Good morning, Bradenton.

The Entre Nous 45th Holiday Tour of Homes will take place on December 6 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Manatee County, featuring three decorated houses for visitors to tour and an Elf Alley Market for holiday shopping (fundraising for Entre Nous Club programs).

The 'A Night Before Christmas' event will take place on December 13 at Bradenton’s G.T.

Bray Park from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., featuring free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus and fun activities like a snow slide, foam zone, inflatables, face painting, letters to Santa, and a petting zoo — families are asked to bring an unwrapped toy for donation to Toys for Tots.

Sarasota County's October tourism report showed an 8.1% increase in visitors to 93,600 and a 14.7% rise in spending to $93.76 million — hotel occupancy dropped by 5.3% while average room rates climbed 34.2% to $245.15.

Manatee County also approved a $50 million landfill gas-to-energy facility.

A 600-pound alligator was caught near Bradenton on Dec.

2 — local wildlife officials tracked the animal after receiving reports of its presence in a nearby waterway.

Local not-for-profit groups serving children are invited to apply for investment funds under the Children’s Services Dedicated Millage for FY 2027.

The county will hold an investment process seminar on December 5 at 10:00 a.m. in Bradenton and will accept applications from December 10 until January 30.

Manatee County faces a growing housing shortage as many families struggle with high costs due to old zoning rules that favor large single-family lots.

Local officials plan to reform these regulations to allow smaller and mixed housing options—steps they believe will ease cost pressures and better use existing neighborhoods.

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.

Zack Pomerleau Live Performance

6:30-10:30 p.m. — Inner Compass Brewing Company at LWR — Check for cover charge — Enjoy a night of classic blues and originals from a talented local multi-instrumentalist.