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Episode 177: Mitch Maley & Dawn Kitterman

This week, Mitch and Dawn discuss the Manatee County Commission's compromise on moving forward with a retail pet sale ban, the ethics of breeding, and Mitch's weekend getaway to Tarpon Springs.
2 hours ago
Veronica DiMaggio was one of several citizens who addressed the Manatee County Commission during a Feb. 18, 2025 meeting to speak in support of banning the retail sale of pets within Manatee County.

Commissioners to Explore Possible Alternative to a Total Ban on the Retail Sale of Pets

The majority of Manatee County Commissioners appeared to lean toward not re-instating the formerly adopted, then reversed, local ordinance that banned the retail sale of cats and …
by Dawn Kitterman
Yesterday at 6:53 PM
Donald Trump and Byron Donalds via Donalds Congressional website

Trump touts Byron Donalds leading in recent Florida GOP gubernatorial poll

Ron DeSantis will remain governor for nearly two more years, but could Donald Trump be contemplating an endorsement of a possible successor soon? In a Truth Social posting issued on Monday, …
by Mitch Perry
Yesterday at 1:57 PM

Could a Local Ban on the Retail Sale of Pets be Back on the Table?

Animal rights advocates in Manatee County may find a glimmer of hope in hearing that county commissioners are set to reopen a discussion concerning a possible ban …
by Dawn Kitterman
5 days ago
More local news
This Week in Local Government: 2/23/25
The Palmetto City Commission, the Bradenton City Council, and the Manatee County School Board will each be in session for meetings this week.  Monday …
by Dawn Kitterman
Today
LWV Manatee School Board Notes: 2/11/25
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
5 days ago
Red Tide Status Update: 2/14/25
Over the past week, red tide was detected in 50 samples collected from Southwest Florida. Bloom concentrations (>100,000 cells/liter) were observed in 14 samples: one from Sarasota County, two …
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
5 days ago
Roughly 217 acres known as "Pope Ranch" is a proposed future development site of 440 single-family residential units in Parrish, Florida.
Pope Ranch Rezone and GDP Granted Continuance
A rezone and General Development Plan approval request heard by Manatee County Planning Commissioners on Thursday has been granted a continuance. …
Staff Report
5 days ago
Red Tide Status Update: 2/12/25
Over the past week, red tide was detected in 65 samples collected from Southwest Florida. Bloom concentrations (>100,000 cells/liter) were observed in 20 samples: one from Sarasota County, one …
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Wednesday, February 12
The U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., is pictured as snow began to fall on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025. (Photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)
U.S. House GOP releases budget that raises debt limit by $4 trillion, extends tax cuts
U.S. House Republicans released their budget resolution Wednesday, laying out a vision for raising the debt limit and drafting a reconciliation package that is significantly …
by Jennifer Shutt
Wednesday, February 12
Opinions
EarthTalk: Tick-Borne Illnesses On The Rise - What Can Be Done?
Common tick-borne diseases include Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Lyme disease is the most well-known, caused by the bacterium  Borrelia burgdorferi , …
Today
guest opinion
George Kruse
We need to fix the problem...
Since the last election, there has been a lot of talk about how to fix our growth, our infrastructure and our storm water issues. Unfortunately, real solutions have been pushed to the side. Rather …
by Commissioner George Kruse
Yesterday at 3:53 PM
opinion
The Integrity of Our Local Government
In every thriving community, local government plays a crucial role in shaping the future. However, when that power is influenced by a few developers, the essence of democracy can be compromised. …
by Richard Motzer
2 days ago
COMMENTARY
Guest Commentary
Tackling Hunger in Manatee County: A Collaborative Solution Emerges
Tens of thousands of our Manatee County neighbors go hungry every day. By one estimate, as many as 12% of the county’s 440,000 residents regularly struggle with “food insecurity” …
by Wendy Deming
Yesterday at 4:02 PM
Commentary
Venice flooding via Venice Police Dept.
Climate-fueled hurricanes make Florida’s rampant growth slow down
In 2009, The New Yorker ran a deeply reported story on Florida and its economy that was headlined “The Ponzi State.” The state’s economy depends almost entirely on …
by Craig Pittman
Friday, February 14
Chief's Corner: Melanie Bevan, BPD
The grand opening of a state-of-the-art training center for the Bradenton Police Department and Manatee Technical College Law Enforcement Academy is February 25. Thanks to seamless collaboration …
City of Bradenton
Wednesday, February 12
Obituaries
Ronald Dey
Ronald Francis "Bud" Dey, 95, of Palmetto, Florida, passed away on Thursday, February 13, 2025. He was born on August 20, 1929, in Maumee, OH, to Francis Henry and Lillian Dorothy (Hoffman) Dey.
3 days ago
Marsha Juday
Marsha Perry Juday, 72, passed away peacefully at home in Bradenton, FL on January 31, 2025. The daughter of Mel Perry and Barbara (Eva) …
3 days ago
Steven Lindenauer
Steven F. Lindenauer (Steve),65, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2025. Steve will be remembered as a loving son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather. He was devoted to his family and …
3 days ago
This week's reader poll

What grade would you give the new Manatee County Commission so far?

Tuesday, January 14

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TBT Podcasts
podcast
This week, Mitch Maley and Dawn Kitterman discuss D.O.G.E.'s "move fast and break things" approach to government and the Manatee Port Authority's decision to walk away from a shady land acquisition …
Thursday, February 13
This week, Manatee County Commissioner Carol Felts joins the podcast to discuss her first months in office after being elected to the seat in November, touching on a host of issues regarding how …
Wednesday, February 5
COMMENTS FROM OUR READERS
Local Events and More...
Calendar of events
Sports & recreation

Pirates’ Cherington Right Man to Assemble Winning Club

Ben Cherington has earned the patience of Pittsburgh Pirates fans. It’s spring training time in Bradenton. It’s the sixth season that Cherington is the Pirates’ general …
by Don Laible
2 days ago

Fay Vincent Was Baseball’s Best Friend

I never met former MLB Commissioner Fay Vincent, but I knew him. When the news came out on February 1 that the eighth MLB commissioner had passed at his home in Vero Beach, Fla., I was sad. A …
by Don Laible
Wednesday, February 12

Noh's Sudden Explosion Wins Founders Cup Title At Bradenton CC

Against all odds, Yealimi Noh caught fire and exploded the best golf of her career on the back nine on Sunday to overcome elite veteran champion Jin Young Ko. 
by Scoop Malinowski
Monday, February 10
Arts & Entertainment
Flogging Molly. Photo by Katie Hovland

Interview: Flogging Molly

Flogging Molly have reached the 25th anniversary of when singer/guitarist Dave King and fiddle player (and future wife) Bridget Regan formed the band. Having survived the pandemic, these veteran …

by Alan Sculley
Wednesday, February 12
Theater Review

Florida Studio Theatre's Advice

Florida Studio Theater recently opened its production of Brent Askari’s Advice , part of the company's Stage III season in the Bowne's Lab. On the surface, Ron and Joy are …
by Mitch Maley
Monday, February 10

S.O.B. Burgers to be Featured on America's Best Restaurants Roadshow

Iconic Manatee County eatery S.O.B. Burgers will be featured in an upcoming episode of America's Best Restaurants Roadshow.  The popular YouTube channel and social media …
Staff Report
Friday, February 7

Reimagined Floridays Woodfire Grill & Bar is a win for Coastal Bradenton

Harbor Isle is the last stop as you head west toward Anna Maria Island on SR 64. In 2020, Compass Hotel by Margaritaville opened on the narrow sliver of land, complete with a …
by Mitch Maley
Thursday, February 6
ICYM - In Case You Missed It
Humans have profoundly altered the planet, driving plants and animals to adapt in ways they never would have without our impact. Through activities like habitat destruction, pollution, climate …
Wednesday, February 12
Opinion
Presbyterian Retirement Communities has submitted a request for text amendments to the City of Bradenton’s Comprehensive Plan. These requests are directly related to regulating properties …
by Glenn Compton
Tuesday, February 11
opinion
Whenever the government gets involved in a big, expensive purchase, the cliche, “the devil is in the details,” is almost certain to get tossed around. At a special meeting of the Manatee …
by Mitch Maley
Tuesday, February 11
In recent discussions surrounding the implementation of moratoriums, a number of arguments have surfaced in opposition to these temporary halts. While the concerns raised are important, it is crucial …
by Manatee County Commissioner Robert McCann
Saturday, February 8
opinion
In this week’s budget proposal, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis seems to have tipped his hat regarding his desired end game for New College of Florida. In budget proposals released Thursday, …
by Mitch Maley
Saturday, February 8
Interesting News

12 of the most affordable places to live in the US in 2025

MakeMyMove shares the 12 most affordable places to live in the U.S. in 2025 based on average home prices, rental rates, and testimonials from locals.

Natalia Wolting
2 hours ago

Automated invoice processing: A guide to simplifying AP

Ramp explains how with the right automation tools, businesses can streamline accounts payable processes, from invoice capture to payment processing.
Kinzal Jalan
2 hours ago

Are eggs actually good for weight loss?

Ro shares information about how eggs can support weight loss efforts, and the best way to prepare them to meet health goals.
Kirsten Nunez
3 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 misshapen world that Ron DeSantis, Donald Trump, Leonard Leo, and other MAGA extremists are attempting to cement into every aspect of American life is deeply rooted in racism, sexism, and …
Barrington Salmon (via Florida Phoenix)
6 hours ago
Sen. Blaise Ingoglia and Rep. Michelle Salzman suggested Tuesday that voters would amend the Florida Constitution to impose term limits on school board members and county commissioners.  So, …
Jay Waagmeester (via Florida Phoenix)
Yesterday at 5:19 PM
The Senate Committee on Education PreK-12 gave unanimous support Tuesday to a bill aiming to secure work opportunities for people with autism during its first of three committee stops.  Sen. Don …
Jay Waagmeester (via Florida Phoenix)
Yesterday at 3:58 PM
Brevard County Republican state Sen. Randy Fine has filed legislation (SB 814) that would extend concealed carry rights to Florida colleges and universities. The state lawmaker — now running for a …
Mitch Perry (via Florida Phoenix)
Yesterday at 3:32 PM