Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How a new DeSoto Bridge could change driving through Bradenton

Be sure to catch Open House - North Port on the Bradenton Patch calendar

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Saturday September 26th Patch AM
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Good morning Bradenton! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How a new DeSoto Bridge could change driving through Bradenton
  • How a yearlong data center pause could affect Manatee County
  • What Bradenton voters should know before mailing or casting 2026 ballots

Also on today's calendar: Open House - North Port and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Riddle: David's parents have three sons: Snap, Crackle, and what's the name of the third son? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Saturday: Mostly sunny; low humidity, with a high of 84 and low of 67 degrees.
  • Sunday: Partly sunny and pleasant, temps: high: 84, low: 70.
  • Monday: Sunny and pleasant, with a high of 88 and low of 71 degrees. 🌶 Hot!

📰 News we're reading

1. FDOT recommends overpass, expanded DeSoto Bridge to improve downtown traffic (bradenton.com) — State transportation officials are backing a nearly $1 billion plan to widen the DeSoto Bridge and add elevated express lanes between downtown Bradenton and Palmetto, aiming to pull through-traffic off local streets. The project would expand U.S. 301 and U.S. 41, add pedestrian and bike paths, and could include tolls, though funding and construction timelines are still undecided.
   

2. Manatee County commissioners move forward with moratorium on new data centers (bradenton.com) — Manatee County commissioners are advancing a 12‑month moratorium on large data centers, a move that could significantly affect future development and resource use for Bradenton-area residents. The pause, up for final approval October 6, would halt permits and approvals while staff study environmental, water, and power impacts and craft long‑term regulations under new state authority.
   

3. Vote-by-mail ballots are out. Here is the Information You Need! (thebradentontimes.com) — Bradenton and Manatee County voters can already check their registration, districts, and vote‑by‑mail status ahead of the November 3, 2026 election. The guide lays out key deadlines, early voting sites, and links to candidate forums, including for Bradenton City Council Wards 3 and 4, so you can compare contenders and study local referendums before casting your ballot.
   

4. 'A bright light in this world': Bradenton volleyball player dies from rare blood disorder (snntv.com) — A young volleyball player from Bradenton has died from severe aplastic anemia, a rare blood disorder that rapidly worsened after she returned home from college. Her family, friends, and former IMG Academy community remember her as a joyful, driven athlete whose positivity and kindness deeply touched those around her, and a fundraiser is helping support her loved ones.
   

5. Piney Point caused crisis on Florida's Gulf Coast. When will its cleanup end? (bradenton.com) — Residents near Bradenton are seeing real progress at Piney Point, where crews are racing to permanently close the troubled phosphate waste stacks by the end of this year and shift into decades of long‑term monitoring. The state-funded project has already removed and treated hundreds of millions of gallons of polluted water, with Manatee County preparing upgraded treatment systems and watchdog groups vowing to keep a close eye on Tampa Bay's water quality.
   

📸 Around Bradenton

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Bradenton

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Local students recognized for constitution essays —Mustangs Ahead News Read on Patch
  • WBTT opens 2026-2027 season with 'Sophisticated Ladies' —Sharon Kunkel Read on Patch
  • Local filmmaker to document the race for dragon boating gold —Sharon Kunkel Read on Patch
  • Hello, neighbors.
    We just moved here from Texas into this beautiful neighborhood known as The Inlets. My wife and I are first time empty nesters and we're looking to… (Nextdoor The Inlets at Riverdale)
  • Hi everyone I just moved here yesterday from San Antonio TX.
    I'm wondering are there any full service car washes that also provide details? Or everything just a drivethru wash (Nextdoor Upper Manatee River Rd)
  • IMG Academy posted a job opening for Student Engagement (Events & Activities) Coordinator in Bradenton. Apply here.
  • Dental Care Alliance, LLC posted a job opening for Dental Receptionist @ Advanced Dental Care of Lakewood Ranch in Bradenton. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Bradenton here.

Ok Bradenton! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: David (Thank you Thomas F. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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