Quarterly Catch-Up
BY SHELLY WEST
It’s hard to believe we are halfway through the year. Here are highlights from the past quarter.
SeaFlower Master-Planned Community Breaks Ground
A new chapter began on Bradenton’s west side as construction kicked off for SeaFlower, an impressive 1,175-acre development. The former flower farm near Palma Sola will be transformed into a vibrant, master-planned community. The project will include over 4,000 homes that range from single-family residences to senior housing, along with hotels, commercial businesses, and public green spaces. A preview center has opened, offering potential residents a glimpse into the coastal-inspired design and lifestyle, emphasize bike-friendly paths, walkable districts, and sustainable practices.
City Park Project Set to Revitalize Downtown Bradenton
In March, the City of Bradenton began demolition of the aging Public Works Building at 1411 9th Street West to make way for a new City Park. The planned green space is a central feature of a downtown revitalization effort intended to strengthen the connection between Old Main Street, the Riverwalk, and the Village of the Arts. Once completed, the park will feature open-air event areas, community gathering spots, and pedestrian-friendly pathways. Aiming to increase foot traffic and cultural engagement, City Park is expected to become a vibrant center for Bradenton’s downtown expansion.
New Bradenton Police Headquarters Under Construction
In February 2025, ground was broken for the new Bradenton Police Department headquarters, marking a major investment in the city’s public safety infrastructure. The new location, at the intersection of 6th Avenue West and 2nd Street West, is expected to be completed by mid-2026. The aging headquarters will be replaced by a modern facility, including forensic labs, improved dispatch centers, and community meeting areas. The headquarters are being constructed on city-owned land selected for optimal access across key service areas, helping improve response times and operational efficiency.
Forest Cove Affordable Housing Community Moves Forward
In April, Manatee County Commissioners approved a $5.66 million loan to help finance Forest Cove, a 156-unit affordable housing development near Cortez Road West and 14th Street West. The project, led by One Stop Housing, addresses the critical need for workforce housing in a region facing increasing rent burdens. Forest Cove will serve residents earning below the area median income and will offer units built with energy efficiency and community-centered amenities in mind. Construction will begin in summer 2025, with leasing projected to start in 2026.
Housing Rehabilitation and Replacement Program Open
In March, Manatee County opened applications for a $1.2 million housing rehabilitation and replacement program aimed at assisting low- and very-low-income homeowners. The program, administered through the county’s Community Development Services Division, offers 0% interest deferred-payment loans. The program is for residents in need of critical home repairs or complete replacement of unsafe structures. This funding will address critical habitability issues like roof damage, structural problems, faulty wiring, plumbing failures, and other safety concerns.
The loans, which do not require repayment until the property is sold or ownership is transferred, should provide financial relief to long-term residents struggling to keep their homes livable. The program prioritizes applicants who are elderly, disabled, or living in substandard housing conditions.
Applications will be accepted until all funds are allocated, and the county encourages early submissions because of expected high demand. This initiative is part of a broader county effort to preserve existing affordable housing and invest in community well-being by helping residents remain safe in their homes.
Mote Marine Laboratory Makes Strides in Global Coral Conservation
Mote Marine Laboratory’s International Coral Gene Bank is making major strides in global coral conservation. Using advanced cryopreservation techniques, the lab is preserving the genetic material of vulnerable coral species, including rare staghorn corals rescued after Florida’s record 2023 bleaching event. This allows for long-term storage and the ability to restore reefs with genetically diverse, more resilient corals.
In the wake of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon spill, Mote plays a key role in a NOAA-supported initiative to restore damaged deep-sea coral habitats in the Gulf of Mexico. Mote’s coral biodiversity protection was strengthened by Florida DEP funding for Gene Bank infrastructure expansion.
Sofra Kitchen Bar & Bistro Debuts
In mid-March, downtown Bradenton welcomed a stylish fresh addition to its culinary scene with the opening of Sofra Kitchen Bar & Bistro. Located at 606 Manatee Avenue West, the restaurant is gaining attention for its unique blend of Mediterranean, Italian, and American flavors. Executive Chef Armand Dosti leads the kitchen with a menu that includes standout dishes such as branzino, seafood risotto, and spicy rigatoni.
The spirit of the restaurant is captured in its name, “Sofra,” an Albanian word for “gather around the table.” Sofra provides a sophisticated but casual ambiance, perfect for special events or romantic evenings, with both indoor and outdoor seating. The bistro is open for dinner service Monday through Saturday and closed on Sundays.
Good Liquid Brewing & Distilling Co. Opens
In April, Good Liquid Brewing & Distilling Co. opened its newest location in the heart of downtown Bradenton, adding a fresh energy to the city’s growing food and beverage scene. Situated at 1008 4th Avenue West, this latest location expands on the brand’s reputation for bold craft beer, creative cocktails, and a lively social atmosphere.
The Bradenton location features a self-pour beer wall, a full-service bar, and a menu of chef-inspired fare that elevates the typical brewpub experience. Its proximity to the Riverwalk makes it an ideal spot for locals and visitors alike to unwind with a pint and enjoy downtown Bradenton.
Welcome Vernona Gourmet Restaurant & Market
A hidden gem in Bradenton, Vernona Gourmet Restaurant & Market, at 711 Manatee Avenue East, offers an authentic taste of Hungary through traditional dishes like chicken paprikas and savory mushroom crepes. Blending a cozy cafe atmosphere with a specialty market, Vernona also sells imported Hungarian goods and hosts community events, making it a unique spot for Eastern European flavors and hospitality.