Log in Subscribe
Top Stories
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 hours ago
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
Today
Election 2026

For the U.S. Senate Race, We Recommend Angie Nixon

Florida's U.S. Senate race features Ashley Moody, the former Florida Attorney General whom Gov. DeSantis appointed to the seat when Marco Rubio became Secretary of State, and Angie Nixon, a six-year …
Yesterday at 4:14 PM
Election 2026

Race Analysis: Manatee School Board District 2

The non-partisan Manatee County School Board District 2 race saw two candidates emerge from August's field of five who will compete in a runoff on the November ballot: incumbent Cindy Spray and …
by Mitch Maley
Yesterday at 2:39 PM
More local news
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
Today
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
Yesterday at 4:31 PM
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
Yesterday at 12:56 PM
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
3 days ago
Investigation
Governor’s office paid a second law firm $111,000 as Hope Florida grand jury report was fought in secret
Florida taxpayers paid a second law firm $111,387.50 to represent an unidentified person in Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office amid a grand jury investigation into $10 million diverted from the public …
by Michael Barfield
3 days ago
Local
FY2027 Adopted Budget Snapshot Pie Chart
Manatee County approves $3.7 billion for next fiscal year
At a public hearing last week, Manatee County commissioners approved a $3.7 billion gross budget for fiscal year 2027, including a 0.012-mill reduction in the aggregate millage rate. …
by Dawn Kitterman
4 days ago
Opinions
EarthTalk: Ridding Drinking Water of PFAS
PFAS, or Polyfluoroalkyl substances, are chemicals that are resistant to breaking down, or “forever chemicals.” Having both …
Today
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 …
5 days ago
EarthTalk: Trump Undoing A Half Century Of Clean Air Protections
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
COMMENTARY
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
Yesterday at 1:25 PM
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
Yesterday at 12:00 PM
Bellamy University
Video: Reggie Bellamy Breaking Down Manatee County's Spending: 2014–2025
Welcome to Episode 1 of Bellamy University, a video series hosted by Reggie Bellamy, candidate for Manatee County Commissioner, District 6 At-Large. In this episode, Bellamy examines historical …
Friday, September 25
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 …
2 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.
2 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 …
2 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 …
4 days ago
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
TBT ENDORSEMENTS
Local Events and More...
Calendar of events
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
Yesterday at 1:38 PM
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
3 days ago
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
3 days ago
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, …
5 days ago
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
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
Election 2026
The race to replace outgoing Congressman Vern Buchanan features Democrat Kelly Kirschner, Republican Sydney Gruters, and NPA candidate Mark Davis. We find Kirschner the easy choice among the three.
Friday, September 18
Interesting News

Immigration insights: Tears and action follow ICE raids  in southwest Kansas

DODGE CITY — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrived in southwest Kansas on Sept. 22 and departed three days later, leaving fear, uncertainty and anger.  Many in the Hispanic and Latino communities in Dodge City, Garden City and Liberal, where most ICE activity was located, returned to work this week. But their fear persists […]

By Morgan Chilson
9 hours ago

Buddy Guy celebrated at Radio City Music Hall with a sold-out ‘Buddy’s Got the Blues’ show

Blues great Buddy Guy was celebrated Thursday night with a sold-out show at Radio City Music Hall in New York. Fellow legend Bobby Rush said he would have walked from Mississippi to be part of the celebration.
By By Hillel Italie, 
10 hours ago

How many Republicans will vote for a Black man for governor?

“Although slavery may have been abolished, the crippling poison of racism still persists, and the struggle still continues.” — Harry Belafonte, 2010 With U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds one step closer to the Governor’s Mansion, Republicans in general and MAGA in particular face a choice: Will they vote for a Black man to be Florida’s chief […]
By Barrington Salmon
Today
Florida report

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

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
“Although slavery may have been abolished, the crippling poison of racism still persists, and the struggle still continues.” — Harry Belafonte, 2010 With U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds one step closer …
Barrington Salmon (via Florida Phoenix)
Today
A federal class action was filed in Miami Friday against the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and top executives at the agencies, alleging they’re using a …
Christine Sexton (via Florida Phoenix)
Yesterday at 6:34 PM
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a death warrant Thursday, scheduling James Robertson’s execution for Oct. 13, the same day his administration plans to execute William Lee Thompson. They would be the 17th …
Mitch Perry (via Florida Phoenix)
Yesterday at 4:37 PM
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate voted to confirm Keith Sonderling as secretary of Labor on Wednesday, marking one of the few Trump administration picks to get through the upper chamber recently after …
Shauneen Miranda (via Florida Phoenix)
Yesterday at 2:05 PM