Woman accused of hitting, killing beloved Bradenton 'Peace walker' to stand trial

A woman charged in a deadly Manatee County hit-and-run appeared stunned as a judge ruled she will stand trial nearly five years after the crash that killed an 82-year-old man.

New traffic ramps open as part of major I-75/U.S. 301 interchange overhaul

Drivers in Manatee County are now using a newly opened southbound on-ramp at the I-75 and U.S. 301 interchange, part of a $145 million reconstruction project led by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to improve traffic flow and accommodate future growth.

Family of Bradenton “peacewalker" outraged over potential plea deal in fatal hit-and-run

In a Bradenton neighborhood, Joseph Dralus, Sr. was known as the "Peace Walker" – a beloved figure who greeted passersby with a smile and a peace sign during his daily walks. 

Lecom Park improvements: Behind the changes at Pittsburgh Pirates' spring training home in Bradenton

Bradenton's Lecom Park is the spring training home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, and believe it or not, the baseball stadium is the third-oldest stadium actively used by a Major League team. 

‘Operation Spring into Safety’ heads to Bradenton

The 2nd Annual Operation Spring into Safety event is set to take place on Saturday, Feb. 15, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at State College of Florida in Bradenton.

Police urge residents to remove guns from cars after spike in burglaries

Bradenton police said the number of guns stolen from unlocked cars is up 95% in the city, and in Madeira Beach, Pinellas County deputies are noticing unlocked cars becoming recent targets.

Louisiana bull rider survives ‘freak accident’ during Palmetto competition

Zach Naegele was seconds into his ride at the Conley Invitational Bull Ride in Palmetto Saturday evening when a freak accident nearly killed him. It happened in front of a packed house, and he credits God and first responders, who were a part of the crowd. 

Suspect arrested, accused of selling fentanyl pills to woman, leaving her to die: MCSO

A 31-year-old suspect has been arrested and charged with murder over a year and a half after he allegedly sold fentanyl pills to a woman who overdosed and died.

'Black Swan' Ashley Benefield denied bond, will remain in prison

A Manatee County judge denied bond for Ashley Benefield as the former professional ballerina appeals her manslaughter conviction in the 2020 shooting death of her estranged husband.

SCAG PRO Superstar Shootout returns to Bradenton Motorsports Park with big name racers

Widely known racers such as Tony Stewart hit the track in Bradenton on Wednesday gearing up for the second annual SCAG Power Equipment PRO Superstar Shootout. 

Beloved Cortez Village restaurant reopens four months after Hurricanes Helene, Milton

A beloved Cortez Village restaurant reopened on Tuesday, four months after back-to-back storms. Slicker's Eatery has seen a lot since opening during the COVID-19 pandemic. From red tide seasons to, more recently, Hurricanes Helene and Milton. 

Manatee County making changes to school speed zone cameras, speed limits

Changes are coming to Manatee County's school speed zone cameras after commissioners received complaints as soon as the cameras went into operation. It came as many drivers were caught off guard – some even getting multiple tickets. 

Spooked horses toss riders during beach tour excursion in Bradenton: Police

A horseback beach tour excursion in Bradenton landed two people in the hospital after the guide’s animal got spooked and set off a chain reaction.

Missing Bradenton woman declared dead a year after her disappearance

One year after a 67-year-old woman vanished, a Manatee County probate judge has declared her dead, the Bradenton Police Department announced Friday.

Car involved in deadly hit-and-run on I-275 found in Manatee County: FHP

The Florida Highway Patrol says the Tesla that was involved in a hit-and-run that killed a man days ago in St. Petersburg has been found in Manatee County.

Manatee commissioner wants uniform school speed limit following installation of speed detection cameras

In Manatee County, around 9,000 citations were mailed to drivers by early December 2024 after new school speed zone cameras were installed. A Manatee County commissioner now wants to take a closer look at the speed limit in school zones and make them uniform across the county.