Hey there, Bradenton! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: 🌸💕FREE $1000 PERMANENT MAKEUP Raffle Grand opening CC STYLING STUDIOS 10 year re-grand opening🌸 and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: What did the Buffalo say when his son left? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. This Week in Local Government: 8/23/26 (thebradentontimes.com) — Bradenton residents have a busy week of local government ahead, with the Manatee County Commission, Manatee School Board, and Bradenton City Council all meeting in downtown Bradenton. The listing includes exact times and locations for each session, helping you track decisions that affect local schools, services, and city policies.
2. A look at who will be on the local November ballot (thebradentontimes.com) — Bradenton voters can now see exactly who will appear on their November ballot, from Bradenton City Council wards to Manatee County Commission, School Board, and key state and congressional races. The rundown lists each local contest and candidate, helping you start researching platforms well before you head to the polls.
3. Palma Sola Bay doesn't meet state bacteria standards (thebradentontimes.com) — Bradenton-area swimmers and boaters should know Palma Sola Bay currently fails Florida's bacteria standards and may soon require a formal pollution cleanup plan. Suncoast Waterkeeper's local sampling shows repeated enterococci exceedances where people actually swim, even as state health testing near the causeway pier reports cleaner results. Regulators are now assessing the bay's status through 2026 before deciding next steps.
4. Mega Millions winning numbers as jackpot hits $130 million for Aug. 25 (palmbeachpost.com) — Bradenton briefly takes center stage in the lottery world, with a Wawa here having sold the $800 million Mega Millions ticket that kicked off the current jackpot run. No one matched all six numbers in the latest drawing, so the prize climbs to $130 million for Tuesday, Aug. 25. Local players can still try their luck while remembering just how big a win Bradenton already produced.
5. Emerson Point Preserve: A Hidden Stop Between Bradenton and Anna Maria Island, Florida (onlyinyourstate.com) — If you're driving between Bradenton and Anna Maria Island, there's a free, history-rich escape you're probably passing right by. Emerson Point Preserve in nearby Palmetto offers shaded hiking trails, kayak launches, birdwatching, and the ancient Portavant Temple Mound, all just a short, easy drive from downtown Bradenton and managed by Manatee County.
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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: Bison! (Thank you Judy M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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