Have you ever yearned to be a silent observer in critical moments? Imagine being a concealed porcelain doll, lost during a hurricane and remaining concealed for half a century. In that span, the doll witnessed pivotal moments in 19th Century Florida history spanning the Civil War, interactions with Native Americans, and a fugitive encounter.
Because my kids love superhero movies, I’ve seen a lot of them. One of my favorites is an animated one, “Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse,” which features Spider-people from various …
Welcome back to Tallahassee! You were just here — briefly — for your State of the State speech, but it feels like a lot longer since we’ve seen you around. Probably, it’s …
On behalf of the Bradenton Police Department, I thank our Bradenton community for the overwhelming support of our 2023 Fill the Truck Toy Drive. Despite windy, rainy weather on donation day, the toys …
Florida’s southernmost city threw a big party for book lovers last week, and I was lucky enough to wangle an invitation. At the Key West Literary Seminar , I heard Judy …
Happy New Year! This is the best time to set new goals or update old ones. The coolness in the air makes for a pickup in your pace. Remember, though, to slow down due to not only the lawful speed …
For many, drinking alcohol during the holiday season is commonplace. Social drinking is widely accepted. Unfortunately, the holidays are a complex time for many. Dry January provides you time to …
The other day I was driving north on U.S. 19, which is the most Florida of Florida roads. I say that because it passes by a dinosaur-shaped gas station, the park that employs the Weeki Wachee …
In 1939, a United States Commission, appointed by Congress, officially declared the Manatee River as the landing place of the conquistador Hernando De Soto. But it was the Bradenton Chamber of Commerce that thought to celebrate that designation with a festival and beauty pageant that still exists today. Here's the story behind Bradenton's Heritage Festival.
Hey, look at that! We’ve almost made it through another tough year. Take that, 2023! We beat you! You know what comes next: Preparing to do a better job with 2024.
Well, 2023 is about to be in our rearview window. It's been a turbulent 12 months at every level, from local to state, to national to global; there seems to have been more chaos than should …
In the quiet corners of Manatee County, where the dusty trails of tradition meet the unexpected twists of fate, one man's journey from the cold slabs of a butcher shop to the wide-open ranges unfolds like a captivating tale of untamed potential. Meet Archie Rutledge, the unlikely cowboy whose knack for calming wild horses didn't just change his destiny, it reshaped the very landscape of his life.
One of my favorite Christmas tales is Dr. Seuss’ story of the Grinch. I especially like the animated cartoon narrated by Boris Karloff (not the first name that comes to mind when you think …
One of Sarasota's first editors and publisher's was a woman. Rose Wilson founded the Sarasota Times in 1899. Her passion for the first amendment transcended decades and in the 10s and 20s she became an important figure in the women's suffragist movement. Here's her story.
One Christmas when I was a kid my parents gave me a chemistry set. No doubt they hoped it would lead me to a career in science or medicine. But I was a little anarchist, more interested in …
Last week, we embarked on an exhilarating journey with Ellicott and Minor, Florida's version of Lewis and Clark. Together, we traversed the untamed landscapes of Florida, circumnavigating its coast with a singular purpose: the quest to define boundaries. This week, we will discover more drama surrounding the Florida Georgia line.
Look, up in the sky! It’s a bird! It’s a plane ! It’s a bunch of planes! And a helicopter too! And the noise is making all the horses go bonkers!
A few things on my mind today ... Earlier this month, I joined the Legislative Committee of the Manatee Chamber of Commerce at its Legislative Lobby Days. Chamber staff was able to procure …
This is the time of year I always feel compelled to remind everyone that the first Thanksgiving took place in Florida . It happened about 50 years before the Pilgrims showed up. The attendees …
The Bradenton Police Department Fill The Truck toy drive returns Saturday, Dec. 16. from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at BPD, 100 10th St. W. Officers and staff will collect new, unwrapped gifts for children …