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Election Results

Amendment 3 Passes, Amendments 1 and 2 fail

With 95% of precincts having reported, Florida Amendment 3 looks to have passed. The proposal, which expands homestead property tax exemptions, received 60.72% of the vote (2,638,964 "Yes" votes), …
Staff Report
Yesterday at 9:19 PM
Election Results

Schwarz and Gonzalez-Moore win Bradenton City Council races

Grassroots candidate Thomas Schwarz pulled off a major upset, narrowly defeating establishment-backed appointed incumbent Kemp Schuessler in Tuesday's non-partisan Bradenton City Council Ward 3 race. …
Staff Report
Yesterday at 8:46 PM
Election Results

Manatee School Board: Bedinghaus upsets Mullis; Jefferson unseats Spray

In the Manatee County School Board District 5 race, 22-year-old Cam Bedinghaus upset heavily-favored Jonathon Mullis 52% to 48%, with about 1,500 votes separating the candidates. Mullis came in first …
Staff Report
Yesterday at 8:36 PM
Election Results

Manatee BOCC: Ballard Squeaks by Smith, Arnold and Poulton win easily

Incumbent District 2 Commissioner Amanda Ballard narrowly survived a challenge from former D2 Commissioner Charles Smith in Tuesday's Manatee County Commission Race. Smith had been leading from the …
Staff Report
Yesterday at 8:27 PM
More local news
Election Results
Boyd, Conerly, and Varnadore win state legislature races
Incoming Senate President Jim Boyd (R) easily won reelection on Tuesday, fending off grassroots Democrat Gerald Baldi by 20 points. Incumbent District 72 Rep. Bill Conerly (R) won by 21 points …
Staff Report
Yesterday at 8:20 PM
state
Duke Energy Florida’s office located in St. Petersburg. Photo via Duke Energy’s website
Florida Public Service Commission rejects Duke Energy’s data center plan
The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) on Tuesday rejected Duke Energy Florida’s proposal to pay data center costs, 5-0. The agency found that the proposal did not demonstrate compliance …
by Mitch Perry
Yesterday at 3:02 PM
election 2026
It's Election Day! Get out and vote!
Today is the final day to participate in the 2026 Election. Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m., and you can only vote at your assigned precinct. To access The Bradenton Times 2026 General …
Yesterday at 12:00 AM
Business
Manatee Memorial names new Chief Executive Officer
On Monday, Manatee Memorial Hospital’s Board of Governors announced the appointment of Darin Roark as Chief Executive Officer, effective November 2, 2026. “We are pleased to welcome Darin …
Staff Report
3 days ago
Manatee County Honors Veterans Day 2026
Manatee County Government offices and all Manatee County libraries will be closed Wednesday, November 11, 2026, in observance of Veterans Day. “Veterans Day is an opportunity to recognize the …
Manatee County Government
3 days ago
TBT Exclusive
White sand spread at Watercolor Place, a Medallion Home development, on May 1, 2026.
Hurricane sand slated for Manatee County public projects hauled to private development
In April, dump truck after dump truck carrying sand left Manatee County's Hidden Harbor Park and traveled to a nearby residential development. …
by Dawn Kitterman
5 days ago
Opinions
opinion
Is Radical Republican Chair Mark Flanagan Spewing Lies About Republican Candidates?
When the state party under Joe Gruters installed Mark Flanagan as Chairman of the local Manatee Republican Executive Committee, it was because party leadership wanted a radical right-winger to …
by Joe McCalsh
5 days ago
EarthTalk: Migratory Birds Need Your Help To Get Along
Nearly half a billion birds cross the U.S. to travel to their northern nesting grounds in the spring, and then return to central and south America to escape the cold in the fall …
5 days ago
Guest Opinion
A young Kelly Kirschner (right) fishing off North Longboat Key with his childhood best friend, Hal Christensen, in Florida’s 16th District.
It takes a scalpel to save Rattlesnake Key
Rattlesnake Key, south of the Sunshine Skyway, reachable only by boat, is about 700 acres of mangroves and tidal flats beside the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve. Its shallows shelter the young snook, …
by Kelly Kirschner
Thursday, October 29
COMMENTARY
Sunday Favorites
Holy Water and Happy Hour
Sunday best wasn’t always required, and neither was leaving the car. From Venice’s drive-in church to beachside services and worship at the Flora-Bama, Florida congregations have found some …
by Merab Favorite
4 days ago
commentary
A bear wanders through one of the pastures on the Olsen family cattle ranch in Davie. The natural beauty of Ben Olsen’s family property motivated him to become an environmental activist, which has led to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission putting him and his parents under surveillance. (Photo via Ben Olsen)
Florida wildlife agency put a homebound dementia patient under surveillance
Growing up, I watched a lot of Bugs Bunny cartoons. I always cracked up when inept hunter Elmer Fudd would turn to the camera, put a finger to his lips and tell viewers, “Be vewwy vewwy quiet — …
by Craig Pittman
Friday, October 30
Sunday Favorites
The Cadets Who Never Left
An undertaker guarding an empty hotel ought to have been difficult to frighten. But according to a story collected by Venice author Kim Cool, David Farley found himself threatening to release a dog …
by Merab Favorite
Sunday, October 25
Obituaries
Pauline Vinette
Pauline (née Lamarche) Vinette, of Bradenton Florida, joined her beloved husband of 55 years Gilles Vinette (1933-2021) peacefully on October 4 after a recent diagnosis of metastatic lung cancer. …
Yesterday at 6:42 PM
Rita Ann Speas
January 16, 1933 – October 25, 2026 With heavy hearts and loving memories, we announce the passing of Rita Speas, who peacefully departed this life on October 25, 2026, at the age of 93. Rita …
3 days ago
obituary
Rosette Canete Deibler
Rosette Canete Deibler passed on September 13, 2026, at the age of 42, having been born on November 21, 1983, and residing in Bradenton, Florida.
Thursday, October 29
Join us on social media
TBT Podcasts
podcast
This week, Mitch and Dawn discuss the upcoming elections and Dawn's recent investigative reporting on a soul-sourced streetlight project and other business involving an entity that seems to do a lot …
Wednesday, October 28
podcast
Ocean Fitts, a 27-year-old Democrat, is running for Florida House District 71. He joins Mitch Maley to discuss critical issues facing the state and what he hopes to change if elected. You can learn more …
Thursday, October 22
COMMENTS FROM OUR READERS
TBT ENDORSEMENTS
Local Events and More...
Calendar of events
Sports & recreation
Baseball

Young Bucs Awards Winners Dominated by Former Marauders

The Pittsburgh Pirates' future looks bright. The top ballplayers in the Pirates’ system have all, at some point in their careers, passed through LECOM Park. Recently, the Pirates announced …
by Don Laible
Thursday, October 29
Sports

Nogowski clears the fences with updated edition of The Last Time Out

Author John Nogowski has a unique way of remembering some of the biggest names of all time in baseball, with his updated edition of The Last Time Out: Big-League Farewells of Baseball’s Greatest. …
by Don Laible
Saturday, October 24
sports

Bradenton’s Finest and Bravest Coming to LECOM Park For Charity Softball Game

Balls will be flying around LECOM Park on Thursday, November 5. Every bit of balls being batted and bases being rounded at the Pittsburgh Pirates’ spring training home is a reminder that …
Don Laible
Friday, October 16
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
Friday, October 9
Arts & Entertainment
Music

George Thorogood & The Destroyers to headline Thunder By the Bay

George Thorogood & The Destroyers have been announced as the new headlining act for the opening night of the 29th Annual Thunder By The Bay Music & Motors Festival on Friday, February …

Staff Report
Yesterday at 2:42 PM
Arts & Entertainment

Festival of the Skeletons returns this weekend

Bradenton's Village of the Arts' biggest day of the year returns Friday from 6–9 pm and Saturday from 11 am–4 pm. This year marks the 22nd Annual Día de los Muertos - Festival of the Skeletons.
Staff Report
3 days ago
Music

Interview: Fitz and the Tantrums

“Man On The Moon,” the current release from Fitz and the Tantrums brings more of the brisk pop bangers and singalong anthems that have become standard -- almost expected -- fare for the soul-pop …
by Chris Young
Thursday, October 29
Arts & Entertainment

Plant Swap and Witches Parade at VOTA Saturday

From dancing witches to a plant swap and garden show, there is a full day of fun at Bradenton's Village of the Arts this Saturday. The Village Merchants will host a plant swap and garden show …
Thursday, October 22
ICYM - In Case You Missed It
opinion
After the takeover of the local Republican Executive Committee, Mark Flanagan spent an outrageous amount of money to bring in Lara Trump, the daughter-in-law of Donald J. Trump. In reviewing the …
by Joe McClash
Thursday, October 29
opinion
Campaign season demands sharp debate, but it also demands accountability. Misleading voters to shore up party turnout harms our political process and disrespects the intelligence of everyday …
by Joe McClash
Thursday, October 29
opinion
The Republican Party of Florida must have been caught completely off guard when local Republicans dared to reject Governor DeSantis’s preferred candidates in the 2024 primary. Candidates James …
by Joe McClash
Wednesday, October 28
opinion
Manatee County’s voters have sent an unmistakable message: many would rather cast their ballots for moderate Democrats than back the slate championed by appointed Republican Executive Committee …
by Joe McClash
Tuesday, October 27
guest opinion
This year’s Florida Congressional District 16 race wasn’t supposed to be competitive. The RNC/RPOF worked to ensure there were no issues getting their candidate through in the primary. The State …
by George Kruse
Tuesday, October 27
Interesting News

How to reduce posterior sweat: A guide to staying fresh and dry

AXE reports that butt sweat is normal and can be managed through hygiene, breathable fabrics, and proper habits to stay fresh and confident.

Israel Fontoura for AXE
4 hours ago

One Big Beautiful Bill: Your top questions answered

Intuit TurboTax reports the One Big Beautiful Bill extends key tax provisions, introducing changes for 2026, including higher SALT limits, new deductions for tips and overtime, and enhanced credits for families and seniors.
Lisa Greene-Lewis for Intuit TurboTax
4 hours ago

Do stocks beat prediction markets? For most people, yes

The Motley Fool reports that over 82% of Polymarket wallets lost money in 2025, highlighting the risks of prediction markets compared to the steady returns of the S&P 500.
Jack Caporal for The Motley Fool
5 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
AUSTIN, Texas — It was a good day for the defense. Standing in front of a judge in Austin’s Blackwell-Thurman Criminal Justice Center, attorney Matthew Shrum secured a ruling that spared his …
David Montgomery (via Florida Phoenix)
Tuesday, October 20
A years-long legal battle over book removals in Escambia County has a new chapter. A federal appeals court ruled school members may be deposed about why they removed library books and classroom …
Jay Waagmeester (via Florida Phoenix)
Monday, October 19
A Florida Democrat hasn’t held a seat in the U.S. Senate since 2019, but 42-year-old Democrat Angie Nixon is working to reverse that trend in her push to defeat incumbent Sen. Ashley Moody in the …
Mitch Perry, Christine Sexton (via Florida Phoenix)
Monday, October 19
Organizers launched more than 2,500 No Kings events across all 50 states and the District of Columbia Saturday, this time focusing their efforts on the midterm elections. From roadside rallies to …
Shalina Chatlani (via Florida Phoenix)
Monday, October 19