🌱 Patch AM: How a new DeSoto Bridge could change driving through Bradenton

Be sure to catch Open House - North Port on the Bradenton Patch calendar

Local students recognized for constitution essays

Three Lakewood Ranch High School students are honored for papers

WBTT opens 2026-2027 season with ‘Sophisticated Ladies’

‘Sophisticated Ladies’ is a dazzling, high‑octane celebration of America’s greatest jazz legend, Duke Ellington

🌱 Patch AM: Manatee County Elections 2026 Guide: Candidates, How To Vote

And on the Bradenton Patch calendar - Grand Opening

2026 Bradenton Election Guide: What's On The Ballot

Voters in Manatee County will have a say in gubernatorial, state legislative, U.S. Senate and U.S. House, and local races on Nov. 3.

🌱 Patch AM: Two Men Killed in Bradenton Shooting, Police Say

Spotted on the Bradenton calendar: Grand Opening

Two Men Killed in Bradenton Shooting, Police Say

A double homicide is under investigation in Bradenton after two men were found fatally shot near the end of a dead-end street, police said.

Local filmmaker to document the race for dragon boating gold

Paula Murray/Artefact Design making feature-length film showcasing evolution from breast cancer survivors to elite international athletes

🌱 Patch AM: Bradenton man faces hit-and-run and drug charges after chase.

Make time for Grand Opening on the Bradenton Patch calendar

Local teacher faces multiple challenges

A Lakewood Ranch English teacher returns after missing most of last year due to health issues

Goodwill Manasota, SunCoast Blood Centers partnership saving lives

Summer blood drives hosted at Goodwill locations across the region yields 671 lifesaving blood donations

State College of Florida Nursing Team Presents Webinar on Online Curriculum

SCF Nursing Staff presented the webinar “Navigating the Shift: Implementing the 2025 Johns Hopkins EBP Model into Online Curriculum."

Project Pride SRQ presents the Gulfcoast Pride Festival & Street Party

Event will feature local entertainment, vendors, community resource organizations, kid-friendly activities and food on October 24

🌱 Patch AM: Man Drowns Off Anna Maria Island, Manatee County Sheriff Says

And on the Bradenton Patch calendar - Grand Opening

Forza Wealth Management founder Michael DeMassa recognized as 2026 Five Star Wealth Manager

This is the tenth consecutive year that DeMassa has been honored by Five Star Professional with Five Star recognition in our region

Man Drowns Off Anna Maria Island, Manatee County Sheriff Says

A man drowned after a wave pulled him underwater while swimming off Anna Maria Island, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office said.

🌱 Patch AM: How this Bradenton golf outing will directly help local homeless pets.

Also check out Free Fashion Show for a Cause on the Bradenton Patch calendar

🌱 Patch AM: What deputies say happened in Thursday night’s Bradenton homicide case

And check out Free Fashion Show for a Cause on the Bradenton Patch calendar

Teen Shot Stepfather | Boy Hospitalized After ‘Near-Drowning’ | 4 Injured In 10-Vehicle Crash: FL News

New College Documentary Heads To FL Theaters | Rabies Cases On Rise | 16-Year-Old Charged In Fatal Shooting Of Teen At Dick's House Of Sport

Man Charged With Murder In Bradenton Death, Manatee Sheriff Says

A man was charged with murder after a woman's body was found in Bradenton, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office said.

8-Foot Gator Removed From Backyard Of Manatee County Home: Watch

Watch an alligator trapper remove an 8-foot, 4-inch-long gator from the backyard of a Manatee County home.

Florida Easterseals affiliates collaborate with Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Easterseals Florida and Easterseals Southwest Florida join with Tampa Bay Buccaneers to raise awareness of available programs and services

Downtown Bradenton Restaurant Closing After 10 Years

A downtown Bradenton restaurant is closing its doors for good after 10 years, though a sister location will remain open.

The Harvest Sarasota presents 4th annual Diverse Fest 2026

celebration will feature live performances, food trucks, children’s activities, tabling by area nonprofit organizations, and more

Driver Dead After Crashing Into Semi-Trailer on US 41: FL Troopers

A Wimauma man was killed after a crash with a semi-trailer truck on U.S. 41 in Manatee County, FL Highway Patrol said.

Safe Children Coalition announces 2027 Champions for Children

Child welfare organization will recognize partner organizations, philanthropists during 5th annual Giving Breakfast in March of 2027

Boy, 6, In Critical Condition After ‘Near-Drowning’ In Bradenton: Police

A 6-year-old boy was airlifted to a hospital, where he’s in critical condition, after a “near-drowning” in Bradenton, police said.

Lakewood Ranch High commemorates 9/11 25 years later

The school recognized the day with a school-wide assembly

Man In Jail For Stabbing Teen Charged With Woman’s Murder: Manatee Sheriff

A man already jailed for stabbing a 15-year-old boy faces a new murder charge for the death of a woman in Bradenton, MCSO said.

Two Drivers Critically Injured In Head-On Crash On State Road 70: FL Troopers

Three girls also suffered minor injuries in the State Road 70 crash in Manatee County, FL troopers said.

The Exchange continues its generous support of WBTT

Funding of $35,000 will support Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s 2026-2027 MainStage theatre season and Jazzlinks program

State College of Florida to Present Inferno: SCF Music Faculty on Fire Concert

The SCF Music Program will open its Fall 2026 season with Inferno: SCF Music Faculty on Fire on Sept. 17 at SCF Bradenton. Tickets are $15.

Partial Human Remains Found Near Sunshine Skyway Bridge: Manatee Sheriff

A woman’s partial remains were found near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, and Manatee County deputies are working to identify her.

Lakewood Ranch High wrestling coach earns hall of fame honors

Pat Ancil has a long, successful career at LRHS

"Mustangs Ahead" podcast - Meet Mike Mullen, LRHS's new principal

The latest edition of the Lakewood Ranch High School (LRHS) podcast features an in-depth interview with the school's new leader

$803M Mega Millions Winner Claimed Prize In FL: Reports

A month after winning an $803M Mega Millions jackpot, a winner in FL claimed their prize, reports said.

State College of Florida to Hold 9/11 Memorial Ceremonies  

The community is invited to 9/11 Memorial Ceremonies at State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota in Bradenton and Venice on Sept. 11.

27 Arrests Made, 247 Charges File In Internet Crimes Operation: Manatee Sheriff

A months-long investigation targeting internet-related sexual offenses led to 27 arrests and 247 criminal charges in Manatee County.

Student Arrested For Threatening Staff Member At School: Bradenton Police

A 17-year-old boy was arrested for making a threat under another student’s name against a high school staff member, Bradenton police said.

Bradenton Man Extradited From Hungary To Face Child Exploitation Charge: Police

A Bradenton man fled to Hungary in 2022 after an investigation into suspected child sexual abuse material connected to his home, police said