Good morning, Bradenton.

On Friday, a fire at a three-story building at Coral Club Apartments in Bradenton impacted 18 units and caused over $1 million in damage as Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue and other agencies responded within two minutes to extinguish the flames in 30 minutes, leaving one person with minor injuries and several pets rescued while the Red Cross assisted displaced residents and investigators worked to determine the cause.

On the last day of the legislative session, Florida lawmakers quietly changed the Schools of Hope program to let charter schools use any public school building with empty seats plus require districts to provide free maintenance, food service, and transportation, shifting millions of tax dollars from public to charter schools. Local schools in Sarasota and Manatee may be affected, and a state senator has introduced a bill to stop these changes.

After many milestones this year, Bradenton will see big upgrades in 2026 for public safety, water systems, and parks.

Key projects include a new fire station (2233 Manatee Avenue East) to improve emergency response, ongoing wastewater upgrades with state funds, and the start of a modern police headquarters along with plans to expand a park into a community resource center.

Zack Pomerleau Live Performance

5-9 p.m. — Cortez Kitchen — Ticket prices not listed — Experience the soulful sounds of Maine's blues musician Zack Pomerleau in an evening of classic blues and originals.

Zack Pomerleau Live Performance

6-10 p.m. — Harry's Grill — Check venue for entry — Experience Maine-born blues musician Zack Pomerleau showcasing classic blues and originals.

Zack Pomerleau Live Performance

6-10 p.m. — Pork Belly’s Eatery and Catering Co. — Cost not specified —Enjoy a night of classic blues and originals from multi-instrumentalist Zack Pomerleau.

Sarasota Anime-Fest

10 AM – 5 PM — Sarasota Municipal Auditorium — $20 — A collector's paradise for anime fans in the heart of Sarasota, featuring diverse fandoms.

Zack Pomerleau Live Performance

10 AM – 2 PM — Farmers' Market at Lakewood Ranch — Free entry — Experience the soulful sounds of a multi-instrumentalist blues musician from Maine.

Blue Oyster Cult Concert

8-10:30 p.m. — The Center of Anna Maria Island — Starting at $75 — Enjoy a night of classic rock with Blue Öyster Cult under the stars.

Home for the Holidays Concert

3:00-4:30 p.m. — SCF Neel Performing Arts Center — $20 — Celebrate the holiday season with festive music performed by the Manatee Community Concert Band.

A Christmas Carol Performance

2:30-3:30 p.m. — Manatee High School — Suitable for all ages — Experience the classic tale of redemption in this engaging performance.

Zack Pomerleau Live Performance

5-9 p.m. — Swordfish Grill — No cover charge — Enjoy the soulful sounds of blues with Maine-born musician Zack Pomerleau.

The Nutcracker by International Ballet of Florida

6 PM — Manatee Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the enchanting classic tale of The Nutcracker featuring dancers from renowned ballet companies.