Many of you already know that I love engagement and input from the residents of the City of Bradenton. One of the most common issues that I hear from folks about is our seemingly increasing …
When our kids were little, one of the things my wife and I taught them was the order in which they should carry out certain tasks ...
On September 26, 1943, Humble Oil Company made history by drilling Florida's first oil well – Sunniland No. 1. This groundbreaking well burst onto the scene, initially pumping out 140 barrels of black gold daily. While the effort was eventually abandoned, it was the start of a controversial debate that still exists today - go for the gold, or preserve Florida's pristine landscape?
I remember it as if it was yesterday. April 24, 1973. I’m 13 years old, and I’m spending the day in the Bronx – at Yankee Stadium. I know. I should be spending the day in …
The first time I encountered the Mayor of Margaritaville, he was playing a concert at my college back around the Cretaceous Period. Despite the passage of so much time, I will never forget the …
The banking industry is staring down the barrel of a potential black swan event. High commercial vacancy rates following post-COVID workplace shifts are being compounded by the drastic increases in …
To some, news is a four-letter word they don’t want to hear. However, it is this news that keeps our country great and allows our democracy to be the envy of the world. Yes, it is …
It was the early 1800s and states were beginning to question the legality of owners coercing their enslaved workers to commit crimes. When a Florida man was instructed to shoot mules that had wandered onto his master's property, he challenged his prison sentence, embarking on a historic fight for justice.
Our hearts are with our fellow Floridians who were impacted by Hurricane Idalia last week and are thankful that the storm was not a direct hit on our area. Still, there was some damage in the …
This weekend my wife and I helped our older son pack up and move to Jacksonville. He’s starting a new job, occupying a new apartment, and driving a new (used) car.
Once again, our City was spared catastrophic property damage and death from a hurricane. I'm not going to mince words here. We were very lucky, and hurricane season isn’t nearly over yet. …
This summer has been one of the hottest on record. Just imagine enduring this relentless heat without modern conveniences like air conditioning, ice, or even, ice cream! In 1914, folks in Manatee County got their first taste of frosty relief thanks to a visionary couple hailing from Vermont who cooled the community with a delicious, icy treat.
Hurricane Idalia has strengthened into a formidable storm. We are sending our Midweek Update early this week, in order to be able to share resources with our readers that may be of use during …
Amid Prohibition, Sarasota and Manatee locals hopped on bootlegging boats, sailing into the open sea at sunset to party beyond the law all night long. The 'Blue Lantern' one such vessel, daringly invited residents to embrace seaside revelry by displaying a beckoning blue light.
Have you ever made your way through a marsh? Tromped through a swamp? Waded in a wetland? I have. It was soooo icky! And wet! Ewwww! I mean, I’ve seen some real prize-winners for …
The cattle at Urfer Family Park in Sarasota could hold the area's oldest ancestral link to the past. The grazing bovines on the park property were purchased by Sarasota County in 2002. Originally part of the Wilson Family Ranch, they were initially an ornamental nod to the park's ranching history. However, it was later discovered that their roots go back a lot further than that.
Ooooooo-wee, have you noticed how hot it’s been this summer? Feels-like temperatures are up around 115 degrees, even a heat index of 120 in Pensacola in June. Repeated “excessive heat …
Do you have a dog or cat as a companion? They can add so much joy to our lives. Growing up I was surrounded by dogs. As newlyweds, my husband and I got a kitten several years before we had children …
Bradenton students return to the classroom on Thursday, August 10! BPD will conduct high-visibility traffic enforcement operations before and after school during the first several days of classes. …
“Hey, neighbor!” That’s how Johnette Isham greeted me ever since I moved right across the street from her in downtown Bradenton in 2017. It didn’t matter if it was at my gig, the …
