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Does My Vote Count? Community Dialogue Thursday

This Thursday, Braver Angels and the League of Women Voters Manatee County will host a community conversation on election security. Moderated by Dr. Pat Maher, Tampa Alliance Co-Chair for …
Staff Report
48 minutes ago
Robert McCann. Manatee County Government
Guest Opinion

The Cost of Complacency: Manatee County’s Missed Opportunity for Change

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
2 hours ago
President Donald Trump gestures as he exits the stage during a midterm election rally at the Choctaw Event Center on Oct. 1, 2026, in Durant, Oklahoma. Photo by Jessica Tobias/For Oklahoma Voice
National

Anxiety is growing Trump may try to disrupt the midterm elections

When Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin declared in September that Immigration and Customs Enforcement could serve warrants on individuals at polling places this fall, officials in Denver, …
by Jonathan Shorman
2 hours ago
Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office located at 600 301 Blvd W, Bradenton, FL 34205
Election 2026

Today is the last day to register to vote for the Nov. election

Monday, October 5, 2026, is the final deadline to register to vote for the November 3, 2026, general election. Florida law sets this deadline at 29 days before Election Day and applies to first-time …
Staff Report
Yesterday at 12:00 AM
More local news
Election 2026
Save Florida Home Rule with featured speaker, TBT's Mitch Maley, will hold a discussion on Amendment 3 this Saturday
Amendment 3 is the most high-profile of the three constitutional amendments on Florida's November 3, 2026 ballot and the most far-reaching homestead property tax reduction ever proposed by the state …
Save Florida Home Rule
34 minutes ago
TBT Exclusive
PACs and political networks fund text campaigns in City of Bradenton races
Political committees are directing money at two of Bradenton's City Council races this election cycle, using targeted text message campaigns to promote candidates, undermine others, …
by Dawn Kitterman
4 days ago
local
This Week in Local Government: 10/4/26
This week, the Palmetto City Commission, the Manatee County Commission, and the Manatee School Board will be in session. The Manatee County Commission will hold three meetings …
by Dawn Kitterman
4 days ago
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
5 days ago
State
Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt Hoffman (center) at a 9/11 commemoration event in 2025. | Photo courtesy of Sarasota County
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 days 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
Thursday, October 1
Opinions
Opinion
Florida’s Amendment 3: Tax Relief, Socialism, and Loss of Services?
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
4 days ago
EarthTalk: Ridding Drinking Water of PFAS
PFAS, or Polyfluoroalkyl substances, are chemicals that are resistant to breaking down, or “forever chemicals.” Having both …
4 days ago
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 …
Tuesday, September 29
COMMENTARY
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
3 days ago
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 days ago
Commentary
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.
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
5 days ago
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 …
5 days ago
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.
5 days ago
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 …
5 days ago
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 …
Wednesday, September 30
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
COMMENTS FROM OUR READERS
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Local Events and More...
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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 days 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
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
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
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
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
Interesting News

New tax credit scholarships start in 2027. Could your child qualify?

Understood reports that the Education Freedom Tax Credit (EFTC) launches in 2027, allowing donors up to $1,700 in tax credits for K-12 scholarships for families with disabilities.

Alex Frost for Understood
6 hours ago

Greece’s Golden Visa approvals nearly doubled in 2025 as applications fell

Aegalis reports Greece's Golden Visa approvals nearly doubled in 2025 to 8,879, while new applications dropped by 25% to 7,021, revealing a backlog being processed.
Dean Fankhauser for Aegalis
6 hours ago

The 5 states leaving billions in gambling money on the table

Bodog reports California and Texas could support online gambling markets totaling $21.5 billion, generating over $1 billion in tax revenue if regulated.
Cole Rush for Bodog
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
With Democrat David Jolly being out-fundraised by more than $100 million in his bid to defeat Republican Byron Donalds and become Florida’s next governor, his campaign will take any support it can …
Mitch Perry (via Florida Phoenix)
50 minutes ago
As the political prospects for Republicans worsen ahead of November’s midterm elections, the GOP is increasingly playing defense over its yearslong grip on state governments. That’s particularly …
Kevin Hardy (via Florida Phoenix)
4 hours ago
WASHINGTON — Democrats are more motivated to vote in November’s midterm elections than Republicans, potentially giving the party an advantage to flip at least one chamber of Congress, according …
Jennifer Shutt (via Florida Phoenix)
4 hours ago
An electrical fire closed much of downtown Tallahassee Tuesday morning, as police barricaded streets amid fires in the roadway with visible damage to the pavement, the City of Tallahassee said. The …
Florida Phoenix staff (via Florida Phoenix)
5 hours ago