Community Corner
π± Patch AM: Manatee County Elections 2026 Guide: Candidates, How To Vote
And on the Bradenton Patch calendar - Grand Opening

Cheers Bradenton! We're back, helping you stay up to date with what's happening. Let's take on the day together! ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- See where Bradenton voters can cast ballots in 2026 races
- Bradenton police seek tips after deadly shooting on 12th Avenue East
- Why Bradenton neighbors say this recovery center has them living in fear
Also on today's calendar: Grand Opening and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: Who's in favor of bringing back Roman Numerals? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Friday: Mostly sunny and delightful, with a high of 85 and low of 69 degrees.
- Saturday: Mostly sunny and pleasant, temps: high: 86, low: 67. 🌶 Hot!
- Sunday: Partly sunny and pleasant, with a high of 86 and low of 70 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Manatee County Elections 2026 Guide: Candidates, How To Vote (patch.com) — Manatee County voters, including those in Bradenton, are getting detailed guidance on how to cast ballots in the 2026 general election, from registration deadlines to vote-by-mail rules. The guide highlights Bradenton early voting sites like GT Bray Park and the Supervisor of Elections Office, outlines key local races including Bradenton City Council seats, and explains what IDs are needed at the polls.
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2. Two Men Killed in Bradenton Shooting, Police Say (patch.com) — Two men were fatally shot Tuesday evening on the 400 block of 12th Avenue East in Bradenton, and police are still searching for whoever is responsible. Bradenton detectives and the Manatee County Sheriff's Office homicide unit are investigating, and residents who may have seen or heard anything are urged to contact Bradenton Police or share anonymous tips with Manatee Crime Stoppers.
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3. 'We're living in fear': Residents rally against recovery center in Bradenton (snntv.com) — Neighbors near The Crossings recovery center on 24th Street East in Bradenton say safety concerns tied to the facility have them living in fear and restricting children's activities. After a reported attempted break-in by a resident, they're demanding the center be shut down, while a county commissioner and the facility's CEO say they're working on changes and new local certification rules.
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4. FDOT recommends overpass, expanded DeSoto Bridge to improve downtown traffic (bradenton.com) — Drivers in Bradenton could eventually see a new, wider DeSoto Bridge and elevated express lanes as FDOT's preferred plan to ease congestion between downtown Bradenton and Palmetto moves forward. The $916 million concept would expand U.S. 301 and U.S. 41, add pedestrian and bike paths, and potentially include tolls, though design and construction remain unfunded future phases.
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5. Live Music This Weekend from Tampa to Naples: September 25-27, 2026 (suncoastpost.com) — Bradenton music fans have a full slate of live shows this Friday through Sunday, with dueling pianos at 88 Live and bands at Clancy's and nearby Cortez venues. The guide lays out times, locations, and performers from Bradenton down the Suncoast, so you can plan waterfront afternoons, high-energy rock nights, or relaxed Sunday sets while supporting local musicians and businesses.
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📸 Around Bradenton
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Bradenton
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- Grand Opening →
Beauty Lounge Med Spa Lakewood Ranch, 1900 Lakewood Rnch Blvd, Sarasota
4:00 pm - Big Summer Wine-pairing Dinner →
Amore Restaurant, 180 N Lime Ave, Sarasota
6:00 pm - Free Fashion Show for a Cause →
Lockwood Ridge Road, Lockwood Ridge Rd,
6:00 pm
Monday September 28
Tuesday September 29
Tuesday October 6
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Full Moon Yoga & Sound Bath: The Harvest Moon →
Embodied Health, 1102 12th Street West, Bradenton
7:00 pm - Sukkot Under The Stars →
The Chabad House, 5712 Lorraine Rd, Bradenton
7:00 pm - Saint Tone Band →
Freckled Fin Irish Pub, 5337 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach
7:30 pm - House of Heavy →
Oscura, 816 Manatee Ave E, Bradenton
8:00 pm - Matt Walden & Zach Couron →
Freckled Fin Irish Pub, 5337 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach
7:30 pm - Burgers In The Booth →
Chabad of Bradenton & Lakewood Ranch, 5712 Lorraine Rd, Bradenton
6:00 pm - think + drink presents: From Nest to Sea: Protecting Anna Maria Island's Sea Turtles →
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St W, Bradenton
9:00 am - Dancing with the Torah Celebration →
Chabad Bradenton & Lakewood Ranch, 5712 Lorraine Rd, Bradenton
7:30 pm - Paint a Brighter Future →
Painting with a Twist – Bradenton, 5917 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton
2:00 pm
Friday September 25
Saturday September 26
Monday September 28
Tuesday September 29
Saturday October 3
Sunday October 4
📣 Bradenton Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Bradenton PatchAM possible:
- AEGIS Elder Advisors — (941) 212-4114
Click here to show your appreciation! 💚
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Local filmmaker to document the race for dragon boating gold —Sharon Kunkel Read on Patch
- Local teacher faces multiple challenges —Mustangs Ahead News Read on Patch
- Goodwill Manasota, SunCoast Blood Centers partnership saving lives —Sharon Kunkel Read on Patch
- State College of Florida Nursing Team Presents Webinar on Online Curriculum —State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota Read on Patch
- Project Pride SRQ presents the Gulfcoast Pride Festival & Street Party —Sharon Kunkel Read on Patch
- Does anyone know a reasonably priced and honest plumber who can replace a small electric tankless water heater with a regular electric tank?
The new heater needs to be installed outside, on the fenced side. Please DM me or share any recommendations. Thanks! (Nextdoor Holiday Heights) - Heads up Inlets neighbors!
I had two coyotes prowling around my yard at approximately 4:30 this morning. Im on Halyard , 3/4 of the way down. (Nextdoor The Inlets at Riverdale)
- Chick-fil-A posted a job opening for Back of House Team Member (Night Shift) in Bradenton. Apply here.
- Troon posted a job opening for Expeditor 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: I for 1. (Thank you Bill L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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