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🌱 Patch AM: Why 22 American flags now line the Green Bridge for Bradenton drivers

Also, don’t miss 2026 International Astronomy Day on the Bradenton Patch calendar

Friday April 24th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Morning Bradenton! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☕️️

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In today's newsletter:

  • Why 22 American flags now line the Green Bridge for Bradenton drivers
  • See what’s new inside Bradenton’s massively expanded Herrig Center for the Arts
  • Former Bradenton officer’s child abuse case takes a new turn

Also on today's calendar: 2026 International Astronomy Day and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What is something you always have, but also leave behind? 🤔 (Answer below!)


Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Partly sunny, with a high of 84 and low of 66 degrees.
  • Saturday: Partly sunny, a stray t-storm, temps: high: 84, low: 67.
  • Sunday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 85 and low of 68 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. American Flags Line Green Bridge in Tribute to Patriotism, Community and a Beloved Father (mysuncoast.com) — If you drive between Bradenton and Palmetto, those new American flags lining the Green Bridge are a long-term tribute to patriotism, veterans and a beloved local father. Led by Palmetto resident Shannon Glasgow with support from Bradenton’s mayor, the 22 flagpoles honor veterans lost to suicide and celebrate community pride across Manatee County.    

2. Herrig Center for the Arts expansion brings new life to Bradenton's community (baynews9.com) — Bradenton’s newly expanded Herrig Center for the Arts has officially opened, tripling its size and adding classrooms, gallery space, and a community event area. The former ArtCenter Manatee now plans more classes, concerts, and a sculpture garden, aiming to become an even bigger hub for local artists, families, and visitors.    

3. Former Bradenton police officer released from jail after felony child abuse charge (mysuncoast.com) — A former Bradenton police officer accused of felony child abuse has been released from jail after being booked on a Hillsborough County warrant. The officer, fired from the Bradenton Police Department, is under investigation by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, with no further details yet available.    

4. Francis Mauigoa jacket, explained: Miami prospect brings Samoan heritage to 2026 NFL Draft (sportingnews.com) — Bradenton gets a brief shout-out as the training ground where top NFL prospect Francis Mauigoa attended IMG Academy before starring at the University of Miami and heading to the 2026 draft. The story focuses on how his custom draft-night jacket honors his American Samoa roots, explaining the cultural symbols and his journey from a small island town to football’s biggest stage.    


📸 Around Bradenton

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🪧 Patch Classifieds

  • Heritage Harbour - Short Sale Opportunity
    Short Sale. **SELLERS VERY MOTIVATED, MASSIVE PRICE REDUCTION** Luxury Living in Heritage Harbour’s Stoneybrook Neighborhood. Experience refined... (More info)

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Project Pride SRQ names interim executive director —Sharon Kunkel Read on Patch
  • Goodwill Manasota fetes 2026 Community Ambassadors of the Year —Sharon Kunkel Read on Patch
  • First Tee Sarasota/Manatee to present ‘Sip & Shop’ at J.McLaughlin on May 2 —Sharon Kunkel Read on Patch
  • FOUND!!!!!!
    He came home and he’s fine!!!! So happy. Lost Cat - 16th Ave W between 34th st and 32nd at. He normally comes home before dark and didn’t show up… (Nextdoor Old Bradenton)
  • FOUND 3 horses in Panther Ridge.
    Safe in my pasture. Reported to Sherrifs Office. 941 773 6025 (Nextdoor Panther Ridge)
  • Unique Homes & Lumber posted a job opening for Housekeeper - No Experience Required in Bradenton. Apply here.
  • The Guitar Center posted a job opening for Music Teacher Store 782 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: Footprints. (Thank you LAURIE T. for sending it in!)Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!


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