Good morning, Bradenton.

Local food pantries in Manatee County reported a 40% jump in requests for help as many families lost SNAP benefits for November.

The Food Bank of Manatee hosted an emergency drive-thru at Dream Church in Bradenton—State Rep. Vern Buchanan toured the event and donated $10,000 to support families until SNAP benefits resume.

Manatee County is partnering with local groups to launch the Nourish Our Neighbors Food Drive to help families facing food insecurity.

Donations of nonperishable food and household items began November 3 at designated collection sites — including Manatee County Library branches, the Administration Building in Bradenton and the GT Bray Recreation Center — and will continue until further notice.

Bradenton’s Village of the Arts will host its 21st Annual Dia de los Muertos Festival of the Skeletons on Friday, November 7 from 11 am to 4 pm and Saturday, November 8 from 11 am to 4 pm; residents can enjoy live music, food trucks, art vendors and family activities while honoring local creators. The event is held at 1227 12th Ave West — street parking is available.

Bradenton residents will attend a Friends Group meeting at Mixon Farms at 2525 27th Street E. on November 20 at 10 a.m. to learn how to support local parks & libraries and explore volunteer opportunities.

Winter Wonderland returns to Old Main Street on December 6 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.—attendees can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, ride a snow slide, watch falling snow, enjoy festive performers, win prizes at a free carnival, and shop with local vendors for unique holiday gifts.

The Bradenton Area Convention Center will host the European Holiday Market from December 4 to 7, running 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.—the event offers over 40 artisan vendors, European foods, and a visit from Old Saint Nicholas.

Manatee Memorial Hospital and Foundation is the title sponsor, and a Poppin’ Jazz Christmas concert with The Pops Orchestra’s Jazz Combo will fill the Grand Ballroom on December 5.

SeaPort Manatee set a record in fiscal 2025 by moving 11,855,828 tons of cargo and breaking previous records for liquid and dry bulk shipments—chairman Mike Rahn said the port quickly resumed key shipments after Hurricane Milton and will boost its capabilities for moving fuel, juices and construction materials.

Manatee County approved a new high school site plan in Lakewood Ranch on Tuesday by a narrow 4-3 vote despite concerns about traffic on nearby roads.

The school, temporarily named High School AAA, will be built on an 85-acre parcel and will serve 2,500 students when it opens for the 2027-2028 school year as the district reviews rezoning maps in upcoming public meetings.

Manatee County commissioners voted on November 4 to impose a burn ban on outdoor burning, fireworks and sparklers due to dry, drought and windy conditions.

The ban lasts until 11:59 p.m. November 11 and allows outdoor cookers +when supervised+ and agricultural burns +with state authorization+.

Manatee County imposed a burn ban that stops all outdoor burning and the discharge of fireworks because of dry, drought, and windy conditions.

The order lasts until 11:59 p.m. November 11 and does not apply to outdoor cookers that are always attended or burns approved by the Florida Forest Service (exemptions apply).

Kaleb Woods Live Performance

7-11 p.m. — Freckled Fin Irish Pub — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of award-winning music blending reggae, '90s hits, and country vibes.

Zack Pomerleau Live Performance

6-10 p.m. — Pork Belly’s Eatery and Catering Co. — Admission details not provided — Experience the soulful sounds of multi-instrumentalist blues musician Zack Pomerleau in a lively local setting.

Zack Pomerleau Live Performance

2-6 p.m. — Grand Central Brewhouse — Check event for cost — Experience classic blues and original tunes by Maine-born multi-instrumentalist Zack Pomerleau.

Zack Pomerleau Live Concert

5-9 p.m. — Cortez Kitchen — Free entry — Experience the soulful sounds of Maine-born blues musician Zack Pomerleau performing classic and original tracks.

Zack Pomerleau Live Performance

7-11 p.m. — Good Liquid Brewing Company — Free entry — Enjoy a night of classic blues and originals from multi-instrumentalist Zack Pomerleau.

Blues Performance by Zack Pomerleau

10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. — Ananda Farm — Free entry — Experience the soulful sounds of a Maine-born multi-instrumentalist blues musician performing classics and originals.

Zack Pomerleau Live Performance

5-9 p.m. — Cortez Kitchen — Free entry — Enjoy a night of classic blues and original tunes from the talented multi-instrumentalist Zack Pomerleau.

Repticon Bradenton 2025

9 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Bradenton Area Convention Center — Check for ticket prices — Discover a world of reptiles and exotic pets with vendors and exhibitors from the industry.

Zack Pomerleau Blues Performance

10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. — Ananda Farm — Check venue for ticket prices — Experience the dynamic sounds of Maine-born blues musician Zack Pomerleau at this vibrant outdoor event.

Zack Pomerleau Live Performance

6-10 p.m. — Harry's Grill — No cover charge — Experience soulful blues by multi-instrumentalist Zack Pomerleau in a vibrant setting.