Good morning, Bradenton.

Families are invited to join the free Cardboard Challenge at the Ag Museum in Palmetto on October 4 from 1 to 3:30 p.m.—participants will design creative projects with cardboard and other craft supplies provided by the museum.

The museum is accepting clean cardboard and craft items until October 2 during open hours.

On September 30, Florida will raise the minimum wage by $1 per hour — raising non-tipped wages from $13 to $14 and tipped wages from $9.98 to $10.98.

This change follows a November 2020 amendment that will increase the wage annually until it reaches $15 on September 30, 2026.

The City of Bradenton is nearing completion of a $100M upgrade of its wastewater system — the project includes a $1.7M equalization tank and new filters — to expand the Water Reclamation Facility’s capacity and better protect the Manatee River.

Manatee County announced that Phase Two of its 911 integrated drone delivery system will launch Monday, September 29 to cover 35 square miles operating daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.—the drones will quickly deliver AEDs and NARCAN during emergencies while ArcherFRS and Tampa General Hospital support the project.

Mayor Mark Short vetoed an emergency no-swim ordinance for Bean Point at a Sept.

15 meeting because a loophole allowed only property owners to swim while visitors were barred—he said the city will soon install clear signs to warn of dangerous currents.

Local officials pushed back on Tuesday during a Florida House meeting against Governor DeSantis’ claims of financial abuse in property tax spending by saying that one community's amenity can seem like waste to another—adding that a constitutional amendment on property taxes is expected on the ballot in 2026 as the DOGE team continues its review. They stressed that property tax approaches differ widely across local governments and warned that a one-size-fits-all method does not fit all areas.

Manatee County is accepting applications for two seats on its Planning Commission, which advises the Board of County Commissioners on land use — the selections will serve a four-year term.

Applications are due by October 15 for seats that expire in October.

On September 22, the Manatee County Commission approved a $3.577 billion gross budget for fiscal year 2026-2027 and a $2.26 billion Capital Improvement Plan during a public hearing in the BOCC Chambers, confirming a 0.05 millage rate reduction—Commissioner McCann voted nay over concerns about administrative costs. County CFO Shelia McLean detailed the plan while Commissioner Tal Siddique praised the cooperative effort to address local issues.

Floridians can now get the new COVID vaccine without a prescription at local Publix and Walgreens.

Walk-ins are accepted for eligible adults 65 and older or those at higher risk, and appointments will begin later today.

Manatee County Senior Wellness Expo

2-5 p.m. — Waters Edge Of Bradenton — Free entry — Enjoy live entertainment, free food, and access to various resources for seniors.

5th Annual Men Wear Pink Golf Tournament

8 AM – 2 PM — Waterlefe Golf & River Club — Registration details available — Swing in style and support breast cancer awareness while dressed in your best pink.

Silent Theory, Ovtlier, and Major Moment Concert

7-11 p.m. — Oscura Coffee & Cocktails — Tickets available — Enjoy a night of electrifying performances with Silent Theory and more in a cozy venue.

Peace Cult Live at Oscura

7-11 p.m. — Oscura Coffee & Cocktails — Tickets available now — Catch Peace Cult performing live in a cozy venue for an unforgettable evening of music.

Bradenton Public Market

9 a.m.–2 p.m. — Bradenton Public Market — Free entry — Explore fresh produce, local art, and lively music at this family-friendly market.

Manatee 31 Stated Meeting

6-9 p.m. — Manatee Lodge 31 F&AM — Free entry — Attend a regular gathering for the members of Manatee Lodge No. 31 with community-focused discussions.

On Your Feet: The Musical

5:30-6:30 p.m. — Manatee Elementary School Based Health Center — Ticket proceeds support arts programs — Experience the inspiring story of Gloria and Emilio Estefan through lively music and dance.

Moving Forward: From Mental Illness to Wellness

9 a.m. – 12 p.m. — Manatee Performing Arts Center — Free entry — Discover how trauma and mental illness can transform into pathways to wellness through inspiring personal stories.

Howl-o-ween 5K Race

12:00 a.m. — Robinson Preserve Expansion — Check website for registration fees — Dress up and run in a spooktacular 5K event for all ages.

Buckler Craft Fairs - Bradenton 2025

October 18-19 — Bradenton Area Convention Center — Entry fee varies — Discover a wide range of handmade crafts from over 300 vendors perfect for unique gifting.