Good morning, Bradenton.

Local donors doubled the impact of Giving Tuesday donations by matching funds for All Faiths Food Bank and Meals on Wheels Plus—helping them buy fresh produce, meat, and shelf-stable items for families, including those still recovering from 2024 hurricanes.

The matching gifts allowed the organizations to meet the food needs of the community.

The Food Bank of Manatee reported a 40-50% rise in food need—its highest in seven years—as it prepares for Giving Tuesday with a $100K matching gift that will double every donation, serving over 95 food pantries in the county.

Rising costs and storm recovery have put many families in a tougher spot as demand for food assistance grows.

A fire at Coral Club Apartments on Friday at 1:29 p.m. left at least 30 residents displaced and 12 households needing help, and although firefighters controlled the blaze within 30 minutes, a dog & a Bermuda dragon were found dead amid over one million dollars in property damage.

Band Soul Purpose IV, a five-piece roots, rock and reggae group from Sarasota, draws on influences from Bob Marley to Metallica and will perform at Woody’s River Roo — a venue with a scenic river view, friendly service and quality food with no cover charge.

The 2nd Annual Lakewood Ranch Blues Festival will be held on December 6 at Waterside Park at Lakewood Ranch—bringing top blues music, local food, drinks, and unique vendors in an event presented by Bank of America.

An injured eagle rescued from a Lakewood Ranch lake was treated for months at the Wildlife Center of Southwest Florida and was released on Sunday near its rescue spot—its care helped it fly home.

Doug Hay, the man who dived in April to save the bird, helped open the carrier and see it take flight.

Bradenton officials warned Monday that their CodeRED emergency alert system was targeted in a cyberattack that accessed names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, and passwords from an older platform—most guest subscribers need not act while those with accounts should update their passwords as the system has been taken offline nationwide.

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.

Christmas Day at Pier 22

11 a.m. - 8 p.m. — PIER 22 — Chef-created Holiday Menu — Make merry memories this Christmas with seasonal delights by the waterfront.