Good morning, Bradenton.

Southern Manatee Fire Rescue mourned the loss of off-duty firefighter Justin Markey, who died of natural causes on Jan.

1. He served over 17 years with the department (a respected community member), and details for his memorial service will be shared soon.

Owners of a beach shop in Cortez asked for local support to keep their business open after the 2024 storm season caused heavy losses.

The shop, located next to Slickers eatery, warned it may close next month without community help + a swift turnaround.

Justin Layman, a Sarasota singer/songwriter blending folk, rock and R&B, will perform live at Cortez Kitchen, a waterfront seafood restaurant known for fresh catches and strong cocktails.

The musician, a member of The Curious Bedfellows, has recorded three original albums (Almost There, 02 03 Ten, You Shouldn't Look Like That).

Chad Tallman — a New York native guitarist who plays rock, pop and jazz from the 1930s to 1960s — brings his diverse sound to Bradenton at Wicked Cantina, where locals can enjoy his music in a venue known for authentic Austin style Tex Mex.

Local actors brought a story of friendship to life in The Tailor Near Me (debuted Jan.

6), captivating the community with a fresh, engaging performance. Additional details about upcoming shows and venue will be shared soon.

Students are back today as Manatee County schools open Controlled Open Enrollment until Jan.

30, letting families request school assignments via a lottery. The STEM & School Choice Showcases run on Jan. 24 at 10:00 a.m. at the Bradenton Area Convention Center (fair tickets available).

Jerrod Long, a junior star basketball player at Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School, is recognized as ABC7 Athlete of the Week and has helped lead the Falcons to a 9-3 start (coach Kevin Sutton praised his leadership and work ethic).

He excels academically with a 4.2 GPA and intends to lead on the court while preparing for college.

The Ultimate Elvis Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — SCF Neel Performing Arts Center — Ticketed event — Experience an unrivaled multimedia tribute to Elvis Presley featuring champion tribute artist Cote Deonath and The Infinit-E Tribute Band.

Fiorelli Wine Run 5k

9 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. — Fiorelli Winery — Registration fees apply — Combine your love for running and wine in this fun 5k race.

Lifeworks in Photography: A Lecture with Clyde Butcher

6 PM-12 AM — The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature — Free entry — Discover the journey of Clyde Butcher's photographic life intertwined with America's wild landscapes.

24th Annual Manatee River Run 5 Mile State Championship

8:00-9:30 a.m. — Emerson Point Preserve — Registration fee applies — Compete in a scenic 5-mile race along the beautiful Manatee River.