Good morning, Bradenton.

Manatee County Animal Welfare will celebrate a major kennel expansion with a ribbon cutting on Wednesday, Dec.

17 at 11 a.m. at its Bishop location (5718 21st Ave. W, Bradenton); the upgraded campus now offers enhanced animal care, safety and play areas as part of a long-term modernization effort.

FPL and a Sarasota-Manatee nonprofit gave Army veteran Doug Mason a holiday home makeover on Dec.

8 — his home was decorated with energy-efficient lights, a military-themed inflatable, and a $3,500 gift card was presented to help with bills, with neighbors joining the surprise; the program will return next year.

On Dec. 9, shoppers at a Bradenton Walmart aided an elderly man who collapsed in the freezer aisle by performing CPR until paramedics arrived and he was taken to HCA Florida Blake Hospital where he remains in intensive care.

Floridays Woodfire Grill & Bar will host a Christmas dinner on Thursday, Dec.

25 with a three-course Prix Fixe Prim Rib Feast from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 12332 Manatee Ave W, offering a coastal holiday meal for the community.

The Manatee Clerk warned residents today that scam texts claiming unpaid traffic tickets began circulating Friday, Dec.

5 and repeated identical language from a previous scam in May; he urged everyone to delete the texts and contact the Clerk’s Office at (941) 749-1800 for questions.

Medical billing mistakes cause extra charges when wrong codes or wrong information lead to patients being billed for services not rendered.

Dr. Scott Howell advises checking itemized bills and contacting insurers promptly (steps that help save time in resolving errors).

Manatee County commissioners approved two new four-story hotels (Hilton Livsmart and Woodspring Suites) at Ellenton Premium Outlets near the Ice and Sports Complex, with construction set to begin in April 2026 and openings planned for fall 2027; the project will repurpose 197 mall parking spaces to support local tourism.

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.

The Ultimate Elvis Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — SCF Neel Performing Arts Center — Ticketed event — Experience an unrivaled multimedia tribute to Elvis Presley featuring champion tribute artist Cote Deonath and The Infinit-E Tribute Band.