The Bradenton Public Market will reopen in early October for the new season, bringing fresh produce, handmade goods, and a sense of community back to Old Main Street. One booth in particular has been drawing attention: the Youth Booth. Now heading into its third season, this creative initiative was the brainchild of Market Manager Heather Empsall.
“I wanted to include kids in the entrepreneurial process,” Empsall explains. “But there were obstacles like permits, licenses, and insurance that...
This year marks a golden milestone for The Pops Orchestra of Bradenton and Sarasota: its 50th anniversary season. For half a century, The Pops has delivered on its promise of Music You Love, Musicians You Know, uniting the region’s finest professional musicians, community players, and promising young talent on stages across Manatee and Sarasota counties.
At the helm of this celebratory season is Dr. Robyn Bell, who has led the orchestra for 15 years with charisma, creativity, and an...
Mote Aquarium Closes City Island Doors, Looks Ahead to Big Move
It’s the end of an era for City Island as Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium closed to the public on July 6. Locals turned out in big numbers for one last visit, and for those who grew up here, a chance to remember field trips and favorite marine creatures. While you won’t be able to stroll the old galleries anymore, Mote’s research work is still going strong behind the scenes as they get ready for an exciting new chapter.
That...
It’s hard to believe we are halfway through the year. Here are highlights from the past quarter.
SeaFlower Master-Planned Community Breaks Ground
A new chapter began on Bradenton’s west side as construction kicked off for SeaFlower, an impressive 1,175-acre development. The former flower farm near Palma Sola will be transformed into a vibrant, master-planned community. The project will include over 4,000 homes that range from single-family residences to senior housing, along with hotels,...
It’s hard to believe the first quarter of 2025 is already behind us! A lot has been happening in Bradenton and the surrounding areas. Here’s a look at some of the biggest highlights from the past few months.
SRQ’s New Concourse A Takes Off with a Surprise—A Custom Allegiant Aircraft
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) has officially unveiled its highly anticipated Concourse A, but the grand opening came with an exciting twist — a one-of-a-kind Allegiant Air aircraft celebrating our...
If you know a young person eager to develop leadership skills, connect with like-minded peers, and grow through hands-on experiences, the Bradenton Kiwanis Key Leader Camp is now accepting applications! This dynamic, life-changing event will take place from March 7 to 9, 2025, at Camp Flying Eagle in Bradenton.
Key Leader is more than just a leadership workshop; it’s a transformative weekend retreat designed to foster service leadership, social skills, and personal growth in middle and high...
It’s been a wild ride these past few months. With back-to-back hurricanes, everyone is recovering, rebuilding is immense but the community continues to come together to bring Bradenton and surrounding areas back to their former glory, if not better. Here are a few things that have happened recently in the Bradenton area.
Manatee Memorial Hospital Opens New ER at Palma Sola
Residents of western Bradenton and nearby barrier islands, recently impacted by two hurricanes, now have convenient access...
Tampa Bay resident Kevin Newsome knows a thing or two about tenacity and dedication, especially after hiking the Appalachian Trail, which encompassed 2193.10 miles, and took Newsome through 14 states on foot. Taking 171 days to complete, his hike started at Amicalola Falls in Georgia, which is eight miles south of the official trail start at Springer Mountain. But the journey really began in Tampa three years before his adventure.
In 2018, Newsome walked into a bookstore where hiker and author...
Situated on Old Main Street in Bradenton, the City Hall is an unassuming yet charming Spanish-style structure on sprawling four-plus acres of prime, not to mention valuable city, and riverfront real estate. Sharing the building with the Bradenton Police department, City Hall services the public in the epicenter of what is Bradenton.
That is all set to change. After much deliberation, the city council has decided to put the City Hall and the property it sits on up for sale. This includes the...
An oceanfront farm-to-fork dining experience
Set against the azure blue waters and white sands on the Gulf of Mexico, The Beach House serves up an unexpected dining experience. The picturesque setting provides the perfect backdrop for a memorable meal.
When you enter the property, you instantly sense that you have arrived somewhere special. The low-profile mid-century style building is unassuming yet welcoming. Take a moment to notice the sign outside that lists the suppliers and partners who...
An Overview of Bradenton’s Recent Events
With the scorching days of summer fading into memory soon, anticipation is building in Bradenton for the impending arrival of fall, along with the promise of more temperate weather. As we eagerly await this seasonal transition, let’s look at the developments that have unfolded over the past quarter in this growing area.
Farewell to Mixon Fruit Farm
A sentimental farewell was bid to Mixon Fruit Farm, an establishment that had enriched the community...
A net-zero waterfront community in historic Cortez.
Nestled within Cortez’s charming historic fishing village, Hunters Point is a trailblazing achievement – a net-zero waterfront community that seamlessly merges sustainable living with picturesque aesthetics. When looking at this unique neighborhood, one is immediately struck by the stately tall structures that utilize a smaller footprint by going vertical. Two stories set on top of the garage make an efficient use of space. Painted in subtle...
An Overview of Bradenton’s Recent Events
BY SHELLY WEST
As we step further into the new year, bundled up against the lingering winter chill, the Bradenton area is already abuzz with notable developments. From exciting new projects to much-anticipated openings, the community is bustling with activity and looking forward to a year packed with progress.
Links on Fire
What an exciting way to start their 100th year! Bradenton Country Club hosted the LPGA Drive-One Tour Championship over the last...
Boise has many dazzling and magical activities for the entire family to enjoy in our community during the holiday season. With so many holiday-related events, festivals, bazaars and displays to experience, it can be hard to find the balance between celebrating and feeling overwhelmed. It takes some planning and prioritizing, but making time for family, friends and cherished traditions is what makes the holiday season “the most wonderful time of the year.” When it comes to planning your...
Tucked away in an unassuming strip mall in Boise, once you step inside Taste Asian Fusion Bistro located at 1473 S. Five Mile Road, you are instantly transported to another land that is bursting with complex medleys of flavors.
Taste Boise isn’t just about the flavor though, it's about the experience.
Officially opened earlier this year, Taste is the third restaurant that co-owners Fon Tavijaroen and Toffee Dullaphan operate in the Boise metro area.
Having graduated with her master's degree in...
Sometimes you need just to unplug and indulge in your own company. One great way to find solitude and reconnect with yourself is to sneak away, but let's keep it local.
Start your adventure early on a Friday morning by taking a stroll downtown Boise and enjoy the sights of the quaint State’s capital city, making sure to stop by the Capitol building located at 700 W. Jefferson Street. The beautiful white structure’s most notable feature is a domed roof with a bronze eagle perched on top. The...
Just a short drive from Boise via Highway 20, adventure awaits at The Retreat, Links & Spa at Silvies Valley Ranch.
Nestled in Silvies Valley halfway between Boise and Bend, the special destination is well worth the drive. From Boise, it is a mere 3 1/2-hour jaunt, and the more adventurous can shave forty-five minutes off the drive by taking the turn at the little town of Drewsey. Sitting along the main stem of the Malheur River, the once thriving town with a rich and colorful past is now...
The holiday season is now upon us, and it is when we take a moment to reflect on our blessings and give thanks. Although this holiday season might look slightly different this year at Chandlers Steakhouse and Fine Seafood Restaurant in Boise, they are ready to embrace the changes. Their commitment to maintaining celebrations with families is just as strong this year as it has been every year for the last twenty years. To accommodate their patrons' needs, Chandlers will be offering extended...
“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” Audrey Hepburn.
Family owned and operated, Edwards Greenhouse has been serving Boise residents since 1930. Their history is as rich as the soil in which they grow their plants. Edwards Greenhouse started as a vegetable farm in the early days, delivering their crops door-to-door, and has now become a long-standing nursery and greenhouse. Edwards represents stability and tradition in an ever-changing world.
Garnette, who has been running Edwards...