Wednesday, February 18th, 2026
Good morning, Bradenton. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 18th of February.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Allegiant has added nonstop flights from Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) to Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) operating up to three times weekly. The service will boost travel options for local visitors seeking affordable vacations. The Bradenton Times
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Singer-songwriter Joe Jencks will perform at the Building Bridges Coffeehouse at Manatee UU Fellowship this Saturday night. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with a $20 suggested donation and available refreshments. The Bradenton Times
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Manatee County School Board meeting on Feb. 10 reviewed Career and Technical Education updates, student recognitions, and plans for naming a new high school while approving board travel requests. Public comments stressed later high school start times and improved crossing safety. The Bradenton Times
- ➤ Students at USF Sarasota Manatee say they received an email on Monday about a proposal to transfer the campus and its facilities to New College in Sarasota — leaving them worried about future academic plans. ABC7
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Manatee County Commissioners will review two Mosaic applications today at 9:00 a.m. in BOCC Chambers at the County Administration Building in Bradenton (the proposals update development orders and extend mining timelines at the state’s largest active phosphate mine). The Bradenton Times
- ➤ Manatee County is accepting applications for two animal welfare advisory boards; the Animal Services Advisory Board welcomes residents and the Technical Advisory Board invites partner nominations. Appointments will be made during a public meeting (details forthcoming). The Bradenton Times
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Broc Dahlin from Bayshore High School has become the school's all-time winningest wrestler and was named ABC7 Athlete of the Week. The junior now leads his team and prepares for the state meet (he had only two losses, both to the same opponent) in his quest to set higher standards. ABC7
- ➤ The Dragon Boat Racing League launched on Tuesday, Feb. 17 at Nathan Benderson Park (a local water sports hub), with teams competing to kick off the season. ABC7
- ➤ Pirate Parrot, the Pirates’ mascot, arrived Tuesday at SRQ to kick off spring training; pitchers and catchers reported for practice this morning at Pirate City. The team will play its first game on Saturday against the Baltimore Orioles, marking the season’s countdown. ABC7
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Skyzone Teen Jump Session
1-4:30 p.m. — Lake Vista Recreation Center — Admission required — Experience 90 minutes of unlimited jumping fun tailored for teens aged 11-14.
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Spring Training: Detroit Tigers vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
2:05-6:35 p.m. — LECOM Park — Ticket prices vary — Check out an exciting spring training matchup as the Tigers take on the Pirates.
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Veterans Task Force Meeting
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. — Goodwill Manasota Corporate Office — Free entry — Collaborate on new initiatives to support Veterans and their families.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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