Keeping the Sparkle: Bradenton’s Old Main Gets a Lighting Update

By Lisa Neff

The white lights illuminating the oaks along Bradenton’s Old Main Street are getting a refresh.

The city of Bradenton and the Downtown Community Redevelopment Agency partnered on the project, which began in early October and is expected to be completed this week.

“It’s great they are refreshing the lights,” said Donna Moline, a Bradenton resident visiting the Saturday downtown market on Oct. 10. “It gives Main Street distinction, beauty. Even if I’m just driving by on Manatee Avenue, I’ll look down Main Street to see the sparkle.”

The work includes trimming branches near or over Main Street buildings, removing old lighting, preparing 27 trees and installing new LED lights, according to Bradenton public information officer Tiffany Shadik.

The CRA contributed $75,000 for the effort to enhance the lighted canopy that gives the street character while promoting safety. Removal of the old lighting and tree preparation were funded separately, and the city contributed toward tree trimming.

“The lighted trees have been a familiar part of Main Street for years,” Shadik said. “After the 2024 storms, the old lights were repaired to keep them working but a more complete replacement was needed. This project replaces the damaged, aging lighting with an annual maintenance schedule to help keep the new lights in good condition year-round.”

Festive Lighting Pros began work Oct. 5 at the north end of Main Street.

The project also provided an opportunity to give some attention to Main Street’s trees.

“We took care to protect the trees by carefully removing the old staples and treating the holes to prevent moisture and pests from entering the bark,” Shadik said.

In addition, the trees are getting some room to grow.

“The strands also have flexible connectors that expand,” Shadik said.

When the project is completed, will downtown visitors notice a difference?

“Main Street will be a bit brighter,” Shadik said.

The refreshed lighting comes as the city prepares for a season of festivals and gatherings along Main Street and the riverfront.

In addition to Realize Bradenton’s Saturday Bradenton Public Market, there is the Winter Wonderland celebration on Old Main Street Dec. 5.

Meanwhile, Bradenton Alive is organizing a Thanksgiving Eve celebration Nov. 25 and its annual New Year’s Eve festival is Dec. 31.

Beyond the festivals, the lights help create an inviting atmosphere for people visiting downtown’s restaurants, bars and hotels.

Paul Kessler, visiting from Gainesville, said the lighting adds to the appeal of downtown after dark.

“And they make the street feel safer,” he said. “We’re staying around the corner at the Springhill. And the night-time offerings here influenced our decision.”

The old lights on Old Main. Courtesy Image: City of Bradenton

Traffic slows on Main Street in downtown Bradenton during work in October to refresh the decorative lighting. Courtesy Image: City of Bradenton

Bradenton’s Main Street, where tree trimming took place in October. Courtesy Image: City of Bradenton