Friday, May 9th, 2025

Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Bradenton.
Good morning, Bradenton. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 9th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ On Thursday, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office escorted 106-year-old World War II veteran Sgt. John Skeen to the Elks Lodge in Lakewood Ranch where he received the Knight of the Legion of Honor—France's highest medal—for his role in freeing France. He recalled his fallen platoon members as he accepted the award and honored a lifetime of humble service. WFLA
- ➤ Ever After Exotic Experiences will open Saturday, May 10 from noon to 4 p.m. at 6020 Erie Road in Parrish—offering a mobile petting zoo with unique animals like a coatimundi, camel, lemur, wallaby, and capybara while visitors can purchase $10 advance tickets for 45-minute visits along with food trucks, vendors, and pony rides. ABC7
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ South county is getting a new Chick-fil-A when it opens next Thursday, May 15 at 6010 14th Street West near Bayshore Gardens — Nathan Anderson will run the restaurant. It will be open Monday through Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. — the drive-thru will stay open until 10 p.m. as it offers dine-in, carry-out, delivery, and catering. The Bradenton Times
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ The owner of a Tampa pool company was given a 20-year prison sentence for taking more than $1.5 million in deposits and not finishing pools for customers in Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, and Polk counties. ABC7
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ At Thursday’s Manatee County Commission meeting, commissioners voted unanimously to postpone a final decision on reversing wetland protections after state agencies strongly opposed the change—responding to concerns over a post-Hurricane Ian statute. They will review the policy again when SB 250 allows for additional wetland buffers after Oct. 1. The Bradenton Times
- ➤ On May 6, the League of Women Voters of Manatee County reported that the County Commission approved proclamations for Economic Development Week, IMG Academy Girls National Basketball Team Day and First Black Woman Postmaster Day—while also voting on property deals, budget changes and service projects as citizens raised concerns over transparency. The Bradenton Times
TRAVEL NEWS
- ➤ TODAY'S SPONSOR Give yourself the gift of travel for just $1. Try Dollar Flight Club today and unlock deals up to 90% off—like Paris from $285 or Hawaii from $160. Hurry, this $1 offer ends in 24 hours. Dollar Flight Club
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Bradenton.
-
Doubles Troubles Pickleball Tournament
May 10-11 — G T Bray Recreation Center — Entry fee required — Compete in a thrilling pickleball showdown with fellow enthusiasts.
-
Tampa Bradenton Speed Dating for Singles Age 25-42
7-9 p.m. — Motorworks Brewing — Ticket purchase required — Experience a modern way to meet potential matches in a lively setting.
-
Sunday Brunch at the Grove
11 a.m. — GROVE — Reservations required — Enjoy a delightful outdoor brunch with friends at a top-notch dining destination.
-
Adventurous Scavenger Hunt in Bradenton
12-9 p.m. — Bradenton Downtown — Ticketed — Embark on a thrilling scavenger hunt exploring the charming sights and hidden gems of Bradenton.
-
Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Bradenton Marauders
6:30-10:30 p.m. — LECOM Park — Lowest Price Guaranteed — Enjoy a thrilling Minor League Baseball matchup featuring the Lakeland Flying Tigers taking on the Bradenton Marauders.
-
Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Bradenton Marauders
6:30-10:30 p.m. — LECOM Park — Tickets starting at $26 — Catch an exciting Minor League Baseball showdown in Bradenton!
-
Grand Opening Party at La Locanda di Diego
Evening — Mote Ranch Homeowners Association — Drink specials all night — Celebrate the launch with good music and great company.
-
Virtual Tour of Woodlands Village
9 AM - 7 PM — Woodlands Village Senior Living Community — Free entry — Explore this award-winning senior living community and enjoy a glimpse of its exceptional services and lifestyle.
-
Visitor’s Day at Joni and Friends Family Retreat
6-9 p.m. — Christian Retreat Conference Center — Registration required — Experience real-time disability ministry and enjoy a Talent Show on-site.
-
Virginia Drive Home ~ Close to Down town
Adorable, updated, vintage home on Wares Creek. Enjoy the serenity and abundance of nature by living on "the Creek!"
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

Make your holiday travel happen with $1 today
Give yourself the gift of travel this holiday season—for just $1. Try Dollar Flight Club for just $1 today and unlock flight deals that save you up to 90% on trips for you, your friends, and your family. Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy holiday getaway or a big adventure abroad, they'll send deals tailored to your home airports straight to your inbox. Think roundtrip to Paris from $285, Hawaii from $160, Tokyo from $455, and more. But hurry— this $1 offer ends in 24 hours. Start traveling smarter today.
Try for $1.
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Bradenton.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Have no fear of perfection - you'll never reach it.
~ Salvador Dali
About Daily Bradenton
Welcome to the Daily Bradenton, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Bradenton, Florida community. If you like the Daily Bradenton, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Bradenton.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Bradenton and across Florida. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Bradenton
A free Bradenton community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.

© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailybradenton.com/sitemap