Thief Does 'Something Stupid For A Snickers Bar': Cops | Patch PM

Survey: Should FL mask up? | Snickers craving leads to arrest | $15K reward | Child porn arrest | Food bank needs volunteers: Patch PM

Manatee County Government: Manatee County Seeks Public Input In Developing Mobility Plan

Manatee County Transportation Planning Division is seeking public input for a Mobility Plan.

Manatee High School’s Preseason Friday Football Game Canceled

The school’s preseason football game at Tampa Bay Tech Friday was canceled because of increasing COVID-19 cases, reports said.

Partial Lockdown In Place At Manatee County Jail Because Of COVID

As of Wednesday, 75 inmates at Manatee County Jail are COVID-19 positive, the most at one time since the start of the pandemic, MCSO said.

Concern Grows About Rainfall Capacity At Piney Point: FDEP

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection worries there could be another contaminated wastewater leak at Piney Point.

Neighborhood Enhancement Grant Funding Still Available

Seven neighborhood projects —​ from landscaping to installing security cameras —​ have been approved in Manatee County so far this year.

Pedestrian Hit, Killed By SUV In Bradenton Monday Night: FHP

An SUV hit and killed a 26-year-old Sarasota man crossing US Highway 301 in Bradenton, the Florida Highway Patrol said.

World’s Largest Solar-Powered Battery Being Built In Parrish

Crews recently installed the first batteries for FL Power and Light’s Manatee Energy Storage Center, which will have a 409 MW capacity.

School Mask Mandate With Opt-Out Provision Approved In Manatee

Manatee County School Board approved a temporary mask mandate with an opt-out provision for all students, employees in a 3-2 vote.

SUV Driver Killed In Collision With Truck In Myakka City: FHP

A 33-year-old man was killed in a head-on crash on State Road 64 near County Road 675, Florida Highway Patrol said.

Hospitalized County Commissioner Battling COVID-19: Report

Fully vaccinated Manatee County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge hospitalized with coronavirus, reports said.

Business News: Pet Sale Ban Approved, Free Business Grants

Other Tampa Bay-area business news: Home Depot builds furniture for homeless veterans, retailers require masks, high-density housing protest

Lakewood Ranch High offers new relaxation room

The facility is the result of efforts by a senior girl scout.

Officials Take Baby Into Custody From 'Idol' Singer: Reports

Media sources say Manatee County deputies took a newborn baby into custody Wednesday from a former "American Idol" singer and her partner.

Manatee School Board Weighs Mask Mandate With Opt Out Provision

The Manatee County School Board will consider a temporary mask mandate for students on Monday, with the ability to opt out.

Manatee Libraries Close Temporarily Due To COVID-19 Spread

All library locations are closed August 13-23, according to an announcement on the library website.

Manatee County Government: Manatee County Closely Monitors Tropical Depression Fred As It Approaches Florida This Weekend

MANATEE COUNTY, FLA. (Aug. 12, 2021) -- Emergency Management and Public Safety officials are urging Manatee County residents to monitor ...

Sandbags Available For Manatee Co., Bradenton Residents

Local officials say coastal and low lying areas of Manatee County could experience temporary flooding if the storm brings heavy rain.

Manatee Co. Schools Re-Implement Some COVID-19 Procedures

The district encourages everyone to wear masks when indoors, and encourages those who are able to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

FL Lottery Winners Include $2.3M Cash, New Truck | Patch PM

2 big lottery wins | Tropical Storm Fred's path | Tea shop's 1-year party | Jazz fest lineup | Red tide warnings | Amazon station: Patch PM

Home Prices In Bradenton Area Increased Recently

National home prices are have surged over the past year; The Bradenton area was no exception.

Here4YOUth investment will support families, retain case managers

Grant to Safe Children Coalition will support case managers, provide foster parent appreciation and family reunification events

Incentives For Bradenton Garbage Truck Drivers Approved: Report

Both new and existing employees with a commercial drivers license will be eligible.

Bradenton resident with dementia makes her voice heard

Deborah Jobe joins National Alzheimer's Association Early-Stage Advisory Group

No Decision On Mask Mandate From Manatee School Board

Face masks remain optional for Manatee County students in schools and on buses.

Bradenton Woman Gets 18 Months For Collecting Dead Mom's Benefits

Tekia Middleton was sentenced to 18 months in prison and was ordered to pay $51,755 in restitution, according to court records.

Pet Sale Ban In Manatee County Will Start August 2022

A ban on pet sales affects businesses that sell cats and dogs for profit. Animal welfare groups and shelters can still facilitate adoptions.

Teen Put In Reverse Chokehold Until They Were Unconscious: Police

A juvenile detention sergeant has been charged with child abuse after putting a 15-year-old in a reverse chokehold, Bradenton police said.

More Than 100 Jobs To Be Filled At Manatee County Hiring Expo

Manatee County will hold a hiring expo Aug. 26 at the Bradenton Area Convention Center. Jobs could be offered on the spot.

Mask-Only Classrooms A Possibility In Manatee County

Many parents spoke in favor of a stricter district mask policy at Manatee County School Board's Monday special meeting.

COVID-19 Testing Site Reopens At Bradenton Area Convention Center

The COVID-19 testing site at the Bradenton Area Convention Center closed in May and is reopening as coronavirus cases surge in Florida.

Bradenton Golfer Nelly Korda Brings Home Olympic Gold

Golfer Nelly Korda of Bradenton won a gold medal for Team USA at the Tokyo Summer Olympics Saturday.

Back To School: Manatee County’s 2021-22 School Calendar

Everything parents, students in Bradenton need to know about the first day of school Tuesday, including COVID-1p protocols, important dates.

Major Retailers Requiring Masks In Florida: See The List

Following new CDC guidance on face coverings, many retailers are once again directing employees and customers to mask up.

Musical Theater School Expands, More Than Doubling Its Space

Ovation School of Musical Theatre has expanded its space in the Braden River Plaza. The school hosts an open house Saturday.

Bradenton-Area Unemployment Rate Increased In June: Feds

But national figures point to a rebound when local data for July becomes available next month.

FDEP Sues Piney Point Owners For Contaminated Wastewater Breach

The Florida Department of Environmental Protections has filed a lawsuit against HRK Holdings, owner of the Piney Point site.

DeSantis Blames Biden, Immigrants For Florida’s COVID Surge

The governor also promised Florida would remain “a free state,” rather than “a biomedical security state” with mandates, lockdowns.

Runaway Teenage Boy Missing From Bradenton Since July 27: Police

The family of 16-year-old Latrell Ashley said he’s currently in Hudson, Florida, the Bradenton Police Department said.

Woman Who Stole Car, Drove Into Deputy Sentenced: Sheriff

A 23-year-old woman who stole a car, drove into deputy in January was sentenced to 25 years in the FL Department of Corrections, MCSO said.