Quarterly Catch-Up
BY SHELLY WEST
Winter’s here on the Suncoast, and there’s plenty happening around the Bradenton area. From new community projects and local art events to fresh ideas taking root along the river and coast, it’s been a busy, inspiring season. Here’s a look at what’s been blooming—even as the temperatures cool down.
Sara’s Studios Breaks Ground in Bradenton
In August 2025, Florida Cultural Group celebrated the groundbreaking of Sara’s Studios, a 31,000-square-foot, four-story education and rehearsal facility in downtown Bradenton. The new complex will include rehearsal studios, classrooms, office space, and a large orchestra rehearsal hall, and will become the permanent home of The Pops Orchestra of Bradenton and Sarasota.
Backed by major philanthropic gifts—including support from the Florida District Kiwanis—and recent tourist-development tax funding, Sara’s Studios marks the next chapter in the organization’s growth as a regional cultural hub. Construction is now underway, with an expected opening in summer 2026.
Mote SEA Opens at UTC
The long-awaited Mote Science Education Aquarium (Mote SEA) officially opened to the public on October 8 at University Town Center, right next to PopStroke and Dillard’s at Nathan Benderson Park. The striking three-story facility was built on the site of a former pond and now anchors the area as a destination for discovery, education, and family fun.
Inside, visitors can explore 28 immersive exhibits featuring hundreds of marine animals from Florida’s coastal waters to the Indo-Pacific. Highlights include a new penguin exhibit, a shark habitat with an observation tube, and seven interactive touch tanks, including Shark and Pacific Invertebrate encounters.
Beyond being a world-class aquarium, Mote SEA is a hub for learning. The first floor houses three STEM classrooms for K–12 students and five research labs for college programs and workforce development.
Mote SEA is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering a hands-on experience where curiosity meets conservation.
Downtown Bradenton Market Returns
The Bradenton Public Market is back for the 2025–2026 season, bringing fresh energy to Old Main Street every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. through May. Stroll the open-air market and enjoy local produce, handmade art, and live music from local artists while kids take part in free family activities.
It’s the perfect Saturday outing—and a great way to support local growers, makers, and downtown businesses. Don’t forget to stop by nearby cafés, restaurants, and shops while you’re there to make a full day of it in the heart of Bradenton.
BAM!Fest 2026
Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 28, 2026, when BAM!Fest (Bradenton Art & Music Festival) returns to the Bradenton Riverwalk from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. This year’s festival will include all the favorites—live music, art, food, and family fun—plus a new environmental addition: the Eco Arts Park.
The new section will feature hands-on exhibits like Oyster River Ecology’s oyster rag pot project, which supports reef restoration in the Manatee River, and the Marine Exploration Center’s Mobile Aquarium, offering a close-up look at Florida’s coastal habitats.
Mixon in Bloom
In November, Manatee County hosted “Mixon in Bloom,” a community celebration marking the county’s official purchase of the historic Mixon Fruit Farms property in Bradenton. The event featured a symbolic “Passing of the Key” ceremony, followed by a community planting and beautification project where volunteers, local organizations, and county staff helped landscape and refresh the 39-acre site. The $13.5 million purchase ensures the beloved landmark will continue serving as a public gathering place for weddings, markets, and community events, with future plans including expanded programming and potential mobile library services.
Manatee County Stand Down
On November 1, the 27th Annual Manatee County Stand Down took place at the Manatee County Fairgrounds in Palmetto, offering essential services and support to local veterans in need. Hosted by Manatee County and Turning Points, the event brought together over 50 agencies providing access to healthcare, social services, veterans benefits, and employment resources. Highlights included the Veterans Amnesty Court, free medical and dental screenings, haircuts, meals, and help with identification and transportation—all part of a community effort to honor and uplift those who have served.
Bradenton Kiwanis Annual Veteran Appreciation
On November 4, the Bradenton Kiwanis Club hosted its annual Veterans Appreciation Luncheon at the Manatee Performing Arts Center, honoring local veterans for their service and dedication. The event featured keynote speaker Naomi Copeland from Southwest Florida Honor Flight and brought together community leaders, service members, and residents in a heartfelt celebration of gratitude. The luncheon continues a long-standing Bradenton tradition of recognizing those who have served while fostering community connection and support.
Old Navy Opens at Ellenton Premium Outlets
In October, Old Navy officially opened its first Manatee County location at Ellenton Premium Outlets, bringing new jobs and economic activity to the region. The store adds dozens of local retail positions and further solidifies Ellenton’s role as one of Southwest Florida’s busiest shopping destinations.
The opening contributes to ongoing economic growth in the county’s retail sector, where national and regional brands continue investing to meet the needs of a growing population. For Ellenton Premium Outlets, the addition of Old Navy enhances its mix of accessible, family-friendly retailers—helping keep consumer spending and employment opportunities close to home.
Lifesaving Drone Program Expansion
In September 2025, Manatee County expanded its groundbreaking 9-1-1 integrated drone delivery system, becoming the first program in the nation to use drones to deliver lifesaving equipment directly to emergency scenes. Originally launched in May 2024, the program had served a 3.5-square-mile zone only during weekday daylight hours. Phase Two, which launched on September 29, increased coverage to 35 square miles and extended service to seven days a week, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
When a 9-1-1 call is placed for cardiac arrest or an opioid overdose, a drone can now deliver an AED or NARCAN nasal spray in under three minutes—often arriving before first responders. The initiative is a partnership between Manatee County, ArcherFRS, and Tampa General Hospital, reflecting a shared commitment to using innovation to save lives.
Officials say the technology has already proven its value in speeding up critical care during emergencies, and the program’s success could serve as a model for other communities across the country.