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Risks of the Homestead Exemption Bill and why I'm voting no on Amendment 3

The governor’s initiative, modified by the Legislature and known as Amendment 3, will appear on all statewide ballots this November and will require 60% statewide approval to pass. The ballot …
by Terry Schaefer
3 days ago
Election 2026

For Governor of Florida, we recommend David Jolly

Florida’s 2026 gubernatorial race features Republican Congressman Byron Donalds and former Republican Congressman David Jolly, now a Democrat. Jolly represented Florida's 13th Congressional …
3 days ago
Sarasota County Commissioner Teresa Mast at a board meeting | Photo by Christian Casale.
Investigation

Sarasota County commissioner’s husband paid $42K by lobbyist for developers

On April 9, the developer behind Lakewood Ranch gave $10,000 to a political committee chaired by prominent Tallahassee lobbyist Dave Ramba. About eleven weeks later, that same committee paid …
By Christian Casale | Suncoast Searchlight
3 days ago
photo by Spidey Smith
music

Interview: Jake Owen

"This is still a young man's game." That’s something Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder has said. Pearl Jam's singer-songwriter is correct. The peak for many singer-songwriter's is during their salad …
by Ed Condran
4 days ago
More local news
local
This Week in Local Government: 10/11/26
This week, the Tourist Development Council meets on Monday in the Manatee County downtown Administrative Building. The  Manatee County Commission, the Bradenton City …
Yesterday at 12:00 AM
Local government
Manatee School Board members Richard Tatem, Chad Choate, Charlie Kennedy, Cindy Spray, and Heather Felton.
Manatee County School Board Notes: 10/06/26
The League of Women Voters of Manatee County Education Issues Committee observes the Manatee County School Board meetings for items of interest to citizens and the League and notes adherence, or lack …
LWV Manatee County
3 days ago
Local government
Manatee County Commission Notes: 10/8/26
The League of Women Voters of Manatee County Government Committee observes Manatee County Commission meetings for items of interest to citizens and the League, and notes adherence to, or nonadherence …
LWV Manatee County
3 days ago
Environment
Red Tide Status Update: October 9, 2026
The red tide organism,  Karenia brevis, was observed at background to very low concentrations in 11 samples collected from and offshore of Florida’s Gulf Coast. We continue to use …
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
3 days ago
local government
Manatee County Commissioners Approve 12-Month Data Center Moratorium
The Manatee County Commission approved a temporary, 12-month moratorium on new data center-related development applications in unincorporated Manatee County.  The Board …
Manatee County Government
4 days ago
state
IRS takes up whistleblower claim over Hope Florida money that flowed to Uthmeier’s political committee
The Internal Revenue Service is reviewing a whistleblower claim about $10 million in Medicaid settlement money that moved through the Hope Florida Foundation and, within weeks, into a political …
by Michael Barfield
5 days ago
Opinions
EarthTalk: Wood Burning Stoves and Fireplaces
During the cold gaps of the winter day, a warm, cozy fire may seem like the perfect solution. But burning wood releases far more than just heat …
Yesterday at 12:00 AM
Guest Opinion
Florida’s Proposed Vaccine Rollback Endangers Our Most Vulnerable
Vaccines are among the most important advances in modern medicine. A walk through an old cemetery makes this painfully clear: before the 1950s and 1960s, infant and child graves were heartbreakingly …
by Linda LongMSN, MBA, APRN, Adult NP-BC, Gerontological NP-C Lakewood Ranch, Florida
3 days ago
Election 2026
For Manatee County Commission District 2, we recommend Charles Smith
The Manatee County Commission District 2 race features incumbent Amanda Ballard and former D2 Commissioner Charles Smith.
Tuesday, October 6
COMMENTARY
Sunday Favorites
The Guests Who Never Checked Out
A balcony door moves on its own. Music drifts through a hotel hallway. Someone spots a light in a building that has stood empty for years. Around Tampa Bay and Sarasota, old hotels have accumulated stories that don’t appear in their guest registers. Their histories are documented; whether anyone stayed beyond their allotted lifetime remains a matter of belief.
by Merab Favorite
Yesterday at 12:00 AM
Sunday Favorites
A Day Aboard the Miss Cortez III
The Miss Cortez III didn’t stay close to shore. The all-day fishing boat carried passengers 20 to 50 miles into the Gulf of Mexico, part of a fleet that became a familiar sight along the Cortez …
by Merab Favorite
Sunday, October 4
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
Friday, October 2
Obituaries
obituary
Alma I. Alnunu
Alma I. Alnunu, age 71, of Bradenton, Florida passed on October 6, 2026. She was born on May 31, 1955 in Jerusalem. A Funeral Service will be held at St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, 7671 …
4 days ago
obituary
Cathy Remiasz
In loving memory of Cathy Remiasz, who passed away at the age of 40 on September 29, 2026. Cathy was a cherished member of our family who will be remembered with love and compassion. Though life …
4 days ago
obituary
Mary Fugate
Mary Fugate, the beloved matriarch of our family, passed away peacefully on September 30, 2026, at the age of 92, surrounded by the family she loved so deeply. Mary had a remarkable passion for …
4 days ago
Join us on social media
TBT Podcasts
podcast
Harvey Shifrin is the Democratic candidate for Florida House District 72, currently represented by Bill Conerly, whom he faces on the Nov. ballot. Harvey joins Mitch and Dawn to talk about his …
5 days ago
podcast
Mitch and Dawn discuss the ongoing drama between Commissioner Jason Bearden and County Administrator Charlie Bishop, including Tuesday's meeting and the lack of a quorum, as well as dark money in the …
Wednesday, October 7
COMMENTS FROM OUR READERS
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Local Events and More...
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Sports & recreation
Sports

Rafael Flores Jr. Ready to Take Next Step in Pirates Depth Chart

Beginning next spring in Bradenton, I’m looking forward to Rafael Flores Jr.’s 2027 season. When the Pirates recalled Flores Jr. from Triple-A Indianapolis in early July, the rookie catcher …
by Don Laible
3 days ago
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
Friday, October 2
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
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
Thursday, October 1
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
Thursday, October 1
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, …
Tuesday, September 29
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
Elections are often described as moments of choice. But sometimes, they are moments of complacency. In Manatee County, voters recently had an opportunity to reshape the direction of local government, …
by Bob McCann
Tuesday, October 6
Opinion
When Florida voters look at their general election ballots, few items carry as much personal financial weight—or as much potential disruption to local government—as Amendment 3. 
by Joe McClash
Saturday, October 3
PFAS, or Polyfluoroalkyl substances, are chemicals that are resistant to breaking down, or “forever chemicals.” Having both …
Saturday, October 3
Election 2026
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 …
Tuesday, September 29
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
Interesting News

Tips for booking the best holiday travel deals, according to KAYAK data

KAYAK reports tips for booking holiday flights, highlighting savings from one-way tickets, best booking times, and lower airfares for long-haul trips.

Kayla DeLoache for KAYAK
6 hours ago

The benefits of managed IT services for legal firms

Frontline Managed Services reports that managed IT services are vital for law firms, offering cybersecurity, compliance support, and cost-effective IT solutions to protect sensitive data.
Ernesto Negron for Frontline Managed Services
6 hours ago

The SaaSpocalypse is real, if you're not a system of record

ZoomInfo reports a surge in small companies dropping point solutions, four times last year's rate, as AI reshapes SaaS usage, highlighting a SaaSpocalypse.
Dennis Sevilla for ZoomInfo
6 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
The state of Florida is set to execute 62-year-old James Robertson by lethal injection at noon Tuesday at Florida State Prison in Bradford County. It would be the 17th carried out in Florida this …
Mitch Perry (via Florida Phoenix)
4 hours ago
President Donald Trump has formed a White House committee to investigate Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, escalating even further a lengthy feud with the Federal Reserve Board member. The …
Jacob Fischler (via Florida Phoenix)
7 hours ago
President Donald Trump on Friday appeared to leave open the possibility that the federal government won’t livestream a military execution planned for December that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth …
Jonathan Shorman (via Florida Phoenix)
7 hours ago
No Florida college or university has yet to opt in on a new law that allows staff to act as armed guards, a coalition of gun safety groups assert — leading them to question whether state lawmakers …
Mitch Perry (via Florida Phoenix)
9 hours ago