Good morning, Bradenton.

Manatee County is investing over $24 million over the next five years to upgrade parks and build four new ones from West Bradenton to Lakewood Ranch.

Officials say projects, including upgrades at Tom Bennett Park—a 200-acre site that now features a splash pad and communication board—will be completed in the next two years to support the booming community.

As fall tomato season begins in Manatee County, locals remember how tomato farming took root in the 1880s when Joel Hendricks discovered that green tomatoes ripened naturally when wrapped in newsprint — a breakthrough that set off a trade route and modern farming techniques introduced by innovators like Blake Whisenant. This legacy of hard work and innovation continues to shape our local agriculture.

County officials and community partners cut the ribbon for Under One Roof Gateway South on Wednesday in Bradenton—this new shelter and recovery center is set in the old sheriff’s substation at 407 57th Avenue East and will serve up to 40 women in crisis by providing safe housing and recovery help. The project received funds from opioid settlement dollars, a $350K donation from Mosaic Company, and support from local leaders like Commissioner Amanda Ballard.

A Tampa Bay entrepreneur is refurbishing old vending machines to display unique art in local bars and shops, including the Bradenton venue Oscura.

Chance Ryan of Lucid Vending upgrades the machines with modern control boards and credit card readers+stocks them with unusual items priced from $2 to $20 and plans to add a new machine each month.

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.

Healthy Kids Running Series Fall 2025

3:30-4:30 p.m. — Tom Bennett Park — Cost varies — A fun-filled five-week running program for kids aged Pre-K through 8th grade.

Zack Pomerleau Live Performance

10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. — Ananda Farm — Cost not specified — Experience the soulful sounds of Maine's own blues multi-instrumentalist.

Zack Pomerleau Blues Performance

10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. — Ananda Farm — Free entry — Experience the soulful sounds of Zack Pomerleau with classic blues and original performances.

PIP at Downtown Central Library

9:45-10:45 a.m. — Downtown Central Library — Free entry — Engage in some quality playtime with your child in this educational and fun drop-in group for families.

Zack Pomerleau Live Performance

5:30-9:30 p.m. — Mean Deans Local Kitchen — Check for entry fee — Enjoy the soulful sounds of a Maine born multi-instrumentalist blues musician performing classic blues and originals.