News & Updates

Category: News & Events

When record June temperatures swept through the Sarasota-Bradenton area, Manatee County officials turned to an unexpected tool: the same software that helped coordinate hurricane response. The county has expanded its Peregrine emergency management platform to address dangerous heat conditions, marking a shift from reactive disaster management to proactive public health protection. This innovative approach leverages data analytics to identify when and where residents are most at risk during extreme heat events.

The county initially invested $140,000 in Peregrine in 2024 to consolidate storm-related information into a single operating picture for Emergency Management. The software quickly proved its worth during three back-to-back hurricanes, allowing staff to monitor stream gauges in real-time and coordinate damage assessments. Buoyed by that success, Manatee County spent an additional $267,500 in 2025 to expand the system’s capabilities, setting the stage for its adaptation to heat emergencies.

To understand heat-related emergencies, county analysts used Peregrine to examine six years of 911 call data. They discovered that heat calls spike between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday afternoons in July and August, with an average of 173 heat-related 911 calls in July alone. By integrating data from county-owned weather stations and the Thor Guard lightning detection system, Peregrine provides a comprehensive view of conditions that contribute to heat stress. Armed with these insights, the county has stepped up social media messaging about heat illness prevention over the past month.

“By integrating multiple operational data sources into a single platform, staff can better understand how weather conditions influence emergency response and identify trends and patterns over time,” said Francesca Constantini, communications coordinator for Manatee County Public Safety. “While the platform first gained visibility through its use during hurricanes and other emergency events, it has matured into a Public Safety intelligence platform that supports daily operations, situational awareness, advanced analytics and data-driven decision-making.”

Point Pleasant’s historic homes and dense tree canopy offer some relief, but many residents—especially those without air conditioning, outdoor workers, and seniors—remain vulnerable to extreme heat. Data-driven approaches like Peregrine enable the county to target outreach and resources where they’re needed most, potentially reducing heat-related illnesses. Moreover, repurposing existing software for a new threat maximizes taxpayer value and demonstrates adaptive governance. As climate change brings more frequent and intense heatwaves, such innovations are essential for community resilience in Bradenton’s historic neighborhoods.

Sources: Your Observer

Category: Features

The Gulf waters, estuaries, and Manatee River define Bradenton, and at the heart of this aquatic identity lies the historic Cortez Fishing Village—a community that has weathered storms, development pressures, and time itself to remain one of Florida’s last working waterfronts.

Originally called Hunter’s Point, Cortez was settled in 1880 by fishing families from North Carolina. Their descendants still call the village home, maintaining a continuity rare in today’s Florida. The village boasts 97 structures on the National Register of Historic Places, a testament to its architectural and cultural significance.

The early settlers built a self-sufficient village anchored by the Bratton Store, erected in the 1890s by William Bratton. This building housed the post office, general store, and steamboat wharf—the lifeline to the outside world. The Albion Inn provided rooms for travelers, while the 1912 schoolhouse became a community shelter during the catastrophic hurricane of 1921, which flooded the entire village.

The Pillsbury Boat Shop (1907) speaks to the village’s maritime craftsmanship. Operated by Edward Pillsbury and his sons, it was relocated multiple times over the decades, finally returning to Cortez in 2007—a century after its construction. These tangible links to the past could have been lost, but community vigilance saved them.

When the Albion Inn faced demolition in 1991, the Organized Fishermen of Florida and the Cortez Historical Society intervened, eventually moving the Bratton Building and Albion to the present-day Florida Maritime Museum campus. Today, the building houses the museum’s Folk School, where traditional skills like boat building and weaving are taught to new generations.

The Florida Maritime Museum itself is the cultural heartbeat of Cortez. “It’s almost like stepping back in time,” says Karen Bell, a lifelong resident, descendant of original settlers, and board member of the museum and the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (F.I.S.H.). Bell took over her family’s fishing company, AP Bell, and continues to champion the village’s living heritage.

Modern life has brought changes—many family businesses closed or moved—but Cortez endures. Visitors can stroll the village, admire restored antique boats, savor fresh-caught local fish at waterfront restaurants, and enjoy live music. The annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival, launched in 1981, celebrates the community’s roots. Kayak and jet ski rentals offer a closer look at the waters that sustained generations.

F.I.S.H., a grassroots nonprofit, preserves not just boats but the cultural practices and environmental stewardship of Florida’s fishing communities. Their Boatworks program teaches traditional boat building hands-on, ensuring these skills survive.

In a state where “Old Florida” vanishes daily to sprawl, Cortez stands as a resilient reminder that working waterfronts and the families who steward them can thrive. For Point Pleasant and similar coastal neighborhoods, Cortez offers both a model and a rallying cry: heritage is not a relic, but a living practice worth defending.

Sources: DEEP HISTORY, Bradenton Magazine (https://bradentonmag.com/cortez-fishing-village/); Florida Maritime Museum (https://www.floridamaritimemuseum.org/exploringcortez)

Category: News & Events

Roundabouts are rapidly becoming a defining feature of the Suncoast's transportation landscape, with Manatee County now leading the region in installations. According to a recent WWSB "Discovering the Suncoast" report, Manatee boasts 61 roundabouts compared to 54 in neighboring Sarasota County. At the state level, Florida tops the nation with 891 roundabouts, outpacing Indiana (602) and California (590).

The surge is driven by compelling safety data. The Florida Department of Transportation reports that roundabouts reduce fatal crashes by up to 90% and injury crashes by 76%. They eliminate high-speed angle collisions—such as T-bone crashes from left turns or red-light running—by replacing traditional signalized intersections with continuous flow circles.

Chad Butzow, Manatee County Public Works Director, emphasized safety as the core motivation. "With a roundabout, you've pretty much removed the ability to have any of those hard, high-speed angle crashes," he said. He credits the State Road 64/Rye Road/White Eagle roundabout as a turning point in public acceptance, proving that even high-volume, multi-lane roads could accommodate the design. "Once that thing went in and proved that it could be done on a multi-lane road, just about everybody started seeing that even a high-volume four-lane road could deal with a roundabout," Butzow added.

Beyond crash reduction, roundabouts offer resilience advantages. During power outages, they remain fully operational, whereas traffic signals dependent on electricity, internet, and cameras can fail, creating dangerous uncontrolled intersections.

Florida's enthusiasm for roundabouts appears here to stay. Butzow noted a personal shift in perspective: "If I would answer that question 10 years ago, I'd say they're not going to ever be accepted or serve a purpose. Today, I think they need to be used more and in more variety of sizes."

The trend reflects a broader movement toward Vision Zero—the goal of eliminating traffic fatalities—and smarter land-use planning. As the Suncoast continues to grow, infrastructure choices will shape the character and safety of its neighborhoods for decades.

Why This Matters for Point Pleasant

Point Pleasant, Bradenton's historic riverside neighborhood, has a vested interest in how our streets evolve. Many residents commute along corridors like State Road 64 and navigate intersections that could see roundabouts in the future. These designs calm traffic, cut speeds, and improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists—key for a community that cherishes its walkability and proximity to the Riverwalk, downtown, and the Bishop Museum. As Manatee County expands its roundabout network, Point Pleasant stands to benefit from reduced cut-through traffic, enhanced neighborhood livability, and greater resilience during storms and outages. This shift signals a commitment to sustainable, safety-first planning that aligns with the neighborhood's vision for a connected, historic, and thriving community.

Sources: WWSB (Mysuncoast); Florida Department of Transportation

Category: News & Events

In a heartening conservation story, a juvenile green sea turtle named Purple was released back into the Gulf of Mexico on Friday, June 26, after overcoming a life‑threatening cold‑stunning event. The release took place at Anna Maria Bayfront Park, a familiar spot just across the bay from Point Pleasant.

Purple was discovered on North Longboat Key in February, lethargic, underweight, and with barnacles clinging to its shell—a clear sign of prolonged distress. Weighing only two pounds at intake, the turtle was rushed to The Florida Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center. There, it received antibiotics, fluids, and intensive veterinary care. Over more than four months of dedicated rehabilitation, Purple gained strength and reached a healthy weight of 3.9 pounds. Before release, the turtle was fitted with a PIT tag and microchip for future identification.

The release was a collaborative effort, with Manatee County sea turtle volunteers assisting the aquarium team. “Every sea turtle release reflects months of intensive care and collaboration,” said Alyssa Fessett, manager of the aquarium’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center. “Purple’s recovery is a direct result of that work, and it’s always meaningful to see a patient return to its home healthy and strong.”

This successful release comes during a busy rehabilitation season. Since the season began, the aquarium’s center has taken in 22 juvenile green sea turtles, most victims of cold‑stunning that left them weakened by exposure to cold water. Following Purple’s departure, 13 sea turtles remain under care, continuing their journey back to the ocean.

Why This Matters for Point Pleasant

Point Pleasant’s identity is deeply tied to its waterfront location and the natural beauty of the Manatee River and Gulf. Healthy marine ecosystems—including sea turtles—are indicators of water quality and habitat vitality. Conservation efforts like the Florida Aquarium’s rehabilitation program directly benefit the waters that border our historic neighborhood. The involvement of local volunteers underscores community stewardship, a value shared by Point Pleasant residents. Stories like Purple’s remind us that preservation doesn’t stop at land; it extends to the marine environment that sustains our coastal way of life.

Sources: Patch; The Florida Aquarium Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center

Category: Features

When the Florida Association of the American Institute of Architects announced its 2026 Design Award winners last week, the Sarasota-Manatee region emerged as a clear leader—especially in the field of historic preservation. Out of the dozens of awards statewide, our area captured three of the most prestigious honors in the preservation and restoration category, tying recognition for efforts that breathe new life into beloved historic landmarks.

The awards, which will be presented on July 18 at the AIA Florida annual convention in Kissimmee, celebrate architecture that balances modern needs with respect for the past. In a state where development pressure often threatens historic structures, these local wins signal that preservation is not only possible but can be done with excellence.

Honor Award of Excellence: Chidsey Library Rehabilitation

The highest preservation honor went to Sweet Sparkman Architects for their sensitive rehabilitation of the Chidsey Library, Sarasota's first public library building, originally constructed in 1963. The project transforms the historic mid-century modern structure into office space for the Bay Park Conservancy, the nonprofit leading the transformation of 53 acres along Sarasota Bay into a signature public park.

Sweet Sparkman retained key historic elements that define the building's character: original terrazzo flooring, glass block walls, exposed brick, and portions of the original library stacks. The design preserves the building's civic presence while adapting it for a new chapter—one that ties the past directly to the future of Sarasota's waterfront.

"This building represents Sarasota's commitment to education and public space," said architect Juan Ocaña of Sweet Sparkman during restoration work. "We wanted to restore the parts that the public experiences and match the original character wherever possible." The Chidsey Library reopened to the public in October 2025 as part of the larger Bay Park development.

Merit Awards: Keeping Schools and Government Buildings Alive

Sweet Sparkman also earned a Merit Award for their work on the Bay Haven School of Basics Plus, a 1926 Mediterranean Revival elementary school designed by architect M. Leo Elliott. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Bay Haven needed major system upgrades to meet modern standards—but the campus remained in continuous use throughout construction. Sweet Sparkman phased the renovation carefully, replaced outdated building systems, and preserved the school's exterior character, including the historic terra cotta color palette at the main entry. The project demonstrates how historic schools can serve generations of students without losing their architectural soul.

Meanwhile, Hall Darling Design Studio received a Merit Award for the Sarasota County Terrace Building Restoration. Built in 1925 on the former Gillespie Golf Course, the structure opened as the Ringling Terrace, later became the Sarasota Terrace Hotel, and even housed spring training offices for the Chicago White Sox. Sarasota County acquired the building in 1972; today it serves as the county administration center. Hall Darling's work focused on repairing and restoring historic exterior elements, working closely with county preservation staff and recruiting specialized artisans across multiple trades. The challenge: keeping the building's layered civic history visibly intact while allowing it to function for modern government operations.

What These Wins Mean

All three projects reflect a preservation ethos that values craftsmanship, authenticity, and community benefit. They also showcase the strength of local firms with deep knowledge of Sarasota-Manatee's architectural legacy—from mid-century modern to Mediterranean Revival to early 20th-century civic buildings.

"These awards validate what we've known for years: our region knows how to preserve its history with distinction," said one preservation official. "When you can keep a 1926 school in use, a 1963 library alive, and a 1925 county building functional—all with top design quality—you're building a culture that respects its past."

With preservation topics having been under pressure in recent years—from cemetery protections to water restrictions affecting historic landscapes—these wins offer a positive counter-narrative. They prove that growth and conservation can coexist, and that our area's historic resources are not just surviving but thriving under skilled hands.

The AIA Florida awards ceremony on July 18 will cap months of review by a jury of national architects. For the families who attend Bay Haven, the county employees working in the Terrace Building, and the park visitors gathering at Chidsey Library, these honors are more than plaques—they're recognition that preservation, done well, serves everyone.

Sources: Sarasota Magazine (2026 AIA Florida Awards winners); The Bay Sarasota (Chidsey Library details); Your Observer (Terrace Building history); Sarasota County Heritage Awards (project background).

Category: News & Events

Because of ongoing hot and dry weather and heightened wildfire risk, Manatee County Emergency Management announced a countywide burn ban effective Tuesday afternoon, June 24. The ban will remain in effect until further notice.

The burn ban prohibits any item containing an explosive compound, sparklers, pyrotechnic composition, flares, open burning, and campfires. This comes as multiple wildfires near the Myakka River in Manatee, Sarasota, and Charlotte counties have already burned more than 1,000 acres, according to the Florida Forest Service wildfire map. These fires are in various stages of active, controlled, or contained.

Allowed activities under the ban include:

• Outdoor cookers or grills, provided they are attended at all times by a responsible adult.
• Liquefied petroleum gas devices (grills, camp stoves, fire pits, etc.) that solely burn LPG, natural gas, butane, naphthalene, or other liquid fuels, with constant adult supervision.
• Agricultural, silvicultural, and land-clearing burns authorized by the Florida Forest Service.
• Properly permitted public fireworks displays with adequate fire suppression equipment and personnel on site.
• Flares discharged over the Gulf.

All previously permitted public fireworks displays will continue as scheduled and remain subject to existing fire safety requirements.

“It only takes one spark to start a fire under these conditions,” Emergency Management Chief Matt Myers said. “We encourage everyone to avoid activities that could unintentionally ignite a fire and to follow the burn ban until conditions improve.”

This burn ban reflects the broader drought affecting the Tampa Bay region and underscores the heightened fire danger in our area. Residents should stay informed through official Manatee County channels and exercise extreme caution with any potential ignition sources.

Sources: Patch; Florida Forest Service Wildfire Map; Manatee County Emergency Management

Category: News & Events

A remarkable archaeological discovery lies just offshore of Manasota Key: a prehistoric human burial site entombed beneath 21 feet of Gulf of Mexico waters. The site, described as a “forbidden zone” where diving and anchoring are now prohibited, came to light after a fossil hunter searching for shark teeth recovered a human cranium. That chance find prompted a multi-year investigation led by former Sarasota County archaeologist Steve Koski and partner agencies.

What makes this site extraordinary is its age and setting. Carbon dating of wooden stakes at the location places the burials at approximately 7,200 years old. The area was once dry land—a marsh where Native Americans interred their dead—before rising sea levels submerged it. The Manasota Key offshore burial ground is the first preserved prehistoric burial site in the Americas discovered in offshore waters. It predates the modern Seminole people, but the remains are considered ancestral Native American and are protected under Florida Statute 872, which prohibits intentional disturbance of human remains.

The discovery reshapes how we think about our region’s ancient past. Koski notes that during the last glacial period, Florida was twice as wide, with the coastline extending 150–170 miles farther west. As sea levels rose over millennia, entire landscapes—and the traces of human habitation they held—were swallowed by the Gulf. That submerged terrain may still hold secrets: Koski suggests that signs of prior human activity could exist 200–250 feet beneath the surface today.

Because underwater sites are so hard to locate, serendipitous encounters by fossil hunters and divers often spark formal investigations. After the cranium surfaced, the state mapped the site’s boundaries and, over three years, determined how best to protect it. A restricted zone is now enforced; fishing is allowed but diving and anchoring are banned. The Seminole Tribe of Florida, through its Tribal Historic Preservation Office, advised to “leave it alone and keep people from diving there,” underscoring the respect owed to these ancient resting places.

The legal framework is robust: the site is protected not only by state law but also by federal oversight. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (formerly Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement) reviews potential seafloor disturbances—such as oil and gas leases—for evidence of submerged archaeological features. That kind of precaution is essential if we are to safeguard irreplaceable cultural resources hidden beneath the waves.

This find also reminds us that even today, our actions can imperil what lies below. Boat anchors, construction, and resource extraction can damage sites before they’re even known. The Manasota Key burial ground survived because someone reported a stray bone. Without thatalert, the site might have been disturbed unknowingly for years.

Why This Matters for Point Pleasant

Point Pleasant’s identity is rooted in historic preservation and a deep connection to the Manatee River and Tampa Bay. This underwater cemetery extends that heritage thousands of years into the past, linking our modern neighborhood to the ancient peoples who lived along the now-submerged shoreline. It’s a powerful reminder that preservation isn’t just about buildings—it’s also about protecting the fragile traces of those who came before us, whether on land or beneath the water. As Bradenton and Manatee County grow, we must advocate for vigilant review of any projects that could impact submerged cultural resources and support ongoing stewardship. This discovery strengthens the case for strong protections and respectful collaboration with Tribal nations, ensuring our region’s full history—above and below the waves—is honored.

Sources: WWSB ABC7

Category: Features

For many residents of Bradenton and the surrounding area, the objects that tell their family stories—old photographs, heirloom quilts, military medals, or a cherished piece of china—are quietly deteriorating. In a time when digital storage can fail and memories fade, preserving these tangible connections to the past becomes an act of cultural stewardship. This Saturday, June 27, Manatee Village Historical Park steps in with a solution: a hands-on workshop dedicated to protecting family treasures for generations to come.

The “Caring for Family Treasures” workshop runs from 2 to 3 p.m. and is led by Matt Woodside, the park’s curator, who holds a master’s degree in Museum Studies and brings three decades of expertise in conservation. Woodside will share practical, museum-grade techniques adapted for home use, covering safe storage solutions, handling methods, and environmental factors that can damage precious artifacts. The session is designed to be accessible to anyone, whether you’re safeguarding a single photograph or a collection of family heirlooms.

“Our personal belongings are fragments of our shared history,” Woodside said in the workshop announcement. “By learning to care for them, families become partners in preserving the story of our community.” The workshop’s limited capacity—just 30 participants—ensures an interactive experience. Tickets will be available at the Wiggins Store starting at 12:30 p.m. on the day of the event, free with museum admission (which is itself free, though donations are welcome).

Manatee Village Historical Park, located at 1404 Manatee Avenue East, is more than a collection of historic buildings; it’s a living classroom for preservation. Spanning structures from 1860 to 1918, the park illustrates Bradenton’s early days and serves as a repository for the county’s material culture. By offering workshops like this, the park extends its mission beyond its own walls, empowering residents to protect the artifacts that tell their own stories.

The timing of the workshop is particularly meaningful. This July, Manatee Village celebrates its 50th anniversary—a milestone that reflects half a century of community-driven preservation. The park’s origins trace back to the 1976 Bicentennial movement, which sparked the creation of historical societies and open-air museums nationwide. Preserving family treasures aligns perfectly with that legacy: just as the park safeguards buildings, individuals can safeguard the objects that bind families to place and time.

The workshop also connects to broader preservation efforts in Manatee County. In May, staff from Manatee Village joined the cleanup of Old Memphis Cemetery, a historic African American burial ground, sharing proper cleaning techniques with volunteers. “We want to help our community in future cleanup efforts,” the park noted. This spirit of education and collaboration underscores that preservation isn’t just about grand structures—it’s also about everyday care.

In a region grappling with rapid development and environmental pressures, the intangible heritage held in family collections can easily be overlooked. But those collections—the letters, the uniforms, the recipes—contain the intimate details that official histories often miss. By teaching practical skills, Manatee Village ensures that the memories of Bradenton’s diverse families will endure.

The workshop is free with admission (donations appreciated) and offers a rare chance to learn from a seasoned curator. With only 30 spots, interested residents should arrive early. Preserving the past isn’t a task left to professionals alone; it starts at home, with each of us guarding the treasures that anchor our identity.

Sources: Manatee Village Historical Park (https://www.manateevillage.org/)

Category: News & Events

South Sarasota County residents have taken their fight against a proposed $15 million road extension project to the state level, after a formal challenge was accepted for review by a state hearing officer. The project, intended to extend a roadway in south Sarasota County, has drawn persistent opposition from homeowners worried about its impact on sensitive wetlands and flood risks in the area.

According to WWSB ABC7, the Southwest Florida Water Management District confirmed that the residents’ challenge cleared a procedural hurdle and will now be heard by a state hearing officer. Among the concerned residents is Kelly Bauman, who has voiced specific worries about potential flooding impacts and the preservation of surrounding wetlands. Bauman recently met with a Sarasota County transportation engineer to discuss flood-mitigation measures. One option under consideration is the creation of buffer areas between the road and sensitive environmental zones. However, details remain uncertain; buffer widths could range from 20 to 60 feet, and residents were told their request for the largest possible buffer may not be feasible. Sarasota County has not yet provided clear answers on the final buffer dimensions or the implementation timeline.

The situation underscores broader tensions between infrastructure development and environmental stewardship in coastal Southwest Florida. Wetlands serve as natural sponges for stormwater, helping to mitigate flooding and protect water quality. As development continues to pressure remaining natural areas, questions about adequate buffers and flood resilience become increasingly urgent.

Why This Matters for Point Pleasant

While this project lies in Sarasota County, its implications ripple across the region. Point Pleasant, situated along the Manatee River with a rich historic character and deep connection to the water, shares the same environmental vulnerabilities. The Southwest Florida Water Management District governs both counties, meaning decisions made in one area can set precedents for another. Here, citizens successfully pushed their challenge to a formal hearing—a reminder that community advocacy can influence outcomes.

For Point Pleasant, this story amplifies the need to scrutinize any development that affects wetlands, floodplains, or water quality. It also highlights the importance of demanding transparent, science-based buffer standards and flood-mitigation plans. As our neighborhood continues to face growth pressures, the vigilance shown by south Sarasota residents offers a model: stay informed, engage early, and do not accept vague assurances when environmental safeguards are at stake.

Sources: WWSB ABC7

Category: News & Events

Manatee County, along with much of Southwest Florida, is now under Modified Phase III "Extreme" Water Shortage Restrictions as of April 3, 2026. The Southwestern Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) declared the restrictions in response to a severe rainfall deficit and declining water levels across the region's aquifers, rivers, and lakes.

The restrictions, which remain in effect through July 1, 2026, represent the most stringent water conservation measures implemented in recent years. They apply to all of Manatee County, as well as Citrus, DeSoto, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, and Sumter counties, plus portions of Charlotte, Highlands, and Lake counties.

One-Day-Per-Week Lawn Watering

Under the Modified Phase III restrictions, lawn and landscape watering is limited to a once-per-week schedule based on the last digit of your address:

• Addresses ending in 0 or 1: Monday only
• 2 or 3: Tuesday only
• 4 or 5: Wednesday only
• 6 or 7: Thursday only
• 8 or 9: Friday only

Watering hours are restricted to either 12:01 a.m. to 4 a.m. OR 8 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. Properties less than one acre may only use one of these windows. Larger properties (one acre or more) are limited to before 4 a.m. AND after 8 p.m., unless stricter local hours apply.

Hand-Watering and Micro-Irrigation Still Allowed

Residents may still hand-water plants or use micro-irrigation for flower beds, shrubs, and other plant material (excluding lawns) on any day, but only during the hours of before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m. This provides flexibility for gardens and landscaping while still conserving water.

New Landscapes Get 60-Day Establishment Period

New lawns and plants receive a 60-day establishment period. For the first 30 days, they may be watered any day. Days 31-60 allow watering three days per week on a schedule based on address parity. Property owners must register new landscape projects with the Water Conservation Office to qualify for this variance and maintain a written schedule.

Enforcement and Penalties

Manatee County Utilities, in coordination with Code Enforcement, will enforce the restrictions with a penalty structure that begins with citations—no warnings—starting 14 days after the order's effective date:

• First violation: $100 fine
• Second violation: $250 fine
• Third violation: $500 fine

Utilities must also increase enforcement efforts, respond to citizen complaints, and monitor water use through patrols or customer records. HOA or community deed restrictions that conflict with these water-saving measures cannot be enforced; no entity may require increased water use for aesthetic purposes.

Other Affected Uses

• Pressure washing is allowed only for painting/sealing preparation.
• Car washing at home is permitted only on your lawn watering day with a shut-off nozzle.
• Aesthetic fountains may operate only four hours per day (hours must be posted).
• Restaurants must serve water only upon request.
• Golf courses face their own restrictions: fairways/ driving ranges once per week; tees, greens, and practice greens up to three times per week; no irrigation on roughs.

Reclaimed water use for irrigation is not subject to the restrictions when used straight (not mixed with other sources), though voluntary conservation during daylight hours is strongly encouraged.

Why This Matters for Point Pleasant

Point Pleasant's historic homes and mature landscapes often require thoughtful irrigation to maintain their character. These restrictions push residents toward water-conscious practices that align with our community's stewardship values—preserving not just historic structures but the natural resources that make the Point Pleasant neighborhood desirable. As a waterfront community near the Manatee River, conservation matters directly to our environmental health. The fines and enforcement underscore the seriousness of the drought conditions; compliance protects both your wallet and our shared water future. Take this opportunity to adjust sprinkler schedules, consider drought-tolerant native plants for gardens, and hand-water sensitive historic plantings during permitted hours.

Sources: Manatee County Utilities; Southwest Florida Water Management District

Category: Features

In early May, the historic Old Memphis Cemetery—a sacred resting place for generations of Bradenton’s Black community—was vandalized, sparking outrage and a swift, unified response. What happened next reveals the power of community advocacy and the growing commitment to protect our regional heritage.

The desecration of Old Memphis Cemetery, which has served Manatee County for over a century, could have been a moment of despair. Instead, it became a catalyst for action. Local residents, historians, and faith leaders quickly mobilized to clean up and restore the damaged grounds, demonstrating that community stewardship remains alive and well in the Point Pleasant region.

On Tuesday, June 2, 2026, Manatee County commissioners took a major step forward by approving a comprehensive package of measures to ensure the long-term protection of this historic site. The motions, which passed unanimously, direct the county to:

• Explore the use of ground-penetrating radar to identify unmarked burial sites and fully document the cemetery’s extent.
• Actively search for grant funding to support preservation and security improvements.
• Investigate securing national historic designation for Old Memphis Cemetery.

Commissioner Amanda Ballard, who has been a champion for the preservation effort, emphasized the cemetery’s significance. “This site has stood for more than a century as a testament to the resilience and contributions of our Black community,” Ballard said. “We have a responsibility to protect it for future generations.”

The county also allocated $100,000 specifically for cemetery protection measures—a tangible commitment to safeguarding this irreplaceable piece of local heritage. These funds will help address immediate security needs and support the planning required for long-term stewardship.

Old Memphis Cemetery is more than just a burial ground; it is a physical archive of Black history, faith, and perseverance in Manatee County. Like many historic African American sites, it has often been overlooked or under-resourced. The recent vandalism put that neglect into stark relief, but it also created an opportunity for healing and renewed dedication.

The community response—neighbors joining together to restore dignity to the grounds—shows that heritage preservation is not just a government responsibility but a shared civic duty. That same spirit now informs the county’s actions, as officials pursue both technical solutions (like ground-penetrating radar) and the formal recognitions that bring additional protections and resources.

For residents of Point Pleasant and Bradenton, this story underscores a critical truth: our historic sites are vulnerable, but they are not defenseless. Through vigilant advocacy, informed policy, and active community involvement, we can ensure that places like Old Memphis Cemetery endure as touchstones of identity and remembrance.

The next steps will involve technical surveys, grant applications, and the national landmark nomination process. These are complex, time-consuming efforts—but they are now underway with strong momentum. The lesson from Old Memphis is clear: when a community speaks with one voice for its heritage, preservation wins.

Sources: Manatee County commissioners approve measures to protect vandalized historic Black cemetery; Historic Bradenton cemetery restoration underway

Category: News & Events

On Tuesday, June 2, Manatee County commissioners took decisive steps to protect Old Memphis Cemetery, the historic Black burial ground that was vandalized last month. The unanimous vote directed county staff to explore three key preservation measures: using ground-penetrating radar to identify unmarked graves, pursuing grant funding for protection and restoration, and seeking national historic designation for the site.

The motions came amid community outrage and a massive volunteer cleanup effort that saw over 100 residents join county leaders to restore the cemetery. Headstones were cleaned, weeds pulled, and debris cleared—a visible demonstration of the community's commitment to honoring this sacred ground.

Commissioner Amanda Ballard, who has been a driving force behind the protection effort, emphasized the cemetery's century-plus history and the need for long-term safeguards. "The American Legion has a post right across the street," Ballard noted, explaining their plans for a memorial with a large flagpole and the names of all veterans interred there. "They want to ensure that they are being respectful and make sure that they are not accidentally placing that memorial on someone's remains."

Those sentiments resonate deeply with families like James McCloud's, whose grandfather—a World War II veteran—is buried at Old Memphis. "He would be tremendously honored," McCloud said. "He wasn't like a World War II vet, they didn't talk much, but he would be honored I'm sure."

The county's actions could also set a precedent for preserving other historic Black cemeteries throughout Manatee County, many of which have suffered neglect and, in some cases, vandalism. Commissioners are expected to continue discussions on preservation options, including potential funding sources and pathways to national historic status.

Sources: WWSB/MySuncoast

Category: Features

The physical traces of our community's past are more than just old stones; they are anchors of memory and identity. In Bradenton, two historic African American cemeteries—Adams and Rogers—have long stood as silent witnesses to generations of local families, their stories almost lost to overgrowth and neglect. A recent restoration has begun to heal these sacred grounds and restore dignity to those interred there.

Adams and Rogers cemeteries, located in Manatee County, are the final resting places for many of the area's earliest Black residents. For decades, the sites had fallen into serious disrepair. Trees had grown across graves, grass choked markers, and access became difficult for loved ones wishing to pay their respects. The neglect reflected a painful pattern where African American burial grounds often receive less care and preservation attention than others.

That changed when Manatee County Commissioner Tal Siddique heard repeated requests from his district to address the conditions. Siddique spearheaded a restoration project that brought together county property management staff and crews for an intensive six-day cleanup. Their work went beyond simple maintenance; it was an act of reverence.

The crews chopped down intruding trees, installed new trash cans, and added a new gate to mark the entrance. Importantly, they took extra precautions to avoid damaging any graves during the tree removal. Their care uncovered a poignant discovery: a grave hidden by overgrown grass, dating back to the 1960s, which had been completely lost to memory.

"Just great staff that not only did their jobs, went above and beyond, going to great pains and lengths to make sure that even during the cleanup they were respectful of the graves here," Siddique said. "It was great, you got people that can come visit their loved ones, and they haven't seen it in so long, grass growing over it, we cleared it up, cleaned it."

For local residents like Geneva Presha, a Manatee County native, the restoration is deeply meaningful. "People have moved, people have died, people passed, but our relatives, some ones are here. We need to remember that," she said. "I need to know where my relatives are, that is really being taken care of properly, so I'm glad that we're looking back now and we're making that effort."

The emotional impact extends to the workers as well. Antoine King, a boom truck operator, reflected on the team's pride: "When you see something that's beautiful like how we did this, it's a team effort... People could come out here and see their loved ones. We haven't seen them in 20 years. Just come out here and sit and visit them."

African American cemeteries across the South and Florida have historically faced neglect due to systemic inequities in funding and preservation resources. The restoration of Adams and Rogers is part of a growing movement to reclaim and protect these sites. For Point Pleasant residents, this story resonates: our own neighborhood's historic fabric—whether through its homes, churches, or burial grounds—embodies the collective memory that gives our community its character.

Manatee County has committed to maintaining the cemeteries annually, ensuring the work done this spring endures. This stewardship is a crucial step toward restorative justice, acknowledging that all histories deserve respect and care.

The renewed Adams and Rogers cemeteries stand as a testament to what community advocacy can achieve. They invite us to visit, remember, and honor those who came before us—and to protect the places that tell our shared story.

Sources: WWSB - Historic Bradenton cemetery restoration underway

Category: News & Events

Southwest Florida is in the grip of its worst water shortage in almost a decade. The Peace River Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority, which supplies water to communities across the region — including Manatee County — reports that its 6-billion-gallon main reservoir is now roughly half empty. The visible gap between the current waterline and the normal mark tells the story: months of below-average rainfall have taken a serious toll.

The Southwest Florida Water Management District implemented Phase 3 water restrictions for the first time since 2017, limiting outdoor watering to one day per week across Manatee, Sarasota, and surrounding counties. The restrictions are currently set to run through July 1.

Between the reservoir and an underground aquifer storage system, the authority normally holds a 12- to 13-month supply. That reserve has now fallen to about eight months. In March alone, the system dispensed more than three times the amount of water it was able to pull from the Peace River, which has been flowing below the 130 cubic-feet-per-second threshold since last November.

An emergency order issued in March has allowed the authority to continue drawing a limited amount from the river despite low flow levels. That order expires at the end of May, after which the system will depend entirely on stored water until summer rains raise river levels.

Officials say they are confident the reserves will hold. "This summer, we'll probably fill up a little faster," said Katie Gilmore, director of operations for the water supply authority. "Usually during the rainy season, there's more water flowing than we even need to take." The authority is also building a new 9-billion-gallon reservoir expected to come online in about three years, more than doubling current above-ground storage capacity.

Environmental advocates are pushing for stricter year-round conservation. "History has shown us that voluntary water restrictions do not work," said Glenn Compton, chairman of ManaSota-88. "There need to be more mandatory restrictions put in year-round, so that we don't end up in a situation where we're concerned about reduced water supply in a drought."

What You Can Do

Manatee County residents under Phase 3 restrictions should limit landscape irrigation to their assigned one-day-per-week schedule. The county also offers free rain barrels through its conservation rebate program — a practical step for any homeowner looking to reduce municipal water use.

Why This Matters for Point Pleasant

Point Pleasant sits along the Manatee River, part of the same watershed under stress from this drought. Water restrictions directly affect how our residents maintain yards and green spaces, and the long-term health of regional water reserves shapes everything from property values to the ecological health of the river we live alongside. The planned 9-billion-gallon reservoir expansion and the policy debate over year-round conservation are decisions that will shape our neighborhood's water security for decades to come.

Sources: The Bradenton Times; Suncoast Searchlight; MySunCoast; WGCU

Category: News & Events

Two historic African American cemeteries in Manatee County are breathing again. After years of overgrowth and neglect, the Adams and Rogers cemeteries have been cleared, gated, and restored in a six-day county-led project that uncovered at least one grave hidden by grass since the 1960s.

Manatee County Commissioner Tal Siddique spearheaded the effort after hearing repeated requests from residents in his district. Crews removed dead trees with special care to avoid damaging headstones, installed new trash cans, and added a new entry gate. During the work, staff discovered a grave that had been completely concealed by overgrown vegetation — a headstone dating back more than half a century.

"People could come out here and see their loved ones. We haven't seen them in 20 years. Just come out here and sit and visit them," said Antoine King, a boom truck operator on the project, who described the work as a team effort rooted in pride.

Manatee County native Geneva Presha expressed what the restoration means to families who had been unable to visit or even locate relatives' graves. "I need to know where my relatives are, that they are really being taken care of properly," she said. "I'm glad that we're looking back now and we're making that effort."

The county has committed to maintaining the cemeteries on an annual basis, ensuring the grounds will not slip back into the condition that made them nearly inaccessible. That maintenance pledge is significant — across Florida, historic African American burial grounds have too often been left to deteriorate, their existence quietly erased by time, vegetation, and institutional neglect.

The restoration at Adams and Rogers comes just days after the community rallied around Old Memphis Cemetery in Palmetto following a vandalism incident that damaged 17 graves. Together, the two stories underscore a broader truth: Manatee County's historic cemeteries are at a crossroads. Some are being reclaimed; others still need champions.

Why This Matters for Point Pleasant

Point Pleasant sits in a city and county where historic burial grounds still surface as urgent preservation issues. The Adams and Rogers restoration shows what organized community advocacy and responsive county leadership can accomplish — and the Old Memphis Cemetery vandalism shows what happens when no one is watching. For Point Pleasant, these stories are a reminder that every historic site in our area needs a constituency willing to speak up, show up, and insist on care. If our neighborhood wants its own landmarks and sacred spaces preserved, we should take note of both the model and the warning.

Sources: WWSB MySunCoast

Category: News & Events

Bradenton residents could see their water and sewer bills climb as early as next month. City Council members are weighing a proposed 7.5% utility rate increase that would add roughly $3 per month to the average household bill, with a council vote scheduled for June 10.

The increase is tied to the city's "Face It, Fix It" initiative — a multi-hundred-million-dollar program to replace aging stormwater, wastewater, and drinking water infrastructure. City officials say the work is urgent: Bradenton's outdated utility systems have contributed to repeated wastewater spills into the Manatee River, and delays will only raise costs further.

City Administrator Rob Perry told council members at a May 6 workshop that the city's capital needs are significantly underfunded. "It just isn't going to get better unless we start adjusting the rate," Perry said.

The city hired Matrix Consulting Group to conduct a full utility rate study. According to Chief Operating Officer Lance Williams, the 7.5% increase is merely a "stepping stone." The preliminary report, which has not yet been publicly released, reportedly shows far larger rate adjustments ahead. "It would be astonishing if we presented it," Williams said of the full findings, suggesting the 7.5% proposal represents only a fraction of the long-term need.

City data shows Bradenton currently charges 18% less than Palmetto and 14% less than Manatee County for 4,000 gallons of monthly water use, and roughly 33% less than the City of Sarasota for the same consumption. Officials say the lower rates reflect years of deferred increases — and the gap has caught up with the infrastructure.

Not all council members are ready to vote yes. Councilwoman Marianne Barnebey stressed the importance of clearly communicating the rationale to residents: "I would not be surprised if the entire chamber was packed with people saying, 'I can't pay that.'" Councilwoman Lisa Gonzalez Moore said she would rather see the full Matrix Consulting report before committing to any increase, citing concern that residents "will actually suffer."

Mayor Gene Brown acknowledged the difficulty but urged action: "If we don't do it, shame on us." The full rate study is expected to come before council in July, but officials say waiting would mean further delay on critical repairs.

The June 10 council meeting is open to the public. Residents who wish to comment on the proposed increase can attend or reach out to their council representatives ahead of the vote.

Why This Matters for Point Pleasant

Point Pleasant sits in the heart of Bradenton's older utility grid — the very infrastructure at the center of this debate. Wastewater spills into the Manatee River directly affect the waterway that defines our neighborhood's western edge, and aging pipes under our streets are part of the problem the "Face It, Fix It" initiative aims to solve. While no one welcomes higher bills, the alternative is more spills, more emergency repairs, and more disruption in our own backyards. The June 10 vote is a chance for Point Pleasant residents to weigh in on how the city balances affordability against the urgent need to fix the systems we all depend on.

Sources: Bradenton Herald; Patch - Bradenton

Category: Features

In a region where construction cranes sometimes rival palm trees for skyline dominance, the quieter work of historic preservation rarely grabs headlines. But on April 30, the Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation (SAHP) gave that work its moment in the spotlight, honoring eleven recipients of the 2026 Sarasota County Heritage Awards at its annual dinner.

Established in 2017 by the History and Preservation Coalition of Sarasota County and now directed by SAHP, the Heritage Awards recognize the full spectrum of preservation effort — public agencies and private homeowners, architects and craftspeople, researchers and neighborhood advocates — each working to keep older places viable in a rapidly changing market.

The 2026 honorees span the county, and their stories carry a message that resonates in Bradenton and Point Pleasant, where the same tensions play out: what do we lose when we trade character for convenience?

Among the standout projects is the restoration of Bay Haven School of Basics Plus, a 1926 campus designed by M. Leo Elliott and listed on the National Register. Sweet Sparkman Architecture and Interiors preserved the school's architectural integrity while allowing it to function as a modern public school — a balance harder than it looks.

On Siesta Key, Mark and Lorrie Bogart received the Historic Structure Preservation award for rehabilitating the Lamolithic House, a 1948 design by Ralph Twitchell and Paul Rudolph that embodies the Sarasota School of Architecture's postwar experimentation with reinforced concrete. They retained character-defining materials while strengthening the home for long-term coastal resilience.

The most community-driven story belongs to the Edson Keith Farmhouse at Phillippi Estate Park. Built in 1916 and listed on the National Register since 1991, the clapboard farmhouse has served as a residence, workers' quarters, and guest lodging over its long life. Fred and Grace Whitehouse launched the Phillippi Creek farmers market in 2013 to fund restoration, raising nearly $500,000 over more than a decade. A ribbon-cutting in April 2025 marked completion — the farmhouse will now serve as a public interpretive center.

Paul and Michelle van Deventer, honored for restoring the 1939 Frederickson House in Laurel Park, put it plainly: "We're seeing so much get torn down. It felt important to add something back to the history." Their meticulous restoration of a hand-built old Florida pine bungalow — lifted onto a new foundation, original windows restored, salvaged materials reused throughout — undercuts the stereotype that historic homes are money pits. The property is now pending at $1.449 million, proving preservation can carry real market value.

Other honorees include builder Pat Ball, recognized for more than five decades of preservation-sensitive construction, and Kristine Ziedina, Director of Research and Documentation at Architecture Sarasota, recognized for her contributions to historical research. The Sarasota County Terrace Building restoration by Hall Darling Design Studio earned the Skilled Trades award.

For Point Pleasant and the broader Bradenton community, the Heritage Awards are more than a ceremony — they are a playbook. They show that preservation is possible, that it takes patience and partnerships, and that the result is worth far more than the sum of its salvaged materials. As development pressure continues to reshape our neighborhoods, the question is not whether we can afford to preserve our heritage. It is whether we can afford not to.

Sources: Sarasota Magazine; Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation; Your Observer

Category: News & Events

A disturbing case of vandalism has shaken the Manatee County community. Seventeen graves at Old Memphis Cemetery in Palmetto were discovered damaged earlier this month — headstones knocked over and broken, red spray paint defacing tombstones, cracked concrete and open gravesites marring the 122-year-old burial ground.

Old Memphis Cemetery is tied to Palmetto's historic Memphis neighborhood, originally plotted in 1904. According to a state historical marker, the cemetery became the final resting place of many Black residents who worked in the area's farming fields, groves and packing houses. Manatee County has maintained the cemetery since 1988. Among those buried there are veterans and multiple generations of local families.

Tracey Washington, president of the Manatee County NAACP, expressed outrage after visiting the site. "I have my brother, grandfather and grandmother here," Washington told FOX 13. "It hurts really bad to see this." Resident Xtavia Bailey called the vandalism "evil, messing with death."

The Manatee County Sheriff's Office is actively investigating. No arrests have been made. CrimeStoppers of Manatee County is offering up to $3,000 for information leading to an arrest, and the Gold Star Club of Manatee County has added an additional $1,000 reward. Anyone with information can call 941-747-3011 or submit an anonymous tip at ManateeCrimeStoppers.com.

Manatee County government says it is coordinating with a specialized contractor to assess and repair the damaged gravesites, and is evaluating additional security measures for the cemetery.

The community is not waiting for government action alone. A cleanup is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 23 — the weekend before Memorial Day — organized by Manatee County Commissioner Amanda Ballard with support from Palmetto Mayor Dan West and several local businesses. Christopher Mullinex, owner of Gilcon Materials, has volunteered to donate concrete and construct new vault lids at no charge, freeing county funds for fencing and security improvements. The organizers are asking for volunteers to donate time, flowers and flags.

Why This Matters for Point Pleasant

Old Memphis Cemetery is one of the most significant historic burial grounds in Manatee County, and its vandalism is a stark reminder that historic sites in our own backyard are vulnerable. Point Pleasant shares deep roots with the same Manatee River corridor that shaped the Memphis neighborhood — both communities were plotted in the early 1900s and both have fought to preserve their character amid rapid development. When any historic site in our county is desecrated, it diminishes the shared heritage we all depend on. The May 23 cleanup is a chance for residents across Manatee County — including Point Pleasant — to stand up for preservation and respect for the past. If you can spare a Saturday morning, consider joining the effort.

Sources: Miami Herald; FOX 13 Tampa Bay; MySuncoast

Category: News & Events

Bradenton city officials have identified a potential temporary home for city operations: the Manatee County Administration Building in downtown Bradenton. At a city council workshop last week, City Administrator Rob Perry said the city is negotiating a lease for approximately one-and-a-half floors of the county building on Manatee Avenue West, calling the rates "very, very economically favorable."

The move is driven by the city's 2024 agreement to sell the current City Hall at 101 Old Main Street for $14.1 million to L&L Development, which plans to build The Vias — a large mixed-use project featuring 350 apartment units, 95 condominiums, a 14-story hotel, and retail space on the waterfront site. City officials must vacate the building in early 2027 so construction can begin.

Space is available in the county building because Manatee County has been transferring staff to a new office facility in Lakewood Ranch. Perry said the layout and included furniture, fixtures, and equipment make it a practical short-term solution. "We've looked at it from the perspective of the ease of occupancy... the transitional convenience of being able to do that in a short period of time, do it efficiently," Perry told the council.

The Bradenton Police Department, currently housed adjacent to City Hall, will also need to relocate. Perry said the department's new $35 million headquarters is expected to be complete by December.

While the county building lease could serve as a bridge, city leaders are still searching for a permanent location. Mayor Gene Brown said leasing the county space buys time for the economy to improve before committing to a new building. Perry also presented a concept for a three-story, 45,000-square-foot rectangular building designed to be adaptable to multiple potential sites. Councilwoman Lisa Gonzalez Moore urged officials to balance economy with aesthetics: "I don't want it to look bad."

Councilwoman Jayne Kocher expressed enthusiasm for the county lease idea, even suggesting it could become a long-term arrangement. "If it goes well, I don't know that I am opposed to it being a permanent thing," Kocher said.

A formal recommendation on the lease is expected to come before the city council soon. The deal also requires approval from the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners.

Why This Matters for Point Pleasant

The Vias project will transform a prime piece of downtown waterfront land just blocks from the Point Pleasant neighborhood, bringing hundreds of new residents, a hotel, and retail into the heart of Bradenton. That scale of development will affect traffic, parking, and the character of the surrounding area — including our neighborhood. Meanwhile, the relocation of City Hall and the police department reshapes where and how residents access city services. These are decisions that deserve neighborhood attention and input, and the temporary move to the county building is the first concrete step in a chain of changes that will reshape downtown Bradenton for years to come.

Sources: Bradenton Herald; City of Bradenton

Category: News & Events

Bradenton's Rossi Park, a popular Riverwalk destination at 444 Third Ave. W., will close to the public from Monday, May 18 through Thursday, June 25 as the city installs new sunshade structures throughout the park.

The temporary closure will affect most of the park's amenities, including the splash pad, pavilion, restrooms, and lawn area, according to a City of Bradenton announcement. Construction crews will be working across the site during the roughly five-week improvement project.

However, the two playgrounds adjacent to Rossi Park will remain open and will be accessible from the Riverwalk throughout the construction period, city officials said.

The splash pad is a particular draw for families as temperatures climb in late spring and summer. City officials acknowledged the closure may cause some inconvenience but said the new shade structures will make the park significantly more comfortable for visitors once the work is finished.

"We know the splash pad is a popular spot this time of year, but these improvements will add much-needed shade and help make the area more comfortable for visitors once complete," the city said in its announcement.

Rossi Park sits along the Manatee River in the heart of the Riverwalk, a short walk from downtown Bradenton and the Old Manatee historic district. The park frequently hosts community events and serves as a gathering point for Riverwalk visitors. The project is scheduled to conclude by June 25, weather permitting.

Why This Matters for Point Pleasant

Rossi Park is one of the closest Riverwalk amenities to Point Pleasant, and many neighborhood residents use it regularly — especially the splash pad during the hot months. While the closure is temporary, it affects a key family-friendly destination just as summer arrives. The good news: the new shade structures will make the park more usable year-round, and the playgrounds remain accessible. If you typically walk the Riverwalk through Rossi Park, plan an alternate route starting May 18 and look for the park to reopen by late June with a cooler, more comfortable layout.

Sources: Bradenton Herald; Pulse of Manatee

Category: News & Events

A major redevelopment is coming to downtown Bradenton. A $30 million project targeting the 9th Street West corridor — just steps from LECOM Park — aims to transform a historically underutilized stretch of the city into a vibrant hub for sports, community life, and economic activity.

Construction is slated to begin next spring. Plans call for new multi-use baseball fields, expanded parking infrastructure, and a community resource center designed to provide family support services alongside educational and career development programs. The project backers say the vision goes beyond athletics — it is about creating a district that connects residents to opportunity year-round.

The economic case is significant. Projections estimate $20 to $30 million in annual economic impact driven primarily by sports tourism, which would benefit surrounding businesses — from restaurants and breweries to galleries and retail shops along the nearby Riverwalk corridor.

For residents who have watched the 9th Street West area sit underused for years, the proposal represents a long-awaited investment in a part of the city that has often been overlooked in favor of waterfront-focused projects. The inclusion of a community resource center signals that the plan intends to serve locals, not just visitors.

Key details — including the full development timeline, funding sources, and any required zoning or land-use approvals — have yet to be publicly detailed. As the project moves toward its spring 2027 construction start, neighborhood advocates should watch for opportunities to weigh in on design, traffic impacts, and how the community resource center's programming will be shaped.

Why This Matters for Point Pleasant

The 9th Street West corridor sits just a few blocks north of the Point Pleasant neighborhood, placing our community directly in the ripple zone of this project. Increased foot traffic and tourism spending could lift nearby small businesses, but the scale of the development also raises questions about traffic, parking spillover, and whether the promised community resource center will genuinely serve adjacent neighborhoods like ours. Point Pleasant residents should stay engaged as the project moves through the approval process — attending public hearings and asking how the benefits will reach the blocks closest to the development, not just the visitors it attracts.

Sources: WENG 98.1FM

Category: Features

The Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation has released its 2026 Six to Save list, and this year the spotlight falls hard on the Sarasota School of Architecture — the mid-century movement that put this region on the global design map. Five of the six properties are Sarasota School landmarks, and every one of them faces either the bulldozer or the slow erosion of neglect.

Topping the list is the Joe Barth Insurance Co. Building at 25 S. Osprey Avenue, a 1957 gem by Victor A. Lundy — the architect whose expressive churches and shell structures earned worldwide acclaim. This modest 1,850-square-foot building may be Lundy at his most restrained: a flat-roofed glass-and-steel box with saw-toothed façade walls angled 45 degrees to the street and ribbed concrete-block side walls. It sits on land zoned for ten-story development, and with a developer already assembling parcels across the alley, the clock is ticking. SAHP is urging the owners to sell unused development rights through the city's new Transfer of Development Rights program before a larger parcel makes demolition inevitable.

The Warm Mineral Springs complex in North Port carries perhaps the highest stakes. Designed by Jack West for Florida's 1959 Quadricentennial celebration, the exhibit halls and cyclorama are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and appeared on the Florida Trust's 11 to Save. Storm damage and deferred maintenance have taken a heavy toll, but there is a pulse of hope: North Port City Council recently voted to preserve the Jack West structures, partnering with Sweet Sparkman Architects on a hardening and restoration plan. The adjoining Lundy-designed motel — its iconic concrete umbrella roofline once praised in Architectural Forum — remains vulnerable. The cyclorama will be mothballed and artwork moved offsite while a full study determines next steps.

The Ringling Post Office at 1661 Ringling Boulevard is a 1964 Robert Shaw design whose curved stucco awnings and tall fixed-pane windows have served generations of Sarasota residents. Currently owned by a private trust and leased to the city, the building faces development pressure as downtown real estate values climb. SAHP is calling on residents to tell elected officials which buildings matter before the future of downtown is decided without them.

Rounding out the list are the 1930 Palm Coast Florist Building on Swift Road — a beloved vernacular structure with storm damage and no historic designation — and the 1951 Hugh Given House in Lido Shores, one of the earliest homes in the Philip Hiss development that helped define modern residential architecture in America.

For Point Pleasant and Bradenton readers, the lesson is direct: the same development pressures reshaping downtown Sarasota are at work across Manatee County. The Six to Save program shows that listing a property is not enough — it takes community voice, creative policy tools, and sustained advocacy to keep historic fabric standing. With the Florida Trust set to announce its statewide 11 to Save at the Preserve Florida 2026 conference in St. Petersburg on May 14-15, the coming week may bring more reminders of what we stand to lose — and what we can still save.

Sources: Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation; Your Observer; Florida Trust for Historic Preservation

Category: Features

In a move that balances growth with conservation, Manatee County commissioners unanimously approved agreements in January to permanently protect nearly 1,500 acres of working ranchland from future development.

The county partnered with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to purchase conservation easements on two properties: Mossy Island Ranch (438 acres) near Myakka City and Thundercloud Ranch (1,045 acres) near Parrish. Combined, these 1,483 acres will remain in agricultural production forever, stripped of residential, commercial, and industrial development rights.

What makes this deal remarkable is the price tag. For just $2 million in county matching funds—$500,000 for Mossy Island and $1.5 million for Thundercloud—the county protected land that would have cost roughly $104,000 per acre if purchased outright. That is roughly one-tenth the cost of fee-simple ownership, according to Charlie Hunsicker, Manatee County Director of Natural Resources.

The easements work by purchasing development rights rather than the land itself. Ranch owners Bobby and Lori Manning (Mossy Island) and Alexander Walter (Thundercloud) retain ownership and continue operating their cattle, hay, and sod operations. The county avoids long-term maintenance responsibilities, and the public gains permanent protection of critical habitat and open space.

These properties are not just any land. Mossy Island Ranch sits directly adjacent to Myakka River State Park and contributes to the Florida Wildlife Corridor, a network connecting nearly 18 million acres across the state. The property contains wetlands, hardwoods, and freshwater marshes that support 24 animal species, including crested caracaras, wood storks, Florida black bears, and panthers.

Thundercloud Ranch serves as a vital connecting link between Edward W. Chance Reserve and South Fork State Park. Gilley Creek, a main tributary of the Manatee River, runs through the property, which provides critical habitat for Florida scrub jays, eastern indigo snakes, and wood storks. The pine flatwoods and upland hardwoods support deer, turkey, dove, quail, rabbits, and red-shouldered hawks.

Both properties ranked high on the state is priority list—Mossy Island at No. 48 and Thundercloud at No. 54 out of 428 applicants statewide—based on agricultural, environmental, and conservation criteria. The state program will cover due diligence costs and the remaining purchase price, with Manatee County capped at its $2 million contribution.

The funding came from unrestricted Environmental Lands Fund dollars rather than the voter-approved 2020 referendum, which authorized $50 million in bonding for conservation purchases. County attorneys determined that bond funds could not be used for third-party easements where the county would not own the land. Officials may later seek to amend the referendum language to explicitly cover easement deals and reimburse the county.

Commissioner Carol Ann Felts noted that these easements are exactly what voters envisioned when 71% approved the tax increase in 2020. Commissioner George Kruse questioned why the county is not using more conservation easements, given the cost-effectiveness and the fact that the state handles monitoring and enforcement.

The Rural and Family Lands Protection Program has acquired easements on over 225,000 acres of working agricultural land since 2021. The easements come with restrictions prohibiting hazardous material dumping, mining, alteration of natural water systems, introduction of non-native plants, and harm to threatened or endangered species. Owners must maintain agricultural operations, protect soil and water quality, preserve natural habitats, and maintain ecological corridors.

Owners can sell the properties, but the easements stay in place—future owners cannot subdivide or develop the land. Major infrastructure improvements or agricultural construction require state approval. This ensures that while the land may change hands, its conservation values remain perpetual.

For Point Pleasant and other Manatee County communities, this deal represents a model for balancing growth with preservation. As development pressure intensifies across the region, conservation easements offer a way to protect agricultural heritage, safeguard water quality, maintain wildlife habitat, and preserve the rural character that defines much of Manatee County—all at a price taxpayers can afford.

The easements are expected to close and be recorded in the coming months, after which state officials will monitor and enforce the restrictions. County staff say they plan to pursue similar state partnership deals to stretch local conservation dollars further and protect more land without taking on long-term maintenance responsibilities.

Sources: Your Observer; Bradenton Magazine; Hoodline

Category: News & Events

If you’ve driven across the Green Bridge lately, you’ve probably noticed a striking new addition: 22 American flags flying proudly from the light poles that line the span connecting Bradenton and Palmetto.

The display was installed to mark America’s upcoming 250th anniversary—known as the U.S. Semiquincentennial—but for Shannon Glasgow, president of USA Fence, the tribute carries a deeply personal meaning.

Glasgow was inspired after the Bradenton Area River Regatta in February, when a single flag left flying on the bridge caught his eye during his daily commute. “It just made me feel good,” he said. That feeling connected him to his father, Butch Glasgow, the founder of USA Fence and an Army veteran who served at age 15 and loved both America and Manatee County. Butch Glasgow passed away recently, and Shannon saw the flag installation as a way to honor his memory.

After purchasing the flags, Glasgow reached out to the mayors of Bradenton and Palmetto, who both enthusiastically supported the tribute. In the process, he learned from the Dennis V. Cooper Foundation that the number 22 carries a second, sobering significance: it represents the average number of veterans who die by suicide each day in the United States.

Palmetto Mayor Daniel West says the installation has already resonated deeply with the community. “Our flag is the tie that bonds us,” West said. “I’ve heard people say they were smiling and then crying while driving across. It’s just a wonderful thing to get those emotions from people.”

The flags are scheduled to remain in place through the Fourth of July, though both Mayor West and Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown hope to extend the display longer with permission from the Florida Department of Transportation.

For Shannon Glasgow, the sight remains a powerful reminder of unity. “In today’s society, we all seem to be in different seats and different ways,” he said. “This kind of brings the community together.”

Why This Matters for Point Pleasant

The Green Bridge is more than just a commute route—it’s a visual anchor for our riverside community and a daily reminder of our connection to neighboring Palmetto. This heartfelt tribute celebrates national history while honoring local roots, something that resonates deeply in historic neighborhoods like Point Pleasant. Community-driven displays like this foster civic pride and remind us that small, personal gestures can strengthen the fabric of our area.

Sources: Fox 13 News; Patch Bradenton

Category: News & Events

Manatee County has approved commercial rezoning for a property at SR64/Uihlein, paving the way for a mixed-use development that will include essential community services. The development will include a grocery store of up to 30,000 square feet (potentially an Aldi), a childcare center, a restaurant, and self-storage facilities.

Commissioner Amanda Ballard, who switched from opposition to support, noted that the transfer of entitlements from SMR's Northeast Quadrant was a key factor in her decision, explaining that it ensures "we are not just adding endless traffic to this area. We're taking traffic that was already going to be there because of those entitlements and moving it to a different site."

The approval represents a strategic approach to development that balances growth with traffic management considerations. By transferring existing entitlements rather than creating new ones, the county aims to mitigate the impact of additional commercial activity on local roads while still providing needed services to the growing area.

Why This Matters to Point Pleasant

While this development is located in East Manatee County, its approval has broader implications for development patterns across the county:

1. Traffic Management Precedent: The approach of transferring entitlements rather than creating new ones sets a precedent for how future developments might be evaluated, potentially influencing decisions closer to our neighborhood.

2. Service Access: Additional grocery and childcare options in the county help reduce pressure on existing facilities and provide more choices for residents throughout the region.

3. Development Strategy: This decision reflects a more thoughtful approach to commercial rezoning that considers traffic impacts from the outset—a consideration that could benefit Point Pleasant as we advocate for appropriate development in our area.

As a historic neighborhood concerned with balanced growth, Point Pleasant residents can appreciate the county's efforts to manage commercial expansion in ways that consider broader community impacts.

Sources: [Local coverage of county commission meeting]

Category: News & Events

Manatee County is expanding its popular Gulf Islands Ferry service with the addition of a third vessel, the "Manatee Belle," bringing more seats and improved reliability to the water transit system connecting downtown Bradenton and Anna Maria Island.

The new vessel adds 91 seats to the existing fleet and features an enclosed, climate-controlled cabin design that will improve passenger comfort and service dependability, particularly during less favorable weather conditions. This enhancement comes as the ferry system celebrates its third year of operation, having transported more than 55,000 passengers in 2025 alone.

"The Manatee Belle is the logical next step for the Gulf Islands Ferry, a larger vessel with indoor seating able to handle more adverse weather conditions," said Tal Siddique, chairperson of the Board of County Commissioners. "The addition of this boat provides ease to both our residents and visitors that continues to enhance multi-modal transportation in our community."

The expanded service helps maintain consistent scheduling and reduces the need for personal vehicles when traveling between the mainland and Anna Maria Island. According to county data, the ferry service helped decrease vehicle traffic by nearly 23,000 cars in 2025, supporting environmental preservation efforts in the Bradenton area.

Funded by the tourist development tax, the Gulf Islands Ferry now operates three vessels that traverse the Manatee River and intercoastal waterways. The energy-efficient design of the boats aligns with the Bradenton Area’s "Love It Like a Local" sustainability initiative.

Service runs daily, weather permitting, with boats departing from the Riverwalk Pier beginning at 7:30 a.m. through 7:30 p.m. to the Historic Bridge Street Pier on Anna Maria Island. Return service from the island begins at 9 a.m. and runs through 9 p.m.

Why This Matters to Point Pleasant

The Gulf Islands Ferry expansion has several points of relevance for our Point Pleasant neighborhood:

1. Enhanced River Access: The ferry operates from Riverwalk Pier, just minutes from Point Pleasant, providing our residents with convenient access to Anna Maria Island without the traffic and parking challenges of driving.

2. Environmental Benefits: By reducing vehicle traffic by thousands of cars annually, the ferry helps preserve the natural beauty of our waterways and reduces carbon emissions—a priority for our riverfront community.

3. Tourism and Economy: Improved ferry service supports local tourism, which benefits nearby businesses and helps maintain property values in historic neighborhoods like ours.

4. Community Connectivity: Multi-modal transportation options like the ferry enhance our neighborhood’s connectivity to regional attractions while minimizing the impact of increased visitation on our local streets.

As a riverfront community committed to preservation and sustainable growth, Point Pleasant residents can appreciate both the practical benefits and environmental stewardship represented by this ferry expansion.

Sources: The Bradenton Times; Manatee County Government

Category: News & Events

Manatee County residents will soon have access to free bulk trash pickup under a new pilot program approved by the Board of County Commissioners. Starting May 1, 2026, the program aims to address ongoing complaints about the previous $59 fee for scheduled bulk collections.

Under the pilot program, each household can place two bulk items at the curb for pickup on a predetermined scheduled day each month. Residents will also be entitled to one annual bulk collection per property—up to 10 cubic yards of a single material type—at no additional cost. The service will be available to all residential customers without any rate changes during the one-year trial period.

Commissioner Amanda Ballard praised the initiative, saying, "This is going to make a big difference for a lot of people." The program was approved unanimously with Commissioner Jason Bearden absent.

To participate, residents should check their scheduled collection day using the County's Resident Information Tool. Certain items—including tires, appliances (white goods), and the annual large-bulk pickup—must be scheduled in advance through the Customer Self-Service Portal. Additional bulk pickups beyond the monthly allowance can still be scheduled for $59 each.

Household hazardous waste and electronic scrap will continue to be excluded from curbside pickup. Residents may drop off these materials free of charge at the Lena Road Landfill or during one of the four remote household hazardous waste drop-off events held each year.

County officials intend to use the pilot program to evaluate participation and efficiency before making long-term decisions about bulk trash collection services. The program represents a direct response to resident feedback about the affordability and accessibility of bulk waste disposal.

Why This Matters for Point Pleasant

Reliable and affordable waste management services directly impact neighborhood cleanliness, property values, and quality of life in Point Pleasant. The previous $59 fee for bulk pickup created financial barriers for residents needing to dispose of larger items, potentially leading to accumulation of unwanted materials in yards or alleys.

As a historic neighborhood with many older homes undergoing renovation and maintenance, Point Pleasant residents frequently need to dispose of construction debris, old appliances, and furniture. This pilot program provides a more equitable solution that supports neighborhood preservation efforts by making it easier for homeowners to maintain their properties.

The county's responsiveness to resident complaints demonstrates the value of community engagement in shaping local services. Point Pleasant residents who participated in voicing concerns about the previous fee structure have directly influenced this positive policy change.

Sources: Bradenton Herald; The Bradenton Times

Category: News & Events

In a significant victory for community advocates and nonprofit organizations across Manatee County, Commissioner Amanda Ballard withdrew her proposal that would have required nonprofits receiving county funding to verify they are not serving undocumented immigrants.

The controversial measure, which was pulled from Tuesday's agenda after lengthy discussion and widespread public opposition, would have affected 86 organizations receiving more than $26 million annually from Manatee County Government. These funds support vital programs including early childhood development, college readiness, shelters, dental care, sexual assault advocacy, and addiction recovery services.

Ballard had argued that taxpayer funds should not support services for people living in the country without legal authorization, citing federal restrictions on certain public benefits for undocumented individuals. However, she acknowledged having "no idea how much, if any, of the county's support helps people living in the country without proper authorization."

During a tense public comment session, eighteen people—most of them nonprofit leaders—lined up to speak against the proposal. Only one person expressed support.

Katie Becker, executive director of Parenting Matters, which provides parenting education and support to families in Sarasota and Manatee counties, questioned the necessity of the measure. "I would like to respectfully ask, do we really need to do this?" she said, noting her organization provides services in multiple settings including libraries, making it nearly impossible to prescreen families for their legal status. Becker warned that Parenting Matters risked losing $90,000 in funding if the measure passed.

Kelly Kirshner, chair of UnidosNow, warned commissioners about the type of overreach the proposed policy could lead to, saying it would create a "patchwork" system of enforcement. "(The policy) attempts to deputize nonprofits—organizations providing child care, tutoring and college prep, addiction recovery, domestic violence services, among many others—into acting now as immigration screeners without legal standards, without training and without protection," Kirshner said. "That is not compliance, that is liability you are now shifting onto your local nonprofits."

Kathleen Cramer, executive director of Turning Points, which assists people at risk of or experiencing homelessness, said needing to check citizenship status of every person before offering help would be time-consuming for her staff. "So if you're going to have us have to look into their status and verify status for 10,000 people, the burden will be overwhelming," Cramer said. "It will slow down the process for everyone, and so we will not be able to serve as many clients as we would, because we're going to have our staff looking into ensuring people's status."

Commissioner Jason Bearden was the only other commissioner to voice support for the measure, saying the county has a right to know how much taxpayer money is "spent on illegal aliens." However, other commissioners made clear the proposal would not have the votes to pass.

"If the nonprofits are violating federal or state law, it's not our job to oversee it," said Commissioner George Kruse. "Why are we inserting ourselves? Why are we all of a sudden the police on federal or state policy?"

Commissioner Tal Siddique added, "I would rather not see this come back. I just don't think that there's a real, meaningful solution here to be had unless there's change at the federal level or case law, because there's a very narrow slice of what we could accomplish."

After hearing from nonprofit leaders and community members, Ballard thanked all stakeholders for voicing their concerns and said she would withdraw the item until she could have more conversations with local nonprofits. She is scheduled to meet with nonprofit leaders Friday to discuss their concerns about the proposal.

"I want to do this in a way, if it does move forward, that I'm not putting people in a situation where they feel scared or uncomfortable," Ballard said. "I want to work collaboratively with nonprofits and figure out a way that this can be done, so that it's not an immense burden, and that we can use taxpayer dollars responsibly and be fiscally responsible without making nonprofits feel that they can't complete their core mission."

While the proposal has been withdrawn for now, the discussion highlights ongoing tensions between government oversight and nonprofit operations in Manatee County. Nonprofit leaders expressed relief at the outcome but remain vigilant as conversations continue.

Relevance to Point Pleasant Neighborhood

This decision directly impacts the Point Pleasant community in several important ways:

1. Community Organizations: Many nonprofits serving Point Pleasant residents receive county funding for programs like after-school activities, senior services, food assistance, and community events. These organizations would have faced increased administrative burdens and potential funding losses.

2. Advocacy Success: The withdrawal of this proposal demonstrates the power of community voice in local government. When nonprofit leaders and residents spoke out collectively, commissioners listened—a valuable lesson for neighborhood advocacy efforts.

3. Service Accessibility: Point Pleasant residents who rely on nonprofit services for childcare, educational support, healthcare access, or emergency assistance could have faced delays or denials if organizations had to screen for immigration status before providing help.

4. Precedent Setting: Had this policy passed, it could have opened the door to similar requirements for other community programs, potentially affecting how neighborhood associations and local groups operate.

5. Resource Allocation: Nonprofits facing increased administrative costs would have had fewer resources available for direct services to Point Pleasant residents, potentially reducing program quality or availability.

The outcome shows that when community stakeholders unite around shared concerns, they can influence county policy decisions that affect neighborhood wellbeing and the organizations that serve our community.

Sources: Bradenton Herald; The Bradenton Times

Category: News & Events

Manatee County commissioners are set to revisit a controversial proposal that would require nonprofits receiving county funding to verify the legal status of the people they serve. The measure, which appears on the commission's Tuesday agenda, would align the county's grantmaking with federal law that restricts certain public benefits for people living in the country without legal authorization.

If approved, the measure would require nonprofits to certify that county funds are not used to serve undocumented individuals, a change that could affect at least 86 organizations receiving more than 6 million annually from Manatee County Government. Nonprofits that don't comply could lose that funding, which supports programs such as early childhood development, college readiness, shelters, dental care, sexual assault advocacy and addiction recovery.

Nonprofit leaders have expressed significant concerns about the proposal. Evelyn Almodóvar, executive director of UnidosNow, stated that her organization does not ask about legal status and would reconsider accepting county funding if required to do so. 'If that's a requirement, we will forgo the funding,' she told reporters.

Commissioner Amanda Ballard, who brought forward the proposal, said the intent is to ensure the county complies with federal law and uses taxpayer dollars appropriately. However, critics warn that the requirement could create bureaucratic burdens, undermine trust in community organizations, and discourage people from seeking help even when they're legally entitled to services.

The proposal would not prevent nonprofits from serving undocumented residents, but they would need to use other funding sources to do so. Exempt from the restriction are programs that provide immunizations, emergency health care, short-term disaster relief and similar services.

Commission Chairman Tal Siddique acknowledged the concerns, stating 'I hope we don't create a situation where too many people will be turned away. We don't want this to impact kids. It's the worst thing we can do. They're already a vulnerable population.'

The discussion comes amid a broader national crackdown on immigration from President Donald Trump's administration. Community leaders, including Veronica Thames of the Manatee Community Foundation, are working to facilitate dialogue between nonprofit leaders and Commissioner Ballard before any process is finalized.

Sources: The Bradenton Times; Bradenton Herald; MySuncoast.com

Category: Feature

In a region where a construction crane can feel as native as a palm tree, the people doing the quiet work of saving older buildings rarely make headlines. That changes at the end of this month.

On April 30, the Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation (SAHP) will host its annual Heritage Awards Dinner, honoring 11 individuals, organizations, and project teams for outstanding work in historic preservation across Sarasota County. The awards — now in their ninth year — cover the full spectrum of what preservation actually looks like on the ground: architecture, skilled trades, scholarly research, adaptive reuse, and organizational advocacy.

"We are proud to shine a spotlight on the extraordinary efforts of these award winners," said Dave Baber, chairman of the SAHP board of directors. "Each project demonstrates how preserving history can enhance our future as a city and county."

A Century-Old School Gets a Second Life

One of the standout honorees this year is Bay Haven School of Basics Plus, Sarasota's 1926 public school designed by architect M. Leo Elliott — a figure whose school designs helped define the city's early civic architecture. The campus is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Architect Todd Sweet of Sweet Sparkman Architecture and Interiors led a careful restoration that preserved Bay Haven's signature architectural features while making the building fit for continued use as a modern public school. The Heritage Awards jury specifically cited "the long-term commitment by both the architect and the client to the community" — a rare acknowledgment that preservation is as much about patience as it is about craft.

The Lamolithic House: Mid-Century Modern, Saved Again

Also recognized: homeowners Mark and Lorrie Bogart, who rehabilitated the Lamolithic House on Siesta Key — a 1948 home designed by Ralph Twitchell and Paul Rudolph, two giants of the Sarasota School of Architecture. The term "lamolithic" refers to a construction technique pioneered by concrete innovator John Lambie, using reinforced concrete to achieve the thin planes and airy modernist forms that became the region's postwar signature. The Bogarts' restoration retained character-defining materials while strengthening the structure for long-term use — exactly the kind of private stewardship that keeps irreplaceable architecture alive when no public funding exists to save it.

A Farmhouse Finds Its Next Chapter

The Phillippi Estate (Edson Keith) Farmhouse, built in 1916 as the first structure on what is now Phillippi Estate Park, received the Adaptive Reuse and Organizational Achievement award. The clapboard farmhouse has served as private residence, workers' quarters, and guest lodging across more than a century of Sarasota history. A collaborative restoration by Sarasota County Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources and the Friends of Sarasota County Parks — celebrated at a ribbon-cutting in April 2025 — is transforming the building into a public interpretive center. The jury called it a model collaboration between county staff, preservation professionals, and community volunteers.

Why This Matters Beyond Sarasota

For residents of Point Pleasant and historic neighborhoods throughout the Bradenton area, the Heritage Awards are more than a Sarasota story. They are a reminder of what is possible when communities decide that old buildings are worth fighting for — and when the people who own, restore, and study them are recognized rather than ignored.

As award recipient Paul van Deventer put it: "We're seeing so much get torn down. It feels important to add something back to the history. It's not about a money-making venture — it's about saving what's there and documenting its past too."

Other 2026 honorees include the Lord-Higel House in Venice (adaptive reuse by the City of Venice and Black Gold Coffee Roasters), builder Pat Ball for more than five decades of preservation-sensitive construction, and historian Kristine Ziedina for historical research. The full list reflects a preservation community that is broader, more collaborative, and more urgent than ever.

The Heritage Awards Dinner takes place Thursday, April 30, 2026. For tickets and information, visit preservesrq.org.

Sources: Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation; Your Observer; Sarasota Magazine

Category: News & Events

Manatee County commissioners will vote April 7th on whether to approve a $300,000 contract with the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corp., potentially restoring public funding for local business recruitment after a six-month hiatus.

The proposed agreement comes with significantly stricter performance metrics and transparency requirements compared to the previous contract that expired in September 2025. County commissioners had expressed concerns about return on investment and lack of information when they voted 4-3 not to renew the previous $336,900 contract.

Under the new terms, the EDC must meet quarterly benchmarks including:

• 10 qualified leads and conversion of 5 into active projects each quarter
• Responding to site selection inquiries within two business days
• Conducting 15 business retention and expansion visits quarterly

Annual goals include creating 150 jobs, securing $25 million in capital investment, and achieving positive return on investment. The contract allows for termination with 30 days notice if the EDC fails to meet metrics or reporting obligations.

This decision comes after leadership changes at the EDC, including the retirement of longtime CEO Sharon Hillstrom in December 2025 and the appointment of interim CEO Amanda Parrish in January 2026.

The outcome of this vote will significantly impact economic development efforts throughout Manatee County, including the Point Pleasant area, by determining the level of public support for business attraction and retention initiatives.

Sources: Business Observer; Patch Bradenton

Category: News & Events

Sarasota city commissioners have approved a construction agreement for the revitalization of the shoreline at Bay Park, a project that will stretch from just north of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall to the west side of Centennial Park.

The resilient shoreline project aims to better protect the park from storm surges while also treating, capturing, and cleansing stormwater before it enters Sarasota Bay. According to Bay Park Conservancy Chief Operating Officer Diana Shaheen, the shoreline will be built roughly 4 1/2 feet eastward to provide enhanced storm protection.

The project includes rain gardens that will allow water to "trickle down to get held if it needs to when we get rainstorms and then cleanse before it gets put out back into Sarasota Bay," Shaheen explained.

Local residents Cindy Weiner and Peter Mebel, who visit the park almost daily, expressed strong support for the project. "We consider ourselves extremely lucky because we live very close to the park. We come out here. Its like our own little jungle in the backyard," they said, adding that the protection is especially valuable for their visiting grandchildren.

Construction is expected to begin at the end of April or early May and will take approximately eight months to complete. The project is part of the Bay Park Conservancys larger "Building More Park for All for the Community" initiative.

Sources: WWSB ABC7

Category: News & Events

A new public sculpture has arrived on the Manatee River waterfront — and it makes music.

The Singing River, created by Miami-based artist Reinaldo Correa and his studio, was installed this month at Mineral Springs Park (1312 Second Ave. E.) as part of Bradenton's Riverwalk East expansion. The piece features a series of laser-cut tubes suspended overhead that catch the river breeze and produce a soft, chime-like hum — an intentional nod to a centuries-old legend about the Manatee River itself.

Rooted in River Folklore

The design draws from a 1986 book, The Singing River, by Joe and Libby Warner, which recounts a Native American legend that the Manatee River once emitted an audible hum. Researchers have suggested the sound may have resulted from a natural chemical reaction between tannic acid from palmetto root runoff and the river water. Correa says he and his team were moved by that story.

"We were really inspired by the folklore behind the singing river and the Manatee River itself," Correa said. "We decided to create this beautiful, elegant canopy that was really indicative of the flow of the river, but that actually sang as well."

Chosen from nearly 120 submissions through a City of Bradenton call for artists, Correa's proposal stood out for its "really great connection to the history of the river itself," according to Jeff Burton, the City's Community Redevelopment Agency executive director.

What to Expect

The sculpture glows at night, its colors echoing Florida sunsets. By day, the overhead tubes whistle quietly in the breeze, creating what Correa describes as acoustics that are "designed so that it's very subtle." The installation also incorporates redesigned park landscaping; together, the full project cost $525,000.

"This piece of art interacts with the river. It interacts with the breeze that's blowing by. It interacts with the colors in the sky," Burton told the Bradenton Herald. "And those are all environmental, and they all tell a story about this beautiful river that's been here forever."

City Councilman Kemp Schuessler called it a "significant piece that will attract people to the Riverwalk" at the March 25 CRA meeting.

Why This Matters to Point Pleasant

Mineral Springs Park sits on the eastern stretch of the Riverwalk, within easy walking distance of Point Pleasant. Public art investments along the waterfront bring more visitors and energy to our neighborhood corridor — and this one specifically honors the deep, pre-colonial history of the river that runs along our doorstep. The three-year development process behind the sculpture reflects exactly the kind of thoughtful, community-rooted approach to public space that residents in historic neighborhoods value.

If you haven't visited Riverwalk East lately, this is a good reason to go.

Sources: Bradenton Herald

Category: News & Events

A new affordable apartment project is proposed for eastern Manatee County, with paperwork recently filed with Manatee County Development Services.

The development — called SR 64 Apartments — would bring 252 affordable multifamily residential units to 15005 State Road 64 East, located north of SR 64 East, east of Lorraine Road, and west of Zipperer Road. The project encompasses two land parcels totaling approximately 10 acres.

Plans call for three buildings of 84 units each, arranged around a central pond, with an amenity center, pool, and dog park included in the design.

The parcels carrying the project were previously rezoned from agricultural to general commercial through public hearings before the Manatee County Commission — a land-use shift that paved the way for this type of residential development.

No construction timeline has been announced. The filing represents an early stage in the county's development review process.

Why It Matters for Our Neighborhood

Every major rezoning and land-use shift in Manatee County sends signals about how our region is growing — and where. The SR 64 corridor has seen growing development pressure in recent years. Affordable housing proposals like this one often surface in areas where land costs are lower than in established urban neighborhoods, and they reflect broader county planning priorities.

As Manatee County continues to navigate growth, decisions about where density goes — and at what cost to farmland, greenspace, and infrastructure — affect communities countywide, including historic neighborhoods like Point Pleasant. The Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC) has separately been pressing the County Commission to preserve reimbursement programs that support ownership-level affordable housing in the 80–120% AMI range.

Residents who wish to track this project can monitor filings through Manatee County Development Services.

Sources: Bradenton Herald; The Bradenton Times – BOCC Notes 3/24/26

Category: News & Events

The seat that shapes Manatee County zoning and development policy is now officially open for a special election.

Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 26-76 on March 24, formally declaring a vacancy on the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners in District 1. The vacancy was created by the unexpected passing of Commissioner Carol Ann Felts last month. Because more than half of her four-year term remains — over 28 months — Florida law requires the seat be filled by a special election, not a gubernatorial appointment.

By Friday, March 27, the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections had opened the District 1 race for the 2026 election cycle. At least nine candidates had already signaled their intent to run, many of whom had previously filed for the 2028 cycle while awaiting the executive order. Those filings are expected to shift to the 2026 special election in the coming days, and additional candidates may yet enter the race.

Why This Matters for Point Pleasant and Bradenton Neighborhoods

The Manatee County Commission approves rezonings, variances, comprehensive plan amendments, and development agreements across unincorporated Manatee County. Its decisions set precedents on density, land use intensity, environmental protections, and infrastructure funding that affect neighboring municipalities too.

At the March 24 BOCC meeting, commissioners were already wrestling with the tension between state-mandated zoning preemptions and local communities seeking to protect their character. Residents from Myakka City voiced alarm over creeping development threatening rural land and water quality. Commissioner Kruse noted that state bills like SB 180 are actively limiting local zoning authority — making the composition of the BOCC even more critical for neighborhoods that want a strong local voice on development issues.

What to Watch

As the candidate field takes shape, Point Pleasant residents and Bradenton neighborhood advocates will want to pay attention to where candidates stand on:

• Historic preservation and neighborhood character
• Density and infill development in established neighborhoods
• State preemption of local zoning authority
• Environmental protections and stormwater management
• Affordable housing policy and community benefit agreements

The qualifying deadline and election date will be announced by the Supervisor of Elections. Follow updates at votemanatee.gov.

Sources: The Bradenton Times (March 27, 2026); Manatee County Commission Notes 3/24/26

Category: News & Events

At the Manatee County Commission meeting on March 24, 2026, a recurring theme emerged that should concern every resident invested in protecting the character of historic neighborhoods: the state of Florida is increasingly taking zoning decisions out of local hands.

Commissioner Kruse explicitly noted during the meeting that SB 180 and other state legislation are impacting local governments' ability to affect zoning decisions, citing the Live Local Act as a specific example of a state law the county is bound to follow — even when it conflicts with local priorities.

The Live Local Act, passed in 2023 and expanded since, allows developers to bypass local zoning restrictions in many cases to build multi-family housing at densities that local communities would otherwise reject. While affordable housing is a genuine need, the law's broad preemption powers have alarmed preservation-minded residents across Florida.

Myakka City Residents Sound the Alarm

The issue was given a human face by Myakka City residents who addressed the commission during public comment. Four residents — Heidi, Sloan, Lindsey, and Elizabeth — described what they called "creeping development": two golf courses already in place and a housing development proposed for their rural community, raising concerns about threats to the Myakka River and agricultural way of life.

One resident, Lindsey, described how her family's advocacy to reject a significant increase in housing density zoning resulted in their family being targeted with a lawsuit. It is a sobering reminder that standing up for your neighborhood can carry real personal risk.

Why This Matters for Point Pleasant

Point Pleasant's historic character depends on local zoning protections. When state law overrides the ability of Bradenton and Manatee County to enforce those protections, our neighborhood's future becomes more vulnerable to developer-driven density proposals that could permanently alter the streetscapes, scale, and spirit of the community.

The pattern emerging in Myakka City — incremental approvals, mounting density, lawsuit pressure on residents who object — is exactly the kind of trajectory that historic neighborhoods need to watch for and act against early.

What You Can Do

Stay informed on upcoming Bradenton City Council and Manatee County Commission agendas. Public comment periods are your most direct avenue to make the community's voice heard. The League of Women Voters of Manatee County publishes meeting notes (linked below) as a valuable resource for tracking what's happening at the county level.

If you have concerns about a specific development proposal near Point Pleasant, reach out to us at protectthepoint.org — we track these issues so you don't have to.

Sources: The Bradenton Times — Manatee County Commission Notes: 3/24/26 (published March 26, 2026), League of Women Voters of Manatee County Government Committee

Category: Feature

Every year, the Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation (SAHP) does something simple and sobering: it names the six historic places most likely to disappear.

The 2025 Six to Save list, released in November, spans more than a century of local history — from a 1912 rusticated block house that predates the Florida land boom to a pair of 1961 Sarasota School masterworks facing redevelopment pressure. Together, these six places are a cross-section of how this region was built, who built it, and what we stand to lose if advocacy fails.

For residents of Point Pleasant and neighborhoods like it, the list is a mirror. The same forces at work in downtown Sarasota — rising land values, permissive zoning, and a state legislature increasingly hostile to local preservation authority — are reshaping older neighborhoods throughout Manatee and Sarasota counties.

The Six

The J.B. Turner House (1912) on Fruitville Road is one of the oldest buildings still standing in downtown Sarasota — and one of only two original structures left on what was once a modest residential street. Its owner is a developer. Without a protective designation, it sits exposed.

The U.S. Garage Building (1924) on Pineapple Avenue was Sarasota's first commercial garage, a land-boom survivor that later became a local model for adaptive reuse. It now sits within a multi-parcel assemblage assembled for a proposed 18-story condominium. The demolition plan is on the table.

The Blackburn Point Swing Bridge (1925) in Osprey is one of the last working hand-crank swing bridges on Florida's Gulf Coast. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it has survived one county rehabilitation — but that life extension is expiring, and a new engineering review will determine whether it gets another chance or gets replaced entirely.

Luke Wood Park and the Mable Ringling Memorial Fountain (1931/1936) in downtown Sarasota were once a formal civic garden donated by a local family and embellished by the Sarasota Garden Club in honor of the Ringling legacy. Street expansions, wastewater infrastructure, and decades of deferred maintenance have left little of the original design intact. A community group called Miracle on Mound is working to restore it.

The Warriner Residence (1961) is a nationally recognized example of Sarasota School architecture — clean lines, cypress cladding, outdoor rooms — recently listed for sale without local historic designation in a neighborhood where midcentury homes are routinely torn down.

And the Lawyers Professional Building (1961), architect Frank Folsom Smith's first independent project, anchors a stretch of East Main Street with its shaded courtyard and one-story scale. Its parcel is zoned for significant height. It has changed hands multiple times as redevelopment interest intensifies.

The Bigger Fight

SAHP Program Director Erin DiFazio didn't mince words when the list dropped. "With the challenging legislation coming out of the state effectively crippling local government's ability to safeguard historic places," she said, "we have our work cut out for us."

That legislative pressure is real. Florida's legislature has repeatedly moved to preempt local zoning and land-use authority — the same tools that preservation advocates depend on to protect historic neighborhoods. When cities and counties lose the ability to say no, the burden falls entirely on public pressure, nonprofit advocacy, and individual property owners willing to steward what they have.

It's a dynamic Point Pleasant knows well. Historic overlay districts — the kind that protect Cortez Fishing Village and Terra Ceia in Manatee County — exist only where communities organize and demand them. As preservation expert Cathy Slusser, a 36-year veteran of Manatee County's historical resources department, put it plainly: "If the residents don't want it, it's not going to be imposed on them."

What You Can Do

The Six to Save program isn't just a list — it's a call to action. SAHP is actively working on a Historic Preservation Transfer of Development Rights program with the City of Sarasota, which would give property owners financial incentives to preserve rather than demolish. Public comment at city and county hearings has already made a difference: community support helped the Mira Mar Plaza (a 2024 Six to Save selection) secure a zoning change that made its restoration financially viable.

If you're in Point Pleasant, the lesson is clear: preservation wins when neighbors show up. Learn about your own neighborhood's historic character. Find out whether an overlay district could work here. And watch what happens to those six buildings in Sarasota — because what goes there sets the precedent for what comes next.

Sources: Sarasota Magazine (Nov. 20, 2025); Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation, preservesrq.org; Your Observer (Jul. 2, 2025)

Category: News & Events

If you have been watching the Manatee River run lower than usual this spring, there is a reason: Southwest Florida is in the grip of a serious drought, and state water managers are responding with some of the strictest outdoor watering restrictions in years.

On March 25, 2026, the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) Governing Board voted to declare a Modified Phase III "Extreme" Water Shortage across the entire region — including all of Manatee County. The new restrictions take effect April 3, 2026 and run through July 1, 2026.

What the Restrictions Mean for Point Pleasant Residents

Under the Modified Phase III order, all outdoor irrigation — including residents on private wells — is limited to one day per week, based on your address:

• Address ending in 0 or 1: water on Monday
• Address ending in 2 or 3: water on Tuesday
• Address ending in 4 or 5: water on Wednesday
• Address ending in 6 or 7: water on Thursday
• Address ending in 8 or 9: water on Friday

Watering hours are also reduced. Unless your city or county has stricter hours, you must water between 12:01 a.m. to 4 a.m. or 8 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. Properties under one acre may only use one of those two windows.

Low-volume hand watering and micro-irrigation (soaker hoses, drip lines) is still allowed any day, but only before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m.

Other Notable Rules

• Restaurants must only serve water upon request.
• Car washing at home is only allowed on your lawn watering day, with a shutoff nozzle.
• Aesthetic fountains are limited to four hours per day.
• HOAs may not enforce rules that require residents to water more than allowed.
• Starting 14 days after the order takes effect, utilities will issue citations without first issuing a warning.

Why It Matters for Our River Community

The Manatee River is at the heart of Point Pleasant — its health directly affects our neighborhood, our property values, and the wildlife that makes this stretch of Bradenton so special. The District reports a 13.7-inch regional rainfall deficit over the past 12 months, with aquifer levels, river flows, and public water supplies all significantly below normal for this time of year.

Outdoor water use accounts for more than 50 percent of household water consumption. Reducing irrigation is one of the most impactful things residents can do to help the river and the region recover.

For your specific watering schedule and any local City of Bradenton rules (which may be stricter), check with the City or visit WaterMatters.org/Restrictions.

Sources: Southwest Florida Water Management District water shortage order (March 25, 2026), via The Bradenton Times — https://thebradentontimes.com/stories/district-declares-modified-phase-iii-water-shortage,190608

Category: News & Events

A major city-led development project is moving forward in Bradenton that could reshape the area around LECOM Park and deliver new community amenities to neighborhoods near downtown — including, potentially, areas close to Point Pleasant.

The City Park project, announced by city leaders this week, is a multi-phase initiative centered on expanding LECOM Park and its surrounding grounds. Plans call for three new baseball fields, significantly increased parking, and infrastructure upgrades aimed at attracting state and national youth and amateur baseball tournaments. City leaders say the tournament draw is designed to boost tourism and local business revenue — particularly for restaurants and hotels that already see strong business during spring training season.

Importantly, the project is not just about baseball. Mayor Gene Brown and city officials emphasized that the expansion also includes a new community center intended to serve underdeveloped Bradenton neighborhoods, along with a public city park featuring a splash pad. Those community-facing elements signal a potential quality-of-life investment for residents who live near the stadium corridor.

Local business owners are already expressing optimism. At least one business owner near the park — located between two hotels that regularly fill during Pittsburg Pirates spring training — said the tournament influx could provide economic activity that extends well beyond the traditional baseball season.

No specific timeline for construction phases has been publicly announced, and community input sessions have not yet been scheduled. Residents near downtown Bradenton — including in the Point Pleasant neighborhood — would be well-served to follow the project closely as plans develop, particularly regarding traffic, parking, and how the community center and park spaces are designed to serve existing residents versus tournament visitors.

Stay tuned for updates as the City of Bradenton releases more details on public engagement opportunities for the City Park project.

Sources: MySuncoast/WWSB ABC7 (March 25, 2026) — https://www.mysuncoast.com/2026/03/25/bradenton-city-park-project-moves-forward-with-lecom-park-expansion/

There is a small wooden church in Bradenton that has survived yellow fever, the threat of demolition, and the relentless march of development. Today, it faces its next test — and a statewide coalition of preservationists has stepped in to help.

The 1887 Church at Manatee Village Historical Park was named to the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation's 2025 "Florida's 11 to Save" list — an annual designation that puts the state's most endangered historic sites in the spotlight and mobilizes expert resources and funding to help save them.

A Congregation That Persevered

Construction on the church began in 1887 but was briefly halted by a yellow fever outbreak sweeping through the community. The congregation persevered, completing the wooden structure in 1889. When it finally opened its doors, it became the first Christian congregation established on the Florida mainland south of Tampa — a distinction that makes it not just a local landmark, but a piece of Florida's foundational spiritual and community history.

For decades the church served its community. But by the mid-20th century, like so many historic structures, it faced an uncertain future. In 1975 — slated for demolition — it was saved by a group of determined local citizens, relocated to its current home, and made a cornerstone of the newly established Manatee Village Historical Park as part of Florida's Bicentennial preservation effort. The 1860 Manatee County Courthouse was moved alongside it.

A Living Museum Under Threat

Today, Manatee Village Historical Park is an open-air museum preserving the pioneer heritage of Manatee County's founding period (1840–1918). The park is managed in partnership with the Friends of Manatee Village, a nonprofit whose acting president, Andrea Knies, has been a driving force behind getting the 1887 Church the attention it needs.

"You can't replace history," Knies told Bay News 9. "And I also think historic buildings obviously cannot be replaced."

Knies, who has volunteered with historic societies since she was 15 years old, submitted the church's application to the Florida Trust's 11 to Save program herself — believing the designation would open doors to funding and expertise that the organization couldn't access alone. "We are going to have experts from all over the state," she said. "They're going to come together to help us with creative ways to make sure that we are able to preserve this building to its historical accuracy."

The need is real. The church requires a new roof and significant structural stabilization — the kind of work that demands both resources and specialized expertise in historic construction methods.

What "11 to Save" Means

The Florida Trust for Historic Preservation announces its 11 to Save list annually. Sites are nominated by the public and reflect places that local communities consider irreplaceable. The program is explicitly designed not just to raise awareness, but to trigger collaborative, custom solutions for each property — connecting local organizations with statewide preservation networks, funding sources, and technical expertise.

The 2025 list was announced at the Preservation on Main Street conference in Fernandina Beach. Alongside the 1887 Church, it includes the Magic Beach Motel in Vilano Beach, the St. Johns River Lighthouse in Duval County, the entire city of Cedar Key, and the Apalachicola Arsenal Officers Quarters.

"The 2025 Florida's 11 to Save reflect the extraordinary breadth and depth of stories that make up the cultural mosaic of our state," said Florida Trust Board President Mike Cosden. "By safeguarding these sites, we're not just preserving buildings and landscapes, but also the diverse histories and voices that contribute to our shared heritage."

The Suncoast has been well represented on the list in recent years. In 2024, the ancient indigenous burial mounds on Tidy Island in Bradenton and Warm Mineral Springs and Spa in North Port were both recognized. In 2023, Sarasota's Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall made the list.

Why It Matters to Neighborhoods Like Ours

The story of the 1887 Church is, in many ways, the story of every historic neighborhood: a community that built something meaningful, nearly lost it, saved it through collective will, and now must fight again to keep it.

For those of us in Point Pleasant, that arc is familiar. Historic structures don't preserve themselves. They survive because people decide they matter — and then do the work.

If you'd like to support the effort, the Friends of Manatee Village welcomes volunteers and donors. Learn more at manateevillage.org.

Sources: Pulse of Manatee (July 2025), Bay News 9 (August 2025), Florida Trust for Historic Preservation (floridatrust.org)

We're excited to launch this space for sharing updates directly with our neighbors.

What to expect

• Meeting recaps — summaries of planning board and council hearings
• Action alerts — when your voice is needed most
• Wins and progress — celebrating what we've protected together

Stay engaged, stay informed. The Point is worth fighting for.