Good morning, Bradenton.

On Friday, Dec. 19, the Holly Jolly Trolley Christmas Parade will roll through Manatee County to bring holiday cheer to seniors.

Organized by Home Helpers Home Care of Bradenton and Still Alive Inside, the event will visit nine senior service locations with two decorated trolleys, a dancing Santa, and stops.

From Dec. 1 to Dec. 19, the Salvation Army is seeking volunteers for its Angel Tree Christmas Toy Shop at 5328 24th Street East to help serve 1,461 children from 725 families, with toy sorting needed from Dec.

1 to Dec. 18 and gift distribution on Dec. 19 that includes lunch (sponsored by C&K Smoke House Barbecue).

The AARP Bradenton Fraud Summit will be held on Friday, Dec.

12 at the Manatee Performing Arts Center (502 3rd Avenue West) from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. The free event will teach residents about scams affecting Manatee and Hillsborough counties.

The Lakewood Ranch Blues Festival returns this Saturday at Waterside Park — with headliner Albert Castiglia and a full lineup of blues acts.

Tickets cost $75 for general admission and $150 for reserved seating.

The Barbershop Harmony Christmas Show will take place Saturday, Dec.

13 at 2 p.m.-4 p.m. at 9621 18th Avenue Cir NW in Bradenton. Guy Haas is available for more information.

SWFWMD imposed Phase 1 water shortage restrictions from Dec.

1 through July 1, 2026 to curb wasteful water use amid a 13-inch rainfall deficit* affecting areas including Manatee and other parts of the region. Homeowners should follow local watering schedules and check for any stricter measures.

Manatee County announced a $50M project to build a renewable natural gas facility at the Lena Road landfill to capture methane — construction will begin in 2026 and operations start in 2027, cutting emissions and powering over 4,500 homes.

The BOEM is accepting public comments on a plan to allow offshore oil drilling in 19.88 million acres of the Eastern Gulf, a proposal that could impact local beaches and tourism.

Feedback must be submitted by January 23.

Starting tomorrow, dozens of Pirates fans will enjoy a fantasy camp at Pirate City in Bradenton as camp week begins on December 6.

Former Pirates heroes will coach fans who wear authentic uniforms to relive their baseball dreams (with insights from Doug Drabek).

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.

New Year’s Eve Gala 2025

7 PM - 2 AM — Gala Banquets and Events — $160 Members, $170 Non-members — Celebrate the New Year with elegant dining, live music, and an open bar in a grand venue.