Good morning, Bradenton.

The Bradenton Police Department is preparing for a busy weekend from Friday, Feb.

20 to Sunday, Feb. 22 with a regatta kickoff featuring live music and fireworks at Rossi Park, a full day of races and road closures on Feb. 21, plus a Pirates Spring Training opener at LECOM Park.

CAVA opened its first restaurant at 805 Lighthouse Drive, Suite 101 in Bradenton on Friday, Feb.

13, serving Mediterranean-inspired bowls + pitas daily from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and planning to hire 25 to 40 local employees.

Wendy’s will open two new restaurants in Manatee County this month at 12035 US-301 N (Parrish) and 8215 Moccasin Wallow Rd (Palmetto), creating about 60 jobs.

The locations will feature a sleek new design and offer ordering via the Wendy’s app, drive-thru, and delivery.

The School Board invites community nominations for a new high school under construction in Lakewood Ranch (near Post Boulevard and Rangeland Parkway).

The campus will open in August 2027 for 9th and 10th graders and add grades in subsequent years; nominations close Friday, April 10.

USF students and professors developed a red powder that kills red tide algae in 24 hours.

The safe, reusable compound may be formed into nets for easy water treatment (research shows it is low-cost).

Over the past week, samples from Northwest and the East Coast have shown red tide with only background levels of K. brevis (no fish kills were reported).

Satellite imagery from USF and NOAA NCCOS is tracking water conditions while the next status report comes Friday, Feb. 20.

Local representatives in Tallahassee may add an amendment to current bills to block new dredging near Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve if a proposal for a major cruise port moves forward.

Community members oppose the plan (arguing it risks wetlands and traffic) and urge lawmakers to protect local natural resources.

A 1912 home restored over seven years has been listed for sale near Curry Park.

The owner uncovered W.V. Curry’s handwritten proposal (dating back to 1909), proving the property’s historical ties to the local legacy.

Nick Gonzales from the Pirates will miss parts of Bradenton spring training to join Team Mexico in the World Baseball Classic; his first game is set for March 6 at Houston’s Daikin Park (he looks forward to representing his family’s heritage).

70's Game Show Night

6-7 p.m. — Art Ovation Hotel, Autograph Collection — Free entry — Enjoy a groovy, interactive improv game show that brings back retro favorites with all the fun and laughter.

Keith Allynn and Carpenters Once More

2-3 p.m. — Manatee Performing Arts Center — Ticketed event — Enjoy the melodies of Keith Allynn paying tribute to the timeless Carpenters hits.

Micro Wrestling Federation Event

7-9 p.m. — Sun Lab Brewing Company — Tickets required — Catch exciting wrestling action featuring Micro Too and a lineup of entertaining characters.

Safety Jam at SCF Bradenton

10 AM – 2 PM — State College of Florida - SCF Bradenton — Free entry — Family-friendly event featuring health exhibits, food trucks, and live music.

Michael Palascak Live Comedy Night

8-11 p.m. — Oscura Live — $20-30 — Enjoy the sharp wit and likable charm of comedian Michael Palascak with special guest Wes Johnson.

SuperHeroes Run 5K/10K/13.1

7:30 AM — Riverwalk — Registration fees vary — Celebrate your inner superhero with a fun run for all ages and paces.

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Atlanta Braves

2:05 – 9:05 PM — LECOM Park — Free trial available — Catch the Atlanta Braves take on the Pittsburgh Pirates live at LECOM Park in Florida.

Paws in Motion Walk-a-thon & Festival

9 AM – 1 PM — Riverwalk — Registration fees apply — Enjoy a fun-filled day of pet-friendly activities with a leisurely walk and festival atmosphere.

Sunday Night with Eddie Tobin

6 p.m. — Amore Restaurant — Enjoy a night of music featuring jazz, blues, and more by Eddie Tobin, former music director for Engelbert Humperdinck.