Good morning, Bradenton.

Supporters held the 'Justice for Renee Nicole Good' rally in Bradenton on Friday, Jan.

9 to demand accountability from local officials (organizers emphasized community concerns need an urgent response).

Teacher vacancies across the Suncoast show a slight decline, yet Manatee County still has 66 unfilled teaching roles at the start of this school year.

District officials say recruitment is ongoing + educators express concern over retention in classrooms and growing support staff shortages amid budget shifts.

Officials reported red tide was detected in 20 Gulf Coast samples over the past week, with high blooms in four NW Florida samples.

Satellite imagery from USF+NOAA NCCOS shows variable water movement, and the next update is scheduled Friday, Jan. 16, with no fish kills or respiratory issues reported.

Florida Forest Service officials report the entire state is dry with the Myakka River District measuring 650 to 665 on the drought index, and Sarasota canceled prescribed burn demos for Fire Fest on Jan.

24 as wildfire training increases (daily updates follow).

Manatee County officials conducted a prescribed burn at Emerson Point Preserve on Friday morning to lower wildfire risk amid dry conditions in the region (approved by the Florida Forest Service) and advise residents to clear brush around homes to prevent fire spread.

Florida officials warned parents on Friday after testing 24 infant formulas revealed heavy metals in 16 samples — the results were posted online and First Lady Casey DeSantis urged independent checks to drive accountability.

Mason Montgomery joins the Pirates’ bullpen as spring training at Pirate City in Bradenton begins in about one month.

The 25-year-old former starter aims to lower his ERA—his shift to relief is seen as a fresh start for his pitching career.

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.