Vaccine clinic in 'whitest and richest' Lakewood Ranch sets off fury in Manatee County

A special state program to vaccinate certain residents in Manatee County is coming under fire by critics on the county commission who say it smacks of racism and classism.

Volunteers help open new doors by teaching Manatee County adults how to read

In Manatee County, one in five adults can't read above the fifth-grade level. A local group is addressing this need. Their quest to help others find reading success is What's Right with Tampa Bay.

Mutilated pelicans found at Sunshine Skyway pier dubbed 'death row'

 A pelican rescue group in Florida wants state wildlife officials to heighten patrols at a popular fishing pier in Manatee County after more than a dozen mutilated birds were discovered over the past month in the area.

Celebrating 45 years together with beer and bologna

Dan and Patti Cook were high school sweethearts. Dan was a high school junior with a red-hot Mustang and Patti was beautiful bold teen with love on the brain, and one boy in mind.

Publix pharmacies in Manatee County to receive COVID vaccine doses this week

Manatee County officials announced that some Publix pharmacies and one Winn-Dixie location will begin receiving doses of the COVID-19 vaccine this week.

Colorful ribbons present haunting reminder of lives lost to COVID-19

Stretched outside Cathy Tobias' Anna Maria Island home, a beautiful rainbow of ribbons depicts a tragic reminder of the coronavirus pandemic. 

Manatee County Animal Services needs emergency foster families for dogs about to be displaced

Manatee County Animal Services is asking for emergency foster families for dogs because the shelter, located at 305 25th Street West in Palmetto, will undergo plumbing repairs on Wednesday, February 10. 

Manatee County pediatrician who plans 'everything' around Bucs games headed to Super Bowl LV

Dr. Carlos Mendez, who has only missed five Buccaneers home games since 1993, and saw the Bucs win the Lombardi trophy in 2003, will be watching Super Bowl LV at Raymond James Stadium.

After 53 years of marriage, couple dies 16 minutes apart after COVID-19 battle

KB and Nancy Magown texted each other from their hospital beds, urging the other to continue to fight the virus. But after 53 years of marriage, they were only separated in death by 16 minutes. 

Manatee County school employees get COVID-19 vaccines

For school employees 65 and up who were having a hard time getting an appointment with the general population, MCR Health was able to offer them vaccines so they can work with less worry.

Bradenton Motorsports Park 'icon' killed in crash

At Bradenton Motorsports Park, the face of Daniel Stone was the first many would recognize. He was known as 'Chaps' and worked to make sure every race came together. 

Manatee deputies locate missing woman visiting from Michigan

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office safely located a woman who was visiting Bradenton from Michigan and was reported missing. No additional information was provided. 

Bradenton Motorsports employee killed by malfunctioning vehicle, deputies say

Daniel Stone, 56, was killed Friday night while working at the Bradenton Motorsports Park after he was struck by a malfunctioning vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.

An affair, photos, and accusations of toxic culture within the Manatee County Commission

In Manatee County, the county administrator’s job is back on the chopping block after one commissioner presented another with incriminating photos, allegedly with the county administrator's knowledge.