Florida’s springs are one of the natural wonders of our state. As a result, I naturally wonder why the government agency in charge of protecting them thinks it’s OK to let them become …
There’s a tradition that when someone sings Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus,” everyone has to stand. So please rise as I warble several heartfelt hallelujahs over what the Manatee …
This past year, our community has demonstrated that our democracy works and people can come together for common causes. This alone is a reason to celebrate this Independence Day . We are blessed in …
Last week, Florida’s recently appointed attorney general, James Uthmeier, announced that he had a pretty snazzy idea: Build the state’s biggest immigrant detention center in the middle of …
Bradenton is moving forward with momentum. Thanks to collaboration and a shared vision, our city is seeing real progress. From new community partnerships to upcoming leadership transitions, …
The Bradenton Police Department will swear in its 14th Chief of Police, Josh Cramer, in July. In January, Chief Melanie Bevan announced her plans to retire from the department this summer after 39 …
I’m visiting family in Pensacola this week, and I noticed that the local news has been focused on feces. I don’t mean they’re cracking lots of poop jokes like SpongeBob …
As we sail into the summer months, please be mindful of fire and life safety, whether at home or on the go. Keep these tips in mind as you and your family enjoy any outdoor activities: Fire …
First, congratulations to all who are celebrating academic achievements this season—from Kindergarten graduations to advanced college degrees. We are incredibly proud of you! Keep reaching for …
Living on planet Earth is peculiar. Despite billions of people, raising an upright walking human comes with challenges in every time zone. Perhaps it's our original sin, or maybe we just weren't …
They came for the tarpon, but stayed for the stories. During National Fishing and Boating Week, we’re casting back to the late 1800s, when Florida’s Gulf Coast drew anglers from around the globe. These waters offered more than just sport, they fed families, fueled settlements, and reeled in a tide of tourism that would shape the state’s salty soul for generations.
In 1960, the TV show “The Twilight Zone” aired an irony-soaked episode called “Eye of the Beholder” that played around with the axiom about where beauty truly lies. In it, a …
Dear Gov. DeSantis, Congratulations! You’ve achieved something rare in our deeply divided country. You’ve once again united a lot of people from disparate backgrounds …
As Memorial Day approaches, Americans nationwide prepare to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Ceremonies will be held, flags will be flown at half-staff, …
As National Hurricane Preparedness Week ends and our community and surrounding counties continue to recover and rebound from three major hurricanes in 2024, the BFD wants to encourage you to be …
The month of May brings many reasons to celebrate—especially the people who serve, teach, and inspire our community. Recognizing Police Week and Peace Officers Memorial Day, we take this time …
In 1903, Braidentown, later Bradenton, was a modest riverside settlement poised for growth. With the arrival of the railroad in 1902, the community saw increased connectivity and economic opportunity. On May 19, 1903, a pivotal vote was held and 59 residents voted in favor of incorporation, while 34 opposed. This decision marked the town's official establishment, setting the stage for its transformation into the vibrant city we know today.
I’m probably in the minority here, but I love being asked to fill out surveys. When big corporations or ginormous government agencies want my opinion, I’m happy to give it to them. …
The month of May brings many important moments of recognition, from National Police Week (May 11-17), National Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15), and National Public Works Week (May 18-24) to …
Hold your hats, history buffs—turns out not all cattle barons wore boots and spurs! Meet Bertha Palmer, the glamorous Chicago socialite who swapped her opulent ballrooms for the wild swamplands of Sarasota in 1910. With a keen eye for opportunity and a defiance of societal norms, Palmer transformed over 140,000 acres of untamed Florida wilderness into booming ranches, farms, and citrus groves, forever changing the cattle industry and Sarasota County's landscape.