind the state line.
When people talk about the great love stories of history, they often mention such figures as Marc Anthony and Cleopatra, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert (not in a can), and Johnny and June Carter …
Ranked choice voting (RCV), also known as instant runoff voting, allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference. How it works, the advantages and issues involved, and the current status in …
Recently, I revisited my old childhood stomping grounds at Sarasota Jungle Gardens. It was exactly how I remembered it and just as captivating as an adult as it was when I was a child. This week, I thought I'd look at the park's interesting history and historical significance - it's the only place in the U.S. where you can still feed flamingos.
Veterans Day comes and goes each year, but that one day should remind us of the need to honor our nation’s veterans every day on the calendar. We hear about the national debt on a daily basis …
Thanksgiving is coming up, and there are so many things to be thankful for, personally and professionally.We can all express gratitude for things in our life. Family, health, our beautiful Bradenton …
Overall, we are pretty fortunate to live in a free society. We can speak our mind—hopefully within reason, but not always—because of freedoms guaranteed to us by the First Amendment.
Dear Mr. Bezos, Congratulations! After three decades in gloomy Seattle, you’re finally — as the elaborately coiffed Wayne Cochran used to sing — going back to Miami. …
