Friday, March 20th, 2026
Good morning, Bradenton. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 20th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The local fishing piers are set to begin construction soon to upgrade waterfront facilities — officials announced the project on Mar. 19. The improvements aim to boost safety and ease access for anglers. ABC7
- ➤ John Olin Carlock, a dedicated educator and coach, died peacefully on March 10. A memorial gathering is set for March 28 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel in Bradenton to honor his legacy. The Bradenton Times
- ➤ Golf Coast Drive will be held at Coquina Beach on April 13 — featuring longest drive and closest-to-the-pin contests, a youth clinic with First Tee, and a sunset showdown before the Senior PGA Championship. Manatee County
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Across the U.S., firms increase capital spending on facilities, equipment and tech to support long term growth— a trend that shows up here as new projects and job opportunities in Bradenton and Manatee County. Economic experts say rising investments signal confidence that could expand local infrastructure and the workforce in the near future. The Bradenton Times
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ BAM!Fest, a free festival (featuring live music, interactive art and local vendors), will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on March 28 along the Manatee River. Attendees will see environmental exhibits and comic art displays across multiple Riverwalk locations. The Bradenton Times
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Gov. Ron DeSantis today announced plans to extend Pinellas County’s fishing pier and replace Manatee County’s side at the iconic Sunshine Skyway Bridge — the project aims to restore the spot after years of neglect. ABC7
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Dream Spring Fling
11 a.m. - 8 p.m. — 13th AV Dream Center — Free entry — Experience a vibrant community gathering with music, food, and fun for all ages.
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Lakewood Ranch Rockstar Connect Networking Event
6-8 p.m. — Ed's Tavern Lakewood Ranch — Free entry — Connect with your community and build authentic relationships over an evening of storytelling and laughter.
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BAM!Fest 2026
11 AM – 7 PM — Riverwalk — Free entry — Experience a vibrant display of art and live music from talented local students along the Bradenton Riverwalk.
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Bonsai & Brews Workshop
7-9 p.m. — Sun King Sarasota — Ticket purchase required — Craft your own bonsai tree while enjoying local brews in a hands-on workshop experience.
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Easter Brunch Buffet
10 a.m.-3 p.m. — GROVE — Adults: $70+, Children under 10: $25++ — Delight in a festive Easter buffet with seasonal favorites and a special visit from the Easter Bunny.
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The Elvis Presley Experience
2-5 p.m. — Manatee Performing Arts Center — Tickets required — Relive the electrifying legacy of Elvis Presley with this dynamic tribute concert featuring his greatest hits.
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Healthy Kids Running Series Spring 2026
3:30-4:30 p.m. — Tom Bennett Park — Free entry — Engage in a fun five-week running program promoting health and teamwork for kids in the community.
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Senior PGA Championship
8 a.m. — The Concession Golf Club — Check website for ticket info — Experience the thrill of major championship golf on Florida’s West Coast.
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City of Sarasota Tree Giveaway
10 AM – 2 PM — The Bay Park — Free canopy tree — Celebrate good environmental practices and take home a free tree.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The graveyard is the richest place on earth, because it is here that you will find all the hopes and dreams that were never fulfilled.
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Bradenton
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