DeSantis Signs Bill Blocking Proposed Cruise Port In Manatee County

A petition opposing the proposed terminal near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge garnered more than 19,400 signatures.

Manatee County Commissioner Carol Ann Felts Dies At 68

District 1 Commissioner Carol Ann Felts was found dead in the yard of her Myakka City home, reports said.

Manatee County Staff Threatened Over Proposed Cruise Ship Port: Officials

Manatee County employees face threats as commissioners consider a proposed privately owned cruise ship port by the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.

U.S. House Rep. Vern Buchanan To Retire, Won’t Seek Reelection

U.S. House Rep. Vern Buchanan, who represents parts of Hillsborough, Sarasota and Manatee counties, will retire after 20 years in office.

Jan. 6 Rioter ‘Lectern Guy’ Files To Run For Manatee County Commission

A man photographed carrying Nancy Pelosi’s lectern during the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol breach, is running for Manatee County Commission.

Will IRS Layoffs Affect Tax Refund Timing? How To Track Status In FL

With DOGE cutting thousands of probationary employees from the IRS, Floridians may wonder if their tax refund will be delayed this year.

152 Jan. 6 Defendants From FL Pardoned In Trump’s First Official Act

Trump pardoned 152 Floridians connected to the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, including Oath Keepers, Proud Boys and the “Lectern Guy.”

Lakewood Ranch Election Results In Tie, Winner Decided By Drawing Lots

Two candidates for the Lakewood Ranch Community Development District tied with 584 votes each in the Nov. 5 election.

Incumbents Brown, Coachman Lead Bradenton City Council Elections: SOE

Mayor Gene Brown and Pamela Coachman have substantial leads in two Bradenton City Council races, unofficial results show.

Felton, Kennedy Pull Ahead In Manatee Co. School Board Races

After polls closed at 7 p.m., two Manatee County School Board candidates, Felton and Kennedy, have taken the lead, unofficial results show.

Manatee Co. Voter Guide: Candidates, How To Vote In Nov. 5 Election

Manatee County voters will have a say in federal, state, county, city races. Here’s what you need to know about how to vote, candidates.

Manatee Co. 2024 General Election Voter Guide: Candidates, How To Vote

In the 2024 general election, Bradenton voters will cast ballots in federal, state, county and city races. Here’s what voters need to know.

Local Spotlight - Bill Sanders for Bradenton Mayor

My platform will follow the wants & needs of our citizens and will evolve over time, as residents communicate with me.

Kruse Outpaced Van Ostenbridge: Manatee County Primary Results 2024

The votes are in for Manatee County's 2024 primary elections, including the Board of County Commissioners. See the unofficial results.

Manatee County Primary Elections 2024: Candidates, How To Vote

Manatee County Democrats and Republicans can vote in U.S. Senate, Congress, school and county commission primary races on Tuesday, Aug. 20.

Candidate Profile 2024: Iris Thomas Garcia For Bradenton City Council

Iris Thomas Garcia is running for the Ward 5 seat on the Bradenton City Council. She faces one opponent in the race.

Candidate Profile 2024: Parkman For Manatee County School Board

Perri Ann Parkman is running for the District 3 seat on the Manatee County School Board. She faces two opponents in the race.

Candidate Profile 2024: Heather Felton For Manatee County School Board

Heather Felton is running for the District 1 seat on the Manatee County School Board. She faces two opponents in the race.

Candidate Profile 2024: Diana Shoemaker For Manatee County Commission

Diana Shoemaker is running for the District 3 seat on the Manatee County Commission. She faces three opponents in the race.

Candidate Profile 2024: Jennifer Hamey For Manatee County Commission

Jennifer L. Hamey is running for the District 1 seat on the Manatee County Commission. She faces three opponents in the race.

Candidate Profile 2024: Tal Siddique For Manatee County Commission

Tal Siddique is running for the District 3 seat on the Manatee County Commission. He faces three opponents in the race.

Candidate Profile 2024: George Kruse For Manatee County Commission

George Kruse is running for the District 7 at-large seat on the Manatee County Commission. He faces two opponents in the race.

Candidate Profile 2024: Robert McCann For Manatee County Commission

Robert “Bob” McCann is running for the District 5 seat on the Manatee County Commission. He faces two opponents in the race.

Candidate Profile 2024: Di Bartolomeo For Manatee County Commission

Joseph Di Bartolomeo is running for the District 5 seat on the Manatee County Commission. He faces two opponents in the race.

Sunshine Skyway Bridge Won’t Light Up For Pride Month: Report

​The Sunshine Skyway Bridge won't light up in colors recognizing Pride month, Juneteenth and other awareness days, reports said.

Former Commissioner Sworn In As Manatee Supervisor Of Elections

FL Gov. DeSantis appointed James Satcher, the former District 1 commissioner, as the new Manatee County Supervisor of Elections.

Illegal Immigration To Be Discussed By Manatee County Commissioners

Manatee County commissioners will discuss Tuesday how illegal immigration affects health care, schools, law enforcement, social services.

FL Ethics Investigation Launched Against Manatee Commissioner: Report

Manatee County Commission Chair Kevin Van Ostenbridge is accused of using a county-issued credit card to buy voter data, a report said.

How A Federal Government Shutdown Would Affect FL Residents

FL residents could see paycheck interruptions, food assistance shortfalls if a federal short-term spending bill isn’t passed by Congress.

Manatee County Administrator, Deputy Administrator Named: Officials

Charlie Bishop was named the Manatee County administrator after serving in the role on an interim basis since August.

Acting Manatee County Administrator Named By Commissioners: County

The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners unanimously named Charlie Bishop as acting Manatee County administrator.

DeSantis Chooses Baugh’s Replacement For Manatee County Commission

Raymond Turner was appointed by FL Gov. Ron DeSantis to replace Vanessa Baugh, who stepped down from the Manatee County Commission.

Vanessa Baugh Steps Down From Manatee County Commission: Report

Manatee County Commissioner Vanessa Baugh said she will step down from her District 5 seat as of July 31, a report said.

Guns In The Workplace: Manatee County Employees Can Bring Guns To Work

One day after a shooting at the Tropicana plant, Manatee County commissioners approve law allowing county employees to carry guns at work.

Adopt-A-Palooza To Feature 100 Adoptable Pets: Manatee County

Manatee County's largest one-day pet adoption and expo-style event, Adopt-A-Palooza, will feature more than 100 adoptable pets on May 13.

Van Ostenbridge Reinstated As Manatee Commission Chair After 2 Days

Two days after Vanessa Baugh was chosen to replace Kevin Van Ostenbridge as Manatee County Commission chair, he was reinstated.

Baugh, Who Violated FL Ethics Law, To Lead Commission: Manatee County

Vanessa Baugh was named the new chair of the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners, replacing Kevin Van Ostenbridge.

Manatee County Becomes FL’s Newest ‘Second Amendment Sanctuary’

Commissioners approved a “Second Amendment Sanctuary” designation for Manatee County in support of gun rights, reports said.

FL Lawmaker Tricked Into Reading Inappropriate Fake Names Aloud: Watch

During a Florida House subcommittee meeting, Rep. Will Robinson was duped into reading fake names out loud during public testimony: Watch.

Parrish Community Park Meeting Set: Manatee County

Manatee County will host a public information meeting Wednesday evening about plans for the proposed Parrish Community Park.