Good morning, Bradenton.

The Gulf Islands Ferry has added the Manatee Belle for more trips between downtown and Anna Maria Island; the new boat adds 91 seats + features an enclosed cabin for comfort amid weather changes.

It is funded by the tourist development tax and helps reduce traffic while preserving the coast.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County held its sold-out Back to the 80’s 80th Anniversary Gala at Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa, raising a record $500K for kids, and announced expansion plans with two new locations and increased capacity at existing sites, with funds supporting mentorship and enrichment programs.

City crews maintain Bradenton’s parks and public spaces with ongoing landscaping, plantings, and routine care, from neighborhood lots to the Riverwalk — efforts that include free native trees available at the Public Market on Apr.

25 and May 30 through a partnership with Keep Manatee Beautiful.

The Giving Challenge kicked off a 24-hour fundraising event for nonprofits on Apr.

14 and will run until tomorrow evening to help local groups meet urgent needs.

Sarasota Bradenton International Airport has expanded Concourse B with new shops, dining options, and a modern baggage system to serve over 4.5 million travelers annually.

Airport officials said more upgrades are planned to enhance passenger experience.

Residents in Lakewood Ranch have faced property damage and bike scares from wild pigs, and USF researcher Nina Iovino (a PhD student) is studying their impact on local ecosystems.

Her research may guide future population control efforts as more residents share their encounters.

Local officials and community members are meeting today to decide the future of SRQ cottages, discussing redevelopment options (to ensure the cottages meet local needs) and planning next steps for the area.

Bradenton local Yibing Wu won his seventh ATP Challenger title today at the 2026 Elizabeth Moore Sarasota Open, beating challenger Stefan Dostanic 6 to 1 in a decisive final at Nick Bollettieri Stadium (IMG Academy).

After receiving the Jorge Blanco sculpture trophy, he celebrated with his entourage.

Rookie Murf Gray is hitting well for the Bradenton Marauders, posting a .345 average with 10 hits & six RBIs in eight Florida State League games at LECOM Park on Sunday.

He shows promise as he chases his dream after being drafted by the Pirates.

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.

MindTravel Live Piano Event

5-7 p.m. — Siesta Beach — Free entry — Immerse yourself in a live piano journey guided by renowned composer Murray Hidary as the sun sets over the ocean.

Pizza and Karaoke with Cantor Taibel

6-7 p.m. — Demetrios Pizza & Grill — Price not specified — Enjoy an evening of pizza, karaoke, and casual conversation.

Finish Line Racing Multi-Sport Events

7-10 AM — Fort De Soto Park — Enjoy a vibrant post-party with food and free beer at this multi-sport race event.

NoFilter Concert

6:30-10:30 p.m. — The Green at UTC — Free entry — Dance the night away with high-energy hits from various decades and genres.

Almost Eagles Concert

7-10 p.m. — Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall — Tickets available — Experience a night with Almost Eagles and enjoy classic tunes in a beautiful venue.