Good morning, Bradenton.

Manatee County will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 7 at Washington Park to mark the completion of its first phase with a new playground, pavilions, restrooms, and walking trails.

Officials and community leaders will gather to celebrate this local milestone.

Local organizers held a May Day rally yesterday in downtown Bradenton where community members celebrated spring and unity.

The event featured speeches and calls for local progress (highlighting resident involvement).

Tourism along Siesta Key increased nearly 2% from March 2025 to March 2026 as visitors returned to Siesta Key Village after last year’s hurricanes.

Local business leaders say county beautification efforts are planned to boost visitor numbers further.

A May 1 report shows Siesta Key welcomed nearly 2% more visitors last week+ local tourism officials say the boost signals a steady rebound in the area.

High gas prices have strained Bradenton drivers since May 1—rising fuel costs are impacting daily travel budgets and prompting locals to seek cheaper options.

The Manatee School Board approved Rangeland High School as the name for its newest campus under construction in Lakewood Ranch.

Built on 85 acres at the southwest corner of Rangeland Parkway and Post Boulevard, the school — set to open in August 2027 — will serve nearly 1,100 students.

Over the past week, red tide was noted at background levels in one Northwest Florida sample while no K. brevis was found in Southwest Florida or along the East Coast; the next status report will be issued on Friday, May 8.

Local wildlife rescue teams reported a surge in calls on May 1 as spring arrived, prompting extended service hours and volunteer support.

Officials advise residents to be cautious around injured animals while teams work to manage the increased demand.

Manatee County Utilities launched the Bulk Collection Pilot Program on May 1 that lets residents put out up to two bulk items monthly + one annual pickup for larger waste.

Residents must schedule certain items and follow the curbside guidelines to ensure proper collection.

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.

Mother's Day Brunch Buffet

10 AM-3 PM — PIER 22 — Adults: $70+ | Kids: $25++ — Delight in a waterfront brunch with an abundant buffet of seasonal favorites and chef-attended stations.

Bradenton Marauders Faith & Family Night

6:30-9:30 p.m. — LECOM Park — Prices Vary — Experience a fair-themed atmosphere with games, activities, and church performance opportunities during the game.

Lies, Spells & Old Wives' Tales

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a brand new world-premiere musical comedy closing the 'Soul Of A People' theatre season.

The Wandering Hours Live Performance

6-10 p.m. — The Bay Park — Free entry — Experience the unique sounds of Americana with stellar string picking from The Wandering Hours.

The Royz Band LIVE at Mattison's Riverwalk Grille

5-9 p.m. — Mattison's Riverwalk — Reservations recommended — Enjoy outdoor dining and live music from The Royz Band.

RJ Howson Music Showcase

7-11 p.m. — The O Bar — Check for admission details — Enjoy a night of live music with singer-songwriter RJ Howson and his friends.

RJ Howson, Mike Kach and Friends Concert

4-8 p.m. — Stottlemyer's Smokehouse — Admission details not specified — Enjoy an evening of live music with RJ Howson and friends at a local venue.