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🌱 Patch AM: Semi-Truck Driver Killed In Hit-And-Run Crash On I-75: FL Troopers

Be sure to catch Gather with Bolt Fans at Your Local Hooters During Playoffs Games on the Bradenton Patch calendar

Tuesday April 21st Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Good day Bradenton! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☀️

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In today's newsletter:

  • Troopers seek Mustang driver after fatal I-75 hit-and-run
  • What we know about the early-morning Bradenton arcade shooting suspect
  • See what Bradenton’s growing arts hub is building for 2027 and beyond

Also on today's calendar: Gather with Bolt Fans at Your Local Hooters During Playoffs Games and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Why do cows have hooves and not feet? 🤔 (Answer below!)


Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: Partly sunny and breezy, with a high of 86 and low of 61 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Wednesday: Partly sunny and nice, temps: high: 83, low: 64.
  • Thursday: Partly sunny and nice, with a high of 81 and low of 64 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Semi-Truck Driver Killed In Hit-And-Run Crash On I-75: FL Troopers (patch.com) — A deadly hit-and-run crash on I-75 near the State Road 64 interchange in Manatee County shut down southbound lanes after a semi-truck overturned, killing its driver. Troopers say a black Ford Mustang triggered a chain reaction with a Chevy Trailblazer before fleeing south, and they’re asking Bradenton-area drivers with dashcam footage or information to contact FHP or Manatee County Crime Stoppers.    

2. Masked man shoots customer in Manatee County arcade holdup, deputies say (bradenton.com) — A customer was shot multiple times during an armed robbery early Monday at the Mega Arcade on U.S. 41 in the Bradenton area, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies say a masked man demanded cash, opened fire when one customer resisted, and then fled after a manager fired a shot toward him; the suspect remains at large.    

3. Manatee Theater Expands With New Building (sarasotamagazine.com) — Bradenton’s Manatee Performing Arts Center is adding a four-story Sara’s Studios building to create more rehearsal rooms, music studios, and space for local ensembles like The Pops Orchestra of Bradenton and Sarasota. The expansion will also boost youth and adult theater programs and support a packed 2026-27 season, giving local performers and students more chances to learn, rehearse, and perform close to home.    

4. Pedestrian safety systems being added to several Manatee County drawbridges (mysuncoast.com) — Pedestrians and cyclists around Bradenton should expect new safety detection systems on three Manatee County drawbridges, with intermittent sidewalk and lane closures during installation. Nighttime lane closures from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. will continue until late spring as FDOT crews complete the upgrades.    

5. Sarasota, Manatee roundup: Flag football, beach volleyball districts start (heraldtribune.com) — Bradenton-area sports fans can follow district flag football and beach volleyball action this week, with Bradenton Christian set for a beach volleyball district semifinal on Thursday. The roundup also tracks Manatee, Palmetto, Lakewood Ranch, Parrish, and other local high school teams as they chase titles across multiple districts from April 20–25.    


📸 Around Bradenton

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Safe Children Coalition Foundation closes out Youth Shelter Campaign —Sharon Kunkel Read on Patch
  • SCF Manatees Baseball Alumnus Joins Tampa Bay Rays Organization, Ranked No. 7 Prospect —State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota Read on Patch
  • LOST PUPPY!!
    His name is Fergus and he is 11 months old and weighs about 7lbs. He got out of the fenced yard early this afternoon. He doesn't have his collar on… (Nextdoor Upper Manatee River Rd)
  • LOST POMERANIAN!
    Lost on Goldenrod in greyhawk landing. Posting for a sweet neighbor that is looking. It’s a white Pomeranian. https://neighbors.ring.com/n/Or3NqgvfmZ (Nextdoor Greyhawk Landing)
  • Oshkosh Corp. posted a job opening for Automotive Assembler - 2nd Shift ($20.45+ per hr +$2 shift diff) in Bradenton. Apply here.
  • The Fresh Market posted a job opening for Produce & Floral Lead in Bradenton. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Bradenton here.

Ok Bradenton! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: They lactose! (Thank you Courtney S. for sending it in!)Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!


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