Good morning, Bradenton.

Manatee County will host its annual Night Before Christmas event on Saturday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at G.T.

Bray Park in Bradenton, featuring free Santa photos from a fire truck arrival, a snow slide, foam zone, inflatables, petting zoo and local vendors (including a new Children’s Entrepreneur Market) with free entry but a suggested donation of an unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots.

Meals on Wheels Plus is gathering holiday shoeboxes for homebound seniors in Manatee County — the Lakewood Ranch Elks Club will host a reception on Saturday, Dec.

13 from 4 to 6 p.m. Donors paying $20 admission get free entry with a shoebox and receive raffle tickets.

Natasha Dikareva's exhibition titled Emergence: In Solitude and Passage opened at Herrig Center for the Arts (formerly known as ArtCenter Manatee) in Bradenton today.

Her sculptures made mostly of clay with touches of glass express themes of resilience and transformation, reflecting her creative journey.

A rehabilitation program for endangered sea turtles will begin today near Bradenton at a local marine center (with plans to treat and monitor injured turtles) as part of ongoing conservation efforts.

MCSO Crew Leader Jose Torres was named Employee of the Year after saving a driver's life in a May crash on US 41 in Hillsborough County.

He pulled over, checked for a pulse, and performed CPR until Fire Rescue arrived — actions credited with the victim's survival.

Manatee County will start its hurricane recovery assistance application process in early 2026.

Eligible homeowners will work with county staff and choose from a contractor pool to get repairs done without managing the process themselves.

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.