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Election 2026

For the U.S. Senate Race, We Recommend Angie Nixon

Florida's U.S. Senate race features Ashley Moody, the former Florida Attorney General whom Gov. DeSantis appointed to the seat when Marco Rubio became Secretary of State, and Angie Nixon, a six-year …
2 hours ago
Election 2026

Race Analysis: Manatee School Board District 2

The non-partisan Manatee County School Board District 2 race saw two candidates emerge from August's field of five who will compete in a runoff on the November ballot: incumbent Cindy Spray and …
by Mitch Maley
3 hours ago
Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt Hoffman (center) at a 9/11 commemoration event in 2025. | Photo courtesy of Sarasota County
State

DeSantis railed against ‘Defund the police.’ Amendment 3 could do just that

For years, Gov. Ron DeSantis has made support for law enforcement a key pillar of his political identity. He has held press conferences in front of lecterns emblazoned with “Florida Supports …
by Christian Casale | Suncoast Searchlight
5 hours ago
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.
Commentary

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
6 hours ago
More local news
Red Tide Status Update: October 2, 2026
The red tide organism,  Karenia brevis, was observed at background to very low concentrations in six samples from Northwest Florida and background concentrations in three samples from …
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
2 hours ago
Local
Manatee County Library Supporters Take Action to Keep Libraries Funded
Three organizations that support the Manatee County Library joined the statewide “Keep Libraries Funded” coalition this week in sounding the alarm on Amendment 3, a November ballot …
Staff Report
Yesterday at 2:55 PM
Investigation
Governor’s office paid a second law firm $111,000 as Hope Florida grand jury report was fought in secret
Florida taxpayers paid a second law firm $111,387.50 to represent an unidentified person in Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office amid a grand jury investigation into $10 million diverted from the public …
by Michael Barfield
Yesterday at 2:50 PM
Local
FY2027 Adopted Budget Snapshot Pie Chart
Manatee County approves $3.7 billion for next fiscal year
At a public hearing last week, Manatee County commissioners approved a $3.7 billion gross budget for fiscal year 2027, including a 0.012-mill reduction in the aggregate millage rate. …
by Dawn Kitterman
3 days ago
Local
Point Park University, City of Bradenton Explore Potential Partnership
The City of Bradenton and Pittsburgh-based Point Park University are exploring a potential partnership that could bring a future university location to downtown Bradenton. Early discussions have …
City of Bradenton
4 days ago
Election 2026
Race Analysis: Florida CFO
The Republican and Democratic primary contests for Florida chief financial officer are now complete, setting up the general-election matchup between …
Staff Report
Saturday, September 26
Opinions
Election 2026
For Manatee County School Board District 5, we recommend Jonathan Mullis
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 …
4 days ago
EarthTalk: Trump Undoing A Half Century Of Clean Air Protections
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
Race Analysis: Manatee County Commission District 1
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
COMMENTARY
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
5 hours ago
Bellamy University
Video: Reggie Bellamy Breaking Down Manatee County's Spending: 2014–2025
Welcome to Episode 1 of Bellamy University, a video series hosted by Reggie Bellamy, candidate for Manatee County Commissioner, District 6 At-Large. In this episode, Bellamy examines historical …
Friday, September 25
commentary
A Florida climate warrior challenges corrupt political power structure
Once upon a time, one Florida legislator was the fiercest climate warrior in Tallahassee. You could see his stance written on his unusual footwear. When he was a senator, Jose Javier Rodriguez …
by Craig Pittman
Friday, September 25
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 …
Yesterday at 5:35 PM
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.
Yesterday at 5:33 PM
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 …
Yesterday at 5:31 PM
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 …
3 days ago
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
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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
5 hours ago
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
Yesterday at 3:05 PM
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
Yesterday at 2:54 PM
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, …
4 days ago
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
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
Election 2026
During her first term on the Bradenton City Council, Lisa Gonzalez Moore proved herself to be an extremely effective representative of her constituents. Ward 4 voters should be eager to return her to …
Friday, September 25
Suburban and urban developments continue to push outward into natural landscapes, raising critical questions: How do our zoning laws and development codes …
Saturday, September 19
Election 2026
The race to replace outgoing Congressman Vern Buchanan features Democrat Kelly Kirschner, Republican Sydney Gruters, and NPA candidate Mark Davis. We find Kirschner the easy choice among the three.
Friday, September 18
opinion
A riveting new documentary puts human lives and faces to the extrajudicial executions being carried out against alleged drug traffickers in the Caribbean. Americans should force themselves to watch …
by Mitch Maley
Saturday, September 12
Interesting News

7 e-commerce mistakes that can slow peak season growth

Passport reports seven e-commerce mistakes that can hinder growth during peak season, emphasizing the need for early preparation and streamlined operations.

Casey Bright for Passport
7 hours ago

Halloween should be scary. Your bill doesn't have to be

CreditFresh reports that Halloween expenses are rising, with families facing higher costs for candy, costumes, and decorations. 
Daniel Azzoli for CreditFresh
7 hours ago

Exclusive: Hybrid schools open new legal front for choice

The 74 reports that Roots Learning Academy, a hybrid homeschool program in Pennsylvania, faces state scrutiny and potential closure due to childcare licensing requirements.
Linda Jacobson for The 74
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
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a death warrant Thursday, scheduling James Robertson’s execution for Oct. 13, the same day his administration plans to execute William Lee Thompson. They would be the 17th …
Mitch Perry (via Florida Phoenix)
2 hours ago
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate voted to confirm Keith Sonderling as secretary of Labor on Wednesday, marking one of the few Trump administration picks to get through the upper chamber recently after …
Shauneen Miranda (via Florida Phoenix)
4 hours ago
Editor’s note: This story is part of Gen Z at the Ballot Box, a collaboration between States Newsroom and The 19th. Brenna Vandergeest was a teenager when her grandmother told her about Dobbs v. …
Mariel Padilla (via Florida Phoenix)
10 hours ago
Having theoretical access to healthcare doesn’t mean you can take advantage of it, as underscored by a report examining mothers’ experiences for themselves and their children. Released Thursday, …
Christine Sexton (via Florida Phoenix)
Yesterday at 6:08 PM