In recent years, the three leading days for home structure fires caused by cooking were Thanksgiving—80%—followed by Christmas Day and Christmas Eve. Thanksgiving and Christmas meals …
Thanksgiving in Manatee County has long been a patchwork of personal stories. Some gathered with kin under the oaks, sharing meals and memories. Others, like soldiers marching with Major Dade in …
Hey, Florida, congrats! We’ve just about made it through another hurricane season. But I should warn you that something even scarier is coming: A gubernatorial election. Board up your …
At first glance, it looks like a standard outdoor basketball court, immaculately lined on a clay-colored, weather-proof surface. But this court arises from the scenic greenery of an ancient town in …
Today, the Florida-Georgia line is a clearly marked boundary, familiar to anyone with a map. But its origins are steeped in conflict, confusion, and a fair share of drama. This week, we trace the winding tale behind the state line, where politics, power plays, and shifting maps shaped the border we know today.
Grassroots-inspired initiatives are taking root in Manatee County, ideas led by servant citizens who simply want the best for their community. These citizens have always been there, but …
Although it’s all around us, most people in Florida never think about where their water comes from. They turn on the faucet, a clear liquid flows out, and that’s all they care about. But …
On November 1, due to the federal government shutdown, the essential support services SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and WIC (Women Infants and Children) were paused. And even …
Every election cycle in Manatee County—and across Florida—the same question pops up: “How much developer money did you take?” The expected answer is always zero, as if …
In early Florida, the postmaster wasn’t just a mail handler—they were a lifeline. With letters arriving by boat and news traveling slow, this role carried weight, status, and a good bit …
It was another week of non-stop news that was nearly impossible to keep up with. Stories I was unable to get to include a deal to make some obesity drugs more affordable, a federal judge issuing a …
Manatee County’s historic cemeteries, some dating back to the 1800s, offer a quiet place to reflect during Día de los Muertos, celebrated November 2. This traditional Mexican holiday honors loved ones who’ve passed, welcoming their spirits with food, drink, and remembrance. From pioneer plots to African American burial grounds, these resting places invite us to reconnect with our local past. Visiting them becomes more than tradition, it’s a shared act of honoring lives that helped shape our community.
If you haven’t picked a Halloween costume yet, I have a suggestion: Dress up as a Rice’s whale. You maaaaaay need a few friends to help out if you want your costume to look …
October is Health Literacy Month. When we help Florida's children and youth build the knowledge, habits and confidence they need to lead happy and healthy lives, we are supporting the health, resilience and future of our entire state.
It’s week three of our ghost series, and we’re heading into the shadowy corners of Tampa Bay, where history refuses to stay buried. From a room ...
The White House East Wing was demolished to facilitate the construction of the white house ballroom. President Trump commuted the sentence of disgraced GOP Congressman George Santos and pardoned Binance Founder Changpeng Zhao, and changed positions again on Russia/Ukraine, while both the Dems and Republicans deal with "Nazi" issues. Amazon plans to replace 600,000 workers with robots. John Oliver flames new CBS News boss Bari Weiss, and a DOJ whistleblower speaks out.
Retirement is a reward after decades of hard work, and for many, Florida represents that dream: year-round sunshine, no state income tax, and a lifestyle full of beaches, golf, and community. But …
Get ready to fire up the fun at the grand opening of Bradenton’s newest Fire Station on Wednesday, October 22! Join us at 2233 Manatee Ave E from 5:30-7:30 p.m. for a Community Open House …
Every October, thousands of families flock to Spooky Point, Sarasota’s beloved Halloween light show. But did you know this dazzling display is set on one of the most haunted patches of land in the region? Before it was a light-filled attraction, it was a hotspot for the supernatural. Here’s the story of the specters said to linger among the live oaks and shell mounds.
This is such a breakable age. Things we thought would last are, to our surprise, now in danger of shattering. You think our state parks will always be preserved? Nope, we’re going to try …