Community Original

BRADENTON-- If you've ever been to a bookstore, chances are you've seen Arcadia Publishing's easily recognizable Images of America Series. The independent publisher has produced thousands of photographic histories for towns all across the United States, using local authors and historians. For its newest entry, Bradenton, journalist Merab Favorite was chosen once again to assemble a pictorial of this Manatee County town, just months after her book on Palmetto hit the shelves in January of 2012.

Favorite is a fifth-generation Manatee County native. The 29-year-old writer grew up on Snead Island and was raised with a deep appreciation for the history of the area.

Arcadia Publishing already had put out a Manatee County edition, which included many of the most famous Bradenton images. Because they don't allow photos to be used in multiple editions, Favorite is on a mission to find original pictures that would do justice to Bradenton's rich history.

Historical photos of prominent people, popular places and relative objects or events are all acceptable submissions for the project. Please email Favorite at favorite.merab@gmail.com if you can help.

About Merab Favorite

Favorite has deep ties to Palmetto. The fifth-generation Palmetto native has ancestors from Terra Ceia Island. Favorite graduated from the University of South Florida were she majored in journalism and is currently pursuing a career in the field of mass media.

In her weekly Bradenton Times column, Sunday Favorites, she shares with readers family tales of fishing trips with mother Bonne’, sailing escapades with father Guy, and camping excursions with her brother Elan. She also features long established aspects of life in Manatee County.

As a journalist, she divides her time between covering the Manatee School Board, Bradenton City Council and local fishing and community interests. She also works part-time for the Palmetto Community Redevelopment Agency, handling PR and video editing.

About Arcadia Publishing’s Images of America Series

The Images of America series chronicles the history of small towns and downtowns across the country. Each title features more than 200 vintage images, capturing often forgotten bygone times and bringing to life the people, places, and events that defined a community.

Local authors transform dusty albums and artifacts into meaningful walks down memory lane. Millions of vintage images become tiny time capsules, re-establishing memories of the formerly familiar, introducing generations to what once was, and reminding us all of what has been (and can be) in every corner of our nation. The popular series has expanded over time to preserve and celebrate additional worthy topics including local landmarks, architecture, ethnic groups, and more.