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Secretary of War Pete Hegseth holds a press briefing at the Pentagon, Nov. 10, 2026. Photo: DOD
National

Defense Secretary Hegseth calls impeachment push a ‘farce’ as US House heads toward vote

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth struck a defiant tone Tuesday as he faces potential impeachment by the U.S. House of Representatives this week, casting the effort as an attack on American service …
by Jonathan Shorman
6 minutes ago
Sunday Favorites

The Last Squeeze: Florida's Vanishing Citrus Culture

There was a time when orange juice was a staple on American breakfast tables and roadside citrus stands greeted travelers at nearly every Florida interstate exit. But times have changed.
by Merab Favortie
3 days ago
Opinion

The road to ruin is paved with partisanship

As someone who has analyzed public policy in Manatee County for a long time, one of my biggest frustrations is the ongoing disconnect between voters' expressed concerns and their voting …
by Mitch Maley
5 days ago
“Alligator Alcatraz” when it was open, via Florida Division of Emergency Management
commentary

Here are the messes the next Florida governor needs to clean up

Dear Governor-elect Donalds: Congrats on your historic win! Feel free to continue celebrating for (checks watch) the next 24 hours. Then you better buckle up. What’s that, sir? What am I …
by Craig Pittman
5 days ago
More local news
Local
Inaugural Manatee River Turkey Trot DeSoto Bridge Run to take place Thanksgiving morning
This Thanksgiving, community members can kick off the holiday season with a brand-new tradition near the river: the Inaugural Manatee River Turkey Trot Bridge Run. Runners/Walkers will be able to …
Staff Report
12 minutes ago
Local
Manatee Clerk hosts free community shred day on Nov. 14; Free services for veterans throughout month of November
The Office of Angel Colonneso, Esq., Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller for Manatee County, will host its fall Clerk's Community Shred Day on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Manatee …
Manatee Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller
26 minutes ago
Red Tide Status Update: November 6, 2026
Over the past week, the red tide organism,  Karenia brevis, was observed in 12 samples from Northwest Florida and at background concentrations in one sample from Southwest Florida. Bloom …
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
4 days ago
Local
This Week in Local Government: 11/8/26
BRADENTON — All local government offices will be closed Wednesday, November 11, 2026, in observance of Veterans Day. The Manatee School Board will be in session on Tuesday at 10 a.m., and on …
by Dawn Kitterman
4 days ago
State
Gov. Ron DeSantis hosted a news conference at the Florida Capitol following the 2026 elections, on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026. Photo by Jay Waagmeester/Florida Phoenix
DeSantis wants special session to implement ‘taxpayer bill of rights’
One of the last actions Gov. Ron DeSantis wants done before leaving office in January is to implement a “taxpayer bill of rights” via a special legislative session, he said Wednesday. He …
by Jay Waagmeester
5 days ago
local
Manatee Church to Observe Freedom to Read Day
The Manatee Unitarian Universalist Fellowship will host a Freedom to Read event on Saturday, November 21, marking the third anniversary of the Warmington Freedom Tiny Library located outside the …
Staff Report
5 days ago
Opinions
EarthTalk: Besides Giving The View And Letting In Light, Solar Windows Power Buildings
Modern urban skylines are dominated by towering skyscrapers with expansive glass facades that absorb large amounts of solar heat …
4 days ago
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
Saturday, October 31
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 …
Saturday, October 31
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
Sunday, November 1
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
obituary
Maria Teresa McDermott-Alvarez
Maria Teresa McDermott-Alvarez passed away on October 31, 2026, at the age of 98. Born on June 28, 1928, Maria lived a long life that spanned nearly a century. She will be remembered with love …
Thursday, November 5
obituary
Barrow Stewart Fleetwood
Barrow Stewart Fleetwood, affectionately known to everyone as “Stu,” unexpectedly crossed the finish line of a life well lived on October 27, 2026, at Manatee Memorial Hospital in Bradenton, …
Thursday, November 5
obituary
Nellie Rice Wilder
In loving memory of Nellie Rice Wilder of Bradenton, Florida - Nellie passed on October 28, 2026, at the age of 86. She moved to Bradenton in 1960. She worked for the Sarasota Herald Tribune in …
Thursday, November 5
Join us on social media
TBT Podcasts
podcast
This week, Mitch and TBT Publisher Joe McClash discuss the results of Tuesday's elections and what they likely mean for Manatee County's future.
Wednesday, November 4
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
COMMENTS FROM OUR READERS
TBT ENDORSEMENTS
Local Events and More...
Calendar of events
Sports & recreation
Sports

Professional growth becoming routine for Rembert

Chris Rembert is growing professionally at Pirate City. This weekend, Rembert, Pittsburgh’s second-round draft pick in July, is headed back home to Pensacola, Florida. He’s been in Bradenton …
by Don Laible
5 days ago
Local

Rye Preserve camping goes online

Ready to spend a night under the stars? Camping at Rye Preserve returns this Friday, November 6! Enjoy a peaceful weekend surrounded by nature, with camping available every Friday and Saturday night …
Manatee County Natural Resources
5 days ago
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
Arts & Entertainment
Arts & Entertainment

Christmas in Cortez returns with AMI Privateers, Dec. 12

Christmas in Cortez returns on December 12, from 12- 3 PM. The annual free family event offers a chance to meet Santa, play games, make crafts, play in bounce houses, and more. The AMI …

Staff Report
30 minutes ago
Theater

Review: Urbanite's Ahoy-Hoy

Urbanite Theatre in downtown Sarasota recently presented the world premiere of Jenny Stafford's Ahoy-Hoy . Winner of Urbanite's 2025 Modern Works Festival "Audience Favorite" award, Ahoy-Hoy began at …
by Mitch Maley
Thursday, November 5
Music

Interview: Samantha Fish

When Samantha Fish was a music-crazy tween, experiencing music was best done in the confines of her bedroom. So, when her father took her to see Sheryl Crow, she went kicking and screaming …
by Dave Gil de Rubio
Thursday, November 5
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
Tuesday, November 3
ICYM - In Case You Missed It
Guest Opinion
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
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
Interesting News

Marc Benioff and the Global 7500: The business jet built for global CEOs

BlackJet reports on Marc Benioff's potential acquisition of the Bombardier Global 7500, a business jet tailored for CEOs, featuring luxurious space and efficiency.

Jeff Ryan Serevilla for BlackJet
6 hours ago

Why efficient project management is emerging as a remodeling priority

CMK Construction reports that efficient project management is crucial for remodeling, as homeowners prioritize communication, planning, budget predictability, and minimal disruption.
Manny Kavouklis for CMK Construction
6 hours ago

Phil Mickelson's Gulfstream V: Why golf's biggest stars fly privately

Jettly reports that Phil Mickelson, a six-time Major winner with 45 PGA Tour victories, sold his $40M Gulfstream V jet for a subscription flight service, citing stress and cost.
Jay Franco Serevilla for Jettly
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
As calls for his resignation and impeachment grow in Washington, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth came to the U.S. Naval War College in Newport Monday to announce a sweeping effort to strip military …
Christopher Shea (via Florida Phoenix)
3 hours ago
A week after the first Democratic Socialist of America (DSA)-backed candidate won a seat in the Florida Legislature, Attorney General James Uthmeier is subpoenaing the organization, alleging possible …
Mitch Perry (via Florida Phoenix)
3 hours ago
This story was originally reported by The 19th.  Democrats are projected to win back the U.S. House — and hit a major milestone. For the first time ever, at least 100 Democratic women are expected …
Grace Panetta, The 19th (via Florida Phoenix)
5 hours ago
Voters in California, Hawaii and Rhode Island gave the go-ahead last week for bond measures aimed at boosting the housing supply and homeownership. But a California measure to cut back on the …
Robbie Sequeira (via Florida Phoenix)
5 hours ago