Good morning, Bradenton.

Drivers were stuck on I-75 as a crash blocked lanes early this morning — the delay lasted until traffic began moving again.

Manatee County Schools opened two new schools and are building others, including a proposed high school in Lakewood Ranch set for 2027—raising cost concerns for the district.

School board member Tatem is working with Rep. Conerly and state lawmakers to change building codes for traditional public schools as property tax debates continue.

Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium opened yesterday in Sarasota with its new Science Education Aquarium featuring three state-of-the-art STEM labs and five workforce development labs — it plans to welcome 70,000 K–12 students each year and displays murals painted by a local Manatee County native to inspire marine conservation.

Bradenton officials say the $100 million Face It, Fix It wastewater project is almost done with some upgrades finishing early next year to add capacity during storms and stop wastewater from entering the Manatee River — excess water will now be sent to the aquifer.

Today, the first supermoon of 2025 brightens Florida skies as the full moon reaches its closest point—perigee—to Earth, making it 14% larger and 30% brighter.

Astronomers add that the extra gravitational pull will boost tides and that similar displays will occur in November and December.

Blue Sky Communities and nonprofit CASL broke ground on Cedar Cove, an 80-home affordable housing project in Manatee County for families emerging from homelessness — the project will offer one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments along with a clubhouse, green space, and on-site support as construction begins this week and is set to finish by spring.

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.

A Night of Worship with Lizzie Morgan

7-9:30 p.m. — Christian Retreat Conference Center — Free admission — Experience an unforgettable evening of worship and praise with Lizzie Morgan.

Zack Pomerleau Live Performance

5-9 p.m. — Swordfish Grill — Free entry — Experience the blues with a Maine native multi-instrumentalist at a local favorite venue.