Good morning, Bradenton.

Palmetto city leaders are working to refresh the downtown and riverfront while preserving its small-town charm.

The Community Redevelopment Agency hosted an open house to discuss upcoming projects for housing, dining, and business support, with plans to rebrand the city to attract more visitors.

A new connector linking segments of Legacy Trail opened last night in Bradenton, easing access for walkers and bikers.

Local officials say the continuous path will spur safe outdoor recreation — a boost for community activity.

Yesterday, a passerby called local deputies who freed an alligator caught in a soccer net near Greyhawk Landing — officials said the reptile was released into its pond and joked it might have switched sports after a Gators loss.

County government and the school district will upgrade the park at Martha B.

King Middle School with new pickleball courts, a playground, improved walkways, a pavilion and native landscaping. The project will break ground in a couple of weeks and is expected to finish in early 2027.

Martha B. King Middle Park in Bradenton is set for a major facelift as local leaders plan renovations to boost playgrounds, landscaping & seating areas, with work starting this month and expected to finish by summer.

Drake Milligan, a rising star in classic Country and Rock music, will perform at Joyland Dance and Concert Hall (a local favorite for live music and dancing) in Sarasota.

The venue hosts live music every Friday and Saturday.

Mote Marine received accreditation on Mar.

26, affirming its high standards in marine research and education. The milestone confirms the center's commitment to advanced scientific work in the community.

The Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council is launching Project Phoenix to help small businesses prepare for a worst-case hurricane scenario with full-day tabletop exercises.

The Manatee County exercise will be held on April 24 at the Manatee County Emergency Operations Center in Bradenton (9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.).

Johnson, a dog rescued by Manatee County Animal Welfare after a cord became embedded in his neck and caused severe wounds, is recovering following emergency surgery and has begun early heartworm treatment (care included blood transfusions and close monitoring).

First Tee Sarasota/Manatee is hosting a free Junior Golf Clinic on Saturday, April 4 at 2 p.m. at Lakewood National Golf Club during the LECOM Suncoast Classic, where kids will get Q&A sessions with Korn Ferry Tour players and free admission & freebies for the first 100 attendees.

Don Kelly concluded spring training on Monday at LECOM Park in Bradenton when the Pirates welcomed the Atlanta Braves, and he now prepares for Opening Day in New York.

Bradentucky Bombers face New Jax City Rollers on Saturday at Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex.

Doors open at 4:30 p.m. with advance tickets at $10 and door tickets at $15, while children (ages six and under free) can attend without charge.

Local tennis coach Felipe Alarcon earned the PTR High School Coach Of The Year award as his Saint Stephens team rose from last place to district champions.

His brother Andres helped Michael Mmoh win an ATP Challenger title on March 22; Mmoh will play next month at IMG Academy.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Mark Solo Acoustic Evening

7-11 p.m. — Freckled Fin Irish Pub — Free entry — Enjoy acoustic classics from the 70s and 80s with a soulful twist by Mark Solo.

Yates McKendree Live Performance

7-10 p.m. — Cottonmouth Southern Soul Kitchen — Ticket prices vary — Experience the Grammy-winning talent of Yates McKendree in a soulful evening of music.

Acoustic Thunder Live

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Freckled Fin Irish Pub — Free entry — Dance the night away with high-energy music and all-request tunes from Acoustic Thunder.