Log in Subscribe
Top Stories
Dec. 2024 cover of TIME, featuring a portrait of Donald Trump taken at Mar-a-Lago on Nov. 25

Donald Trump Named 2024 TIME Person of the Year

TIME names Donald Trump, President-elect of the United States, as the 2024 TIME Person of the Year . Since 1927, TIME editors have named a Person of the Year to recognize the person or group of …
Staff Report
3 hours ago
Mean Mary performs at Forgartyville this Saturday.

Weekend Sounds: Dec. 13-15

BRADENTON — 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
Today
Manatee County Commissioner George Kruse - District 7 At Large

BOCC Elects Commissioner George Kruse to Serve as Board Chair

A new chairman will lead Manatee County Commission meetings beginning in 2025. During a regular meeting on Tuesday, the newly seated board elected next year’s commission …
by Dawn Kitterman
2 days ago

Outgoing Florida House Republican Files ‘Open Carry’ Bill for ’25 Session

Florida House Republican Dr. Joel Rudman, who plans to leave the Legislature to run for Congress, has filed legislation to repeal the state’s red-flag laws and legalize the ‘open carry' …
by Mitch Perry
3 days ago
More local news
Manatee County Utilities Launches Virtual Tour of Lena Road Landfill Facility
MANATEE COUNTY — Manatee County Utilities announces the launch of a virtual tour of the Lena Road Landfill facility. The innovative initiative offers residents and visitors a behind-the-scenes …
Manatee County Government
3 hours ago
Red Tide Status Update: 12/11/24
Over the past week, the red tide organism Karenia brevis was detected in 101 samples collected from Florida’s Gulf Coast. Bloom concentrations (>100,000 cells/liter) were observed in 17 …
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
3 hours ago
This Week in Local Government: 12/15/24
BRADENTON — This week, the Tourist Development Council will hold a meeting on Monday. The Palmetto City Commission, the Bradenton City Council, and the Manatee County Planning Commission will …
by Dawn Kitterman
Yesterday at 12:00 AM
Hurricane Helene and Milton Recovery Assistance
In the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the American Red Cross has sheltered thousands of people, sent our emergency response vehicles into neighborhoods to deliver meals, snacks and relief …
Staff Report
2 days ago
Ronnie D. Morton III booking image from November 7, 2024
Local Shooting Suspect Arrested in Georgia
A Manatee County man wanted for shooting and injuring multiple people the day after Thanksgiving has been arrested in Georgia. …
Staff Report
3 days ago
Video
Big Picture Manatee: Manatee's New Political Landscape
The 2024 election has reshaped the political scene in Manatee County, with major outcomes across city races, school board leadership, and pivotal referendums and amendments. In this video, we break …
Thursday, December 5
Opinions
EarthTalk: Robots To The Rescue?
Robots are increasingly integral to addressing environmental challenges, from cleaning oceans to aiding reforestation. For instance, Clearbot removes some 15 liters of oil and 200 kilograms of trash …
Yesterday at 12:00 AM
opinion
Secretary DeSantis?
With Fox News's Pete Hegseth’s prospects of being confirmed to lead the Pentagon uncertain, sources close to the incoming administration have hinted that President-elect Trump is considering …
by Mitch Maley
Thursday, December 5
EarthTalk: Climate Resilient Housing
Since the frequency and intensity of floods, wildfires and heat waves have increased due to climate change, the U.S. housing market has become steadily more volatile. Billions of dollars worth of …
Wednesday, December 4
COMMENTARY
commentary
Fort Myers area flooded by the Hurricane Ian storm surge. (Photo via USCG)
Florida should use next six months to prepare for the 2025 hurricane season
Saturday marked the end of our horrible 2024 hurricane season. How did you celebrate? Did you build a bonfire from the plywood you used to cover your windows? Turn your blue tarp into a party awning …
by Craig Pittman
Friday, December 6
commentary
The Chiquita Lock (foreground) was built to deal with environmental damage caused during Gulf American’s illegal construction of 400 miles of Cape Coral canals. Now Cape Coral wants to remove it — and severely penalize three fishermen for opposing the move. (Photo via Ralph Arwood of Calusa Waterkeeper)
Be thankful you don’t live in this Florida city, which is trying to punish its own citizens
Happy Thanksgiving, y’all! Contrary to what you were told in the second grade, the first Thanksgiving took place in St. Augustine 56 years before the Pilgrims arrived. The attendees were …
by Craig Pittman
Friday, November 29
Sunday Favorites: Historic Thanksgiving Traditions
Manatee County’s Thanksgiving traditions reflect its rich history, from pioneer potlucks to festive parades. This season, celebrate the events and stories that have brought the community together over the years.
by Merab Favorite
Sunday, November 24
Obituaries
Alfred Swinson
Alfred Swinson passed away peacefully on December 5, 2024, with his wife of 61 years by his side. Al (as he preferred to be called) was born on November 21, 1937 in Coolidge, Georgia. He served …
Yesterday at 10:22 AM
Mary Wilgus
Mary Wilgus, age 77, passed away, December 5, 2024.
Yesterday at 10:20 AM
John DelSignore
John Francis DelSignore, born on August 2, 1943, in Boston, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on November 29, 2024, in Bradenton, Florida at the age of 81. John was a devoted husband to Janet …
Yesterday at 10:18 AM
TBT Podcasts
Podcast
This week, Mitch and Dawn discuss rumors that Gov. Ron DeSantis may replace Pete Hegseth as President-elect Trump's pick for Secretary of Defense, Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister's …
Wednesday, December 4
podcast
This week, Mitch & Dawn discuss the new Manatee County Commission, the sale of the "old City Hall" property, Richard Tatem being reappointed to the school board seat he resigned from to run for …
Thursday, November 21
COMMENTS FROM OUR READERS
Local Events and More...
Calendar of events
Sports & recreation

Kaat is Baseball’s Ambassador Extraordinaire

I couldn’t be prouder when I learned of Kaat’s election to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York. …
by Don Laible
3 days ago

Young Embraces Comradery Displayed At Pirates Fantasy Camp

When Kevin Young arrives in Bradenton this week as a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates alumni staff for fantasy camp duties, chances are that he’ll be making new friends. Once at Pirate City, …
by Don Laible
Monday, December 2

McKenry Joins Pirates Alumni For Fantasy Camp in Bradenton

Michael McKenry, a former catcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates, understands how important fantasy camp week is to the fans attending. “It’s a lot of fun for the campers and us former …
by Don Laible
Tuesday, November 26
Arts & Entertainment
Denzel Washington in Gladiator 2. Photo courtesy of Paramount.

Movie Review: Gladiator II

“Already long ago, from when we sold our vote to no man, the People have abdicated our duties; for the People who once upon a time handed out military command, high civil office, legions …

by Jared Rasic
Thursday, December 5

2024 Holiday Album Guide

Every fall brings a big-ol’-bag-full of Christmas albums. This year seems to have a slightly lower number of holiday releases. But happily, we get more than our share of worthy and unique …
by Alan Sculley
Friday, November 29

Weekend Sounds: Nov. 29 - Dec. 1

Happy Thanksgiving from The Bradenton Times. It's another weekend, and you know what that means. If you guessed another great lineup of local, talented musicians in Manatee, …
Staff Report
Thursday, November 28

Holiday Classics Return to Tampa Theatre

The Tampa Theatre's holiday films on the big screen are back. Come early and sing along to holiday carols with the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ before the show.
Staff Report
Tuesday, November 26
ICYM - In Case You Missed It
opinion
I work at one of the most profitable companies in the world, yet I’m barely able to get by. In August 2023, I got hired as a warehouse associate at an Amazon delivery station in San …
by Dori Goldberg
Tuesday, December 3
Guest commentary
Members of the Sarasota County legislative delegation should sponsor legislation that will expand the annual inspection of motor vehicles.  The Florida Department of Highway Safety and …
by Glenn Compton
Monday, December 2
Opinion
At the March 28, 2023, Manatee County Commission meeting , the board unanimously pledged $8 million to expand the capacity at the existing Bishop shelter campus so that all of Animal Services (now …
by David Daniels
Saturday, November 30
As I reflected on the many things I’m thankful for this week, I kept returning to the overwhelming experience of August’s local elections. Having a front-row seat to the historic sweep of …
by Mitch Maley
Saturday, November 30
Dams, often built to generate hydroelectric power, store water and control floods, have significant negative impacts. They disrupt natural river flows, fragment habitats and alter the physical, …
Wednesday, November 27
Interesting News

7 key food trends for 2025 forecasted by Instacart purchasing data

Instacart shares findings and highlights from its 2024 food and grocery trends report.

Alex Orellana
4 hours ago

How to find thoughtful gifts that make a lasting impression

(BPT) - Every holiday season, finding the perfect gifts for your loved ones can feel overwhelming. This year, let Lowe's simplify the process with unique, thoughtful options that bring joy and …
4 hours ago

Flight nightmare? Here's how to get compensated

Money.ca shares what to know in order to be compensated for the three most encountered air travel headaches.
Rita Silvan
5 hours ago
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
WASHINGTON — U.S. Capitol Police Chief Thomas Manger testified Wednesday that more than 700 threats against members of Congress were made during the last month alone, with at least 50 cases of …
Jennifer Shutt (via Florida Phoenix)
4 hours ago
How far would you go to protect your home from flooding? Would you be willing to go to jail? That’s what happened to a woman I talked to last week. Her name is Christy McElroy and she has a home in …
Craig Pittman (via Florida Phoenix)
8 hours ago
The $20,000 salary increase for wildland firefighters in the 2021 infrastructure law could be coming to an end next week if Congress doesn’t act. The infrastructure law included $600 million to …
Jacob Fischler (via Florida Phoenix)
Yesterday at 4:56 PM
WASHINGTON — Jose Cabrera took off work from his landscaping job to join three Latino Democratic senators for a Wednesday press conference urging the Biden administration to renew protected …
Ariana Figueroa (via Florida Phoenix)
Yesterday at 4:52 PM