In the vast Atwood Grove in present-day Ellenton, during a chilly winter, something peculiar caught the eye. Among the sea of green, there was a branch unlike the rest. Its fruit looked like something out of a Dr. Seuss book with pink spots dotting its usual yellow skin. This was the humble beginning of our beloved pink grapefruit, and it all happened right here in Manatee County.
Gov. Ron DeSantis’ authoritarian approach to governing is losing relevance with Floridians, and the tide seems to be turning in Florida. A year ago, we saw bill after bill restricting our …
Friday marks World Water Day. I feel bad about this, but I just know I’m going to be late sending out Water Day cards this year. But we can still go caroling door-to-door. I figure …
In the heart of Manatee County, nestled among the lush fields and whispering palms, the Reasoner family planted their roots—a legacy that would flourish for over a century. Like a beacon of tradition, their nursery in Oneco not only bloomed with vibrant flora but also sowed the seeds of community history. With each passing year, the Reasoner name became synonymous with dedication, resilience, and the very essence of Oneco itself.
On Sunday, the Oscars honored the year’s best film performances, best direction, best picture, and, as a bonus, the best shade thrown. My pick for the latter would be host Jimmy Kimmel’s …
The City of Bradenton is tackling its aged infrastructure head-on. As the current mayor and city council, we’ve allocated significant resources for long-term planning, engineering, and …
BPD continues to warn Bradenton citizens about popular, recurring scams that often target elderly citizens. Scammers use multiple tactics, but the goal is always to con victims into providing bank …
As a father of two daughters, I look at photographs of Laken Riley and her family and I feel grief. I feel anger. It’s hard to imagine losing a child like that, the victim in what appears to be …
Imagine a world where every young girl looks in the mirror and sees not just her reflection, but her undeniable potential. Unfortunately, for too many girls, this is far from their reality. A …
Florida may be the only state where the economy depends on the willing suspension of disbelief. I’m not just talking about the thousands of tourists drawn here by the theme park fantasy …
In this episode, Cheri Coryea, Misty Servia, and Reggie Bellamy discuss critical topics that you won't want to miss.
The other day, because I was in a hurry, I swung through a McDonald’s drive-through and ordered one of their burgers. You know, the ones that seem less like cooked meat and more like a warm …
February is American Heart Month. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency procedure that can be performed by anyone when a person's heart stops beating (cardiac arrest), they have stopped …
In the heart of Bradenton, one family's remarkable journey transcends adversity, illuminating a path of resilience and empowerment for Black citizens amidst systemic barriers. Through their unwavering courage and determination, they not only challenged oppressive norms but forged a lasting legacy of hope and progress within the community.
Florida has inspired a lot of great writing, from Zora Neale Hurston’s “Their Eyes Were Watching God” to Carl Hiaasen’s “Squeeze Me.” It’s not just novels, …
In the heart of Tampa Bay, there's a special breed of heroes often overlooked. These are the women who, with determination in their hearts and resilience in their steps, turned dreams into reality, and paved the way for generations to come. Join us on a journey to uncover the tales of these unsung heroines, whose courage and ingenuity shaped the vibrant tapestry of our community.
As we dive into 2024, the City is buzzing with excitement. With the perfect weather on our side, there’s no shortage of activities to enjoy. The weekend of February 17th marks the start of …
Hollywood is famous for its ability to spin colorful worlds of wild fantasy. Elves and dwarves fight over jewelry in “The Lord of the Rings”! Drug addicts ride giant worms in …
For 37 years, the annual Cracker Trail journey has united ranchers and cowboys on horseback, celebrating Florida's pivotal role in the introduction and legacy of horses and cattle in North America. This timeless tradition honors the heritage of Florida's settlers and their enduring contributions to the state's vibrant cattle and horse industries.
Have you ever picked up trash from a beach, a park, or a roadside? I have. And before you ask, no, it was NOT because a judge sentenced me to community service. I think every Floridian should do …