Good morning, Bradenton.

A Manatee County utilities crew discovered a fossilized claw from a giant sloth at a job site on Tuesday, August 5th — what first looked like an old hand tool turned out to be an important piece of prehistoric history.

The finding offers a surprising glimpse into our past and will be studied further by experts.

On July 29, animal officers found an abandoned crate on the 1700 block of Lena Road that had three cats, one dead and two very sick and underweight who are now at Bishop Animal Shelter getting care; Manatee County Animal Welfare is using new state laws (signed May 28) and asks anyone with tips to call (941) 742-5933.

The search continues for Giovanni Pelletier, 18 — who disappeared early Friday from Englewood while visiting family — after he was last seen near SR-70 in Manatee County; Charlotte County and Brevard County law enforcement are reviewing local camera footage along I-75 to locate him.

Today, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch patrols the beach every morning during the peak hatchling season to mark nests, document crawls, and check for hatches.

Beachgoers are urged to keep their distance and avoid disturbing sand dunes (recent hurricanes have removed dunes that once shielded hatchlings from artificial lighting).

Manatee County celebrated the ribbon-cutting of the 44th Avenue East Extension on August 4—marking a nearly two-mile corridor that adds an overpass, sidewalks, bike lanes and a modern roundabout.

Crews will finish final touches during the week, and the roadway will open to all traffic Saturday, August 9—designed to handle 36,000 more vehicles daily and ease traffic on State Roads 64 and 70.

Florida CFO Blaise Ingoglia held a press conference in Manatee County yesterday at 12:30 p.m. to update on a DOGE audit aimed at cutting fraud, waste and abuse and easing high property taxes—he said his team will review local spending over the next few days with a final report expected in about 60 days.

Anesthesia-Free Dental Services for Pets

Call to schedule your appointment — Holistic For Pets — Cost varies — Experience a stress-free dental care solution for your furry companions.

Literary Feast at Green Zebra Cafe

7-9 p.m. — GREEN ZEBRA CAFE — Free entry — Dive into inspiring books and engage in lively discussions over delicious food.

Steve Arvey Blues Brunch

12-3 p.m. — Mattison's Riverwalk — Check for entry cost — Experience the soulful blend of traditional blues and modern Americana from renowned artist Steve Arvey.

The Cosmic Recipe for Life

6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature — $10/$3 for Members — Explore the science of life's resilience in extreme environments and the search for extraterrestrial life.

Back to the 90’s Decade Reunion

6 PM – 1 AM — 13th AV Dream Center — Tickets available — Celebrate the nostalgia of the 90’s with music, fashion, and memories.

Repticon Bradenton - August 2025

9 AM – 4 PM — Bradenton Area Convention Center — Entry fees may apply — Explore a unique trade show dedicated to reptiles, exotic pets, and related supplies.