Good morning, Bradenton.

Residents in the Tampa Bay area will join planned July 4 events that include fireworks, live music and parades at locations such as Bradenton, Palmetto and Treasure Island.

Bradenton and Palmetto will kick off festivities at 5 p.m. with a fireworks finale at 9 p.m.—other local events feature boat parades, riverfront shows and family-friendly entertainment.

On Sunday after 8 p.m., beach calls reported a jet ski crash at South Lido Beach near Lido Key that left 19-year-old Luis Guevara dead and others injured—two rental riders said a large wave made them lose control while police continue to investigate.

Leah Lendel, a 9-year-old from Bradenton, was bitten by a shark while snorkeling in Boca Grande on June 11 and was flown to Tampa General Hospital where doctors saved her hand in surgery—she later spoke with her family and doctors about the attack.

Bradenton Police raided the home of convicted felon Johnie Jones, Jr. on Wednesday—seizing about 760 grams of marijuana, 55 grams of crack, 12 grams of fentanyl, a loaded gun, cash and drug paraphernalia—and he now faces multiple felony charges as part of an ongoing investigation.

Manatee County Sheriff’s Office is asking for help to locate 10-year-old Iris Cabrera who ran from her home on the 6000 block of 35th Lane East in Ellenton at around 1 p.m. Thursday and has not been seen since; she is 5 feet tall, has curly black hair, weighs about 100 pounds, and was last seen wearing a dark gray Hello Kitty T-shirt with a green hoodie around her waist (call 941-747-3011 if you have information).

Bradenton Ghosts is hosting guided ghost tours today at 8:00 p.m. at the Mosaic Riverwalk Amphitheater (606 3rd Ave West) that explore Bradenton’s haunted past with local expert storytellers.

The one-hour, 1-mile tours cost $20 for adults and $12 for children.

Bradenton Fire Department advises residents to follow fire and life safety tips this summer by watching fireworks at public shows, keeping grills outdoors away from walls, and using outdoor fire pits safely—residents should also use approved life jackets, wear helmets while biking, and take breaks in the shade during hot weather.

Desoto Tiger Live Performance

7 PM - 1 AM — Gateway Live — Ticketed event — Experience the energetic rock sound of Desoto Tiger, rising stars of the music scene.

Karaoke Night with Andre

9 PM – 1 AM — Clancy's Sports Bar & Grill — Special drink deals available — Showcase your vocal talent amidst a friendly karaoke atmosphere.

Fastpitch United Boombah All-American Games - 2027 Division

Jul 7 – Jul 10 — Bradenton, FL — Registration fee applies — Watch the top ranked amateurs of the 2027 class compete at the All-American games on the stunning Gulf Coast.

St. Lucie Mets vs. Bradenton Marauders

5:30-8:30 p.m. — LECOM Park — Ticket prices vary — Watch the St. Lucie Mets take on the Bradenton Marauders in this exciting Minor League Baseball matchup.

St. Lucie Mets vs. Bradenton Marauders

12-2 p.m. — LECOM Park — Ticket prices vary — Catch exciting live baseball action as the St. Lucie Mets take on the Bradenton Marauders.

Tampa/Bradenton Speed Dating for Singles Age 25-42

7-9 p.m. — Motorworks Brewing — Tickets required — An engaging evening of speed dating to meet local singles and spark connections.