Log in Subscribe
Top Stories
A conceptual plan was submitted with a pre-application for a Home Depot Store at 5504 Lorraine Road in Lakewood Ranch. The Home Depot Corporation has since withdrawn its proposal.

Home Depot Abandons Plan for New Store in Lakewood Ranch

Plans for a future Home Depot Store at the intersection of Rangeland Parkway and Lorraine Road in East County will not move forward, says a representative of the …
by Dawn Kitterman
8 hours ago

The Elephant in the Room

On Wednesday, I attended Dam 101, a media event put on by Manatee County Government to help local outlets better understand the functions of the dam and reservoir at Lake Manatee in light of the …
by Mitch Maley
8 hours ago

Manatee County to Purchase Waterfront Restaurant to Use as Public Boat Ramp/Marina

At Tuesday's land use meeting, Manatee County Commissioners approved the purchase of a Cortez seafood restaurant and marina for use as a county boat ramp.
Staff Report
3 days ago

Suncoast Waterkeeper Issues No Swim Advisory for Manatee River

In the aftermath of Tropical Storm Debby, the City of Bradenton Water Reclamation Facility continues to bypass its filters, resulting in an ongoing discharge of partially treated …
Staff Report
3 days ago
More local news
Red Tide Status Update: 9/6/24
Over the past week, red tide was observed at background concentrations in one sample from Southwest Florida and one sample from Florida’s East Coast. We continue to use satellite imagery (USF …
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Yesterday at 3:57 PM
Know Before You Vote: Constitutional Amendments on the 2024 Ballot
There are 6 Florida constitutional amendments on the November ballot. There are two local tax referenda on the ballot. Make sure you understand these amendments and referenda AND their implications …
LWV Manatee County
Yesterday at 12:21 PM
Candidate Profile: Dr. Tamara Cornwell
Local educator and fifth-generation Manatee County resident Dr. Tamara Cornwell is seeking another term on the Palmetto City Commission. She is facing her first challenger since 2008, real estate …
by Nikki Velazquez
3 days ago
This Week in Local Government: 9/8/24
BRADENTON —  It will be a very busy week for local governments with important meetings scheduled each day. Besides regular and workshop meetings, the Bradenton City Council, the Manatee …
by Dawn Kitterman
3 days ago
Race Analysis
Bill Sanders Challenges Gene Brown in Bradenton Mayoral Race
Former Bradenton City Councilman Bill Sanders will challenge incumbent Mayor Gene Brown in November’s non-partisan mayoral race. The race is shaping up to be the most …
by Mitch Maley
Monday, September 2
Race Analysis
Pam Coachman (L) and Iris Thomas Garcia
Iris Thomas Garcia challenges Pam Coachman in Bradenton City Council Ward 5 Race
In the non-partisan Bradenton City Council Ward 5 race, Iris Thomas Garcia challenges first-term incumbent Pam Coachman. Coachman won an 8-point victory over Keenan Wooten in …
by Mitch Maley
Monday, September 2
Opinions
opinion
Is Dredging Open Midnight Pass Finally Dead in the Water?
Applied Technology and Management will present their findings to the Sarasota Board of County Commissioners on alternatives to establish a Gulf to Bay Tidal Connection in the vicinity of the former …
by Glenn Compton
Yesterday at 12:11 PM
EarthTalk: Why Are Greens So Scared Of Trump V2?
Since Joe Biden was elected president in 2021, his administration has made effective, albeit halting progress on combating climate change and giving the nation’s renewable energy industry the …
3 days ago
EarthTalk: Solving The Climate Crisis With Nature-Based Solutions
As we come to terms with the growing effects of climate change, many are turning to so-called nature-based solutions, which are holistic approaches that promote biodiversity and ecosystem …
Thursday, August 29
COMMENTARY
U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds addresses his secret water quality summit in the Lee County Commission chambers (note the portrait of Robert E. Lee) via Facebook with permission.
Secret Florida water summit lets polluters talk to government without press or public present
If I were the king of Florida, there’d be a statue of J. Emory “Red” Cross in front of every government building. Red Cross was a state senator from Gainesville who became the …
by Craig Pittman
3 days ago
Commentary
Sign displayed at a protest at Honeymoon Island State Park on Aug. 27, 2024. (Photo by Mitch Perry/Florida Phoenix)
DeSantis shirks blame, but he’s the problem in Florida government
Everything Ron DeSantis touches dies. Or becomes diseased or deformed. The governor’s not much different from the Palm Beach Pumpkin, his patron-turned-rival-turned-lord-and-master, …
by Diane Roberts
Monday, September 2
Commentary
Is 3H Ranch Pat Neal's Water-Loo?
At last Tuesday’s Sarasota County Commission meeting, Pat Neal’s proposal for 3H Ranch was presented. Pat Neal is entitled to build 386 homes on the 2,727 acres he bought east of I75. …
by Cathy Antunes
Monday, September 2
Obituaries
Barbara T. Griffith-Smith
Barbara T. Griffith-Smith passed away on August 30, 2024. Born on February 27, 1932, in South Bend, Indiana, she was a teacher, friend, wife, and mother. She is survived by three …
Yesterday at 11:37 AM
Helder Moura
Helder Moura, 71, of Bradenton, FL, passed away peacefully on August 24, 2024. Born in Santa Maria, Azores, on September 12, 1952, Helder emigrated to the United States in 1968, carrying a deep …
4 days ago
Donald Powers
"Donnie Powers" (Donald E. Powers), 52, of Bradenton, Florida, gained his wings and departed his family on August 23rd, 2024. Donnie was born in Delaware, Ohio. Donnie played many roles …
4 days ago
This week's reader poll

Which comfort food does Manatee County Do Best?

Thursday, August 29

You must be a subscriber in order to vote on this item.

View results

TBT Podcasts
This week, Adriaan DeVilliers joins Mitch and Dawn to discuss his campaign to represent Manatee County in the Florida House of Representatives District 71 seat. DeVilliers, a former Republican turned …
4 days ago
podcast
This week, Mitch & Dawn discuss big news from the first post-election Manatee County Commission meeting and east county residents' unanswered questions regarding persistent flooding.
Wednesday, August 28
COMMENTS FROM OUR READERS
Local Events and More...
Calendar of events
Sports & recreation

Jones’ Return to Pirates Rotation Strengthens Staff

There’s much to be excited about with Jared Jones returning to the Pittsburgh Pirates’ starting rotation. Better days are ahead for the Pirates. Entering Saturday’s game in …
by Don Laible
Monday, September 2

Manatee County Special to Former Pirate Bielecki

Some of Mike Bielecki’s best of times during his MLB pitching days began in Bradenton. So, when MLB Network began promoting their latest documentary, “One of a Kind”, telling …
by Don Laible
Tuesday, August 27

Pirates’ Bae Brings High Energy to Lineup

When Ji Hwan Bae is in the Pittsburgh Pirates lineup, the club is better for it. It was good to see Bae, 25, on the field this past weekend. During Friday night’s game with the Seattle …
by Don Laible
Thursday, August 22
Arts & Entertainment
Staycation Series:
Bean Point on AMI. Photo courtesy of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Anna Maria Island: The Closest Vacation Still Feels a World Away

It’s been a long time since we included Anna Maria Island in our staycation series—14 years, to be exact. Much has changed since then, and most island rats will tell …

by Mitch Maley
Yesterday at 3:51 PM

Parrish Fall Festival Returns Next Month

The annual fall festival held on the grounds of Parrish United Methodist Church returns Sunday, October 13, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. This year, organizers are teaming up with Mote Marine and their …
Staff Report
3 days ago

Art Walk Returns to VOTA this Weekend

Grab your friends and join us for our monthly Art Walk and Market! Even though Labor Day has passed, we're keeping the celebration going with a weekend full of art and activities. …
by Dawn Collins
3 days ago

Weekend Sounds: Sept. 6-8

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
3 days ago
ICYM - In Case You Missed It
Guest Opinion
There’s an image that’s stayed with me for weeks: A sea of people holding up “Mass Deportation Now” signs at the Republican National Convention. Since then, I’ve …
by Alliyah Lusuegro
Thursday, August 29
opinion
I want to thank the citizens of Manatee County for all of their help in taking back our county. This was a tremendous victory for our county and for our island cities, as it couldn't have happened …
by Judy Titsworth
Friday, August 23
opinion
On Tuesday night, Manatee County Republicans overcame long odds and beat the deep-pocketed developer machine, electing Scott Farrington as Supervisor of Elections. The landslide victory means not …
by Mitch Maley
Friday, August 23
opinion
I am writing to acknowledge and thank Manatee County voters for their support and decision to correct the membership of our county commission, along with the leadership of the Manatee Supervisor of …
by Terry Schaefer
Thursday, August 22
Plastic foam, better known under its brand name of Styrofoam, has been used for insulation, packaging and foodware (cups, takeout containers, etc.) for decades. Also known as expanded polystyrene, …
Wednesday, August 21
Interesting News

Does where you live determine how you eat? New study uncovers America's emotional eating patterns

Hims compares America's foodie capitals and what their eating patterns say about their culture and health.

Melissa Lavigne-Delville
Yesterday at 2:35 PM

What you need to know about Project 2025

The 19th reports on a 920-page policy blueprint that contains the Heritage Foundation's vision for a second Trump administration — with impacts on women, LGBTQ+ rights, families, education and the workforce.
Amanda Becker, The 19th, Orion Rummler, The 19th, Darreonna Davis, The 19th
Yesterday at 12:00 PM

The surprisingly simple way cities could save people from extreme heat

Grist reports on how cool roofs reflect sunlight and reduce the urban heat island effect.
Matt Simon for Grist
Yesterday at 11:00 AM
Florida report

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

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
LAWRENCE — Fourteen-year-old Iain Ellis gravitated to sights and sounds of punk music while growing up in a middle-class town outside London. He wasn’t alone in anticipating the genre would …
Tim Carpenter (via Florida Phoenix)
Today
WASHINGTON — Former President Donald Trump will not face criminal sentencing in New York for his state felony convictions ahead of the November election, according to a decision released Friday by …
Ashley Murray (via Florida Phoenix)
Yesterday at 4:18 PM
TALLAHASSEE – A Tennessee state House member once expelled from that body flew to Florida to advocate against authoritarianism and stump for Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris and …
Jay Waagmeester (via Florida Phoenix)
Yesterday at 4:10 PM
The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration is putting $100.7 million in reserves because the state overestimated the number of kids who would receive health insurance through a program meant …
Jackie Llanos (via Florida Phoenix)
Yesterday at 3:26 PM