Founded by Gina Wilkins in St. Petersburg, Kind Mouse provides weekend meal support for children who may not have consistent access to food outside of school. The organization partners with schools to discreetly distribute bags filled with easy-to-prepare, child-friendly meals, helping bridge the gap for families in need.

In April, Wilkins was recognized for her impact across the region as a recipient of the Remarkable Women of Tampa Bay award, which honors individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities through service and leadership.

While Kind Mouse has operated in Pinellas County for several years, its expansion into Manatee County is still in its early stages. The local initiative, launched approximately one year ago, is already making a measurable difference. At CHS (Children's Home Society) and Empath’s Blue Butterfly, the program is currently delivering approximately 400 bags of food each week to students.

Each bag typically contains enough food to sustain a child over the weekend, addressing a critical need identified by educators and community partners. The program operates through donations and volunteer support, with an emphasis on maintaining dignity and consistency for the children it serves.

Wilkins’ approach has centered on collaboration with schools and community organizations, ensuring that resources reach those most in need without creating barriers for families. As the Manatee County effort continues to grow, organizers are working to expand partnerships and increase capacity to reach additional schools and students.

The early success of Kind Mouse in Manatee reflects both the scale of need and the community’s willingness to respond. With hundreds of bags already distributed weekly and a proven model established in neighboring counties, the organization is positioning itself to become a key resource in addressing childhood hunger locally.

Gray went 10-for-22 (.455) at the plate with two homers and eight RBIs over six games against the Lakeland Flying Tigers. The 22-year-old posted two multi-hit games, which included a career-high four-hit performance. On Saturday from LECOM Park, Gray went 4-for-4 with two homers, a double, and four RBIs to finish a triple shy of the cycle.

The third baseman was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates with the 73^rd pick in the Competitive Balance Round B out of Fresno State University in 2025. Gray ranks as the No. 18 prospect in the Pirates organization on MLB.com and is the second player to win a FSL award in 2026, after RHP Seth Hernandez was named Pitcher of the Week for April 21-26.

Gray ranks No. 1 for the Marauders in multiple hitting categories, including batting average (.375), home runs (5), RBIs (26), on-base percentage (.446), and slugging (.625). As far as FSL rankings, he is first in batting average and RBIs, while being third in on-base percentage and slugging.

He is the first Bradenton player to achieve the accomplishment since Edward Florentino from June 30-July 6 in 2025. The current Pirates No. 3 prospect hit .348 with three home runs.

The Marauders return to action on Tuesday from TD Ballpark, as they begin a six-game series against the Dunedin Blue Jays. First pitch is set for 6:30 p.m. EST.

For more information about the Bradenton Marauders, please call 941-747-3031, visit www.BradentonMarauders.com, or email MaraudersInfo@pirates.com.

The proposed ferry landing has prompted feedback from residents and frequent boaters who rely on the existing ramp and parking facilities. Concerns have centered largely on limited parking capacity at the site, which currently offers 57 spaces, including 18 designated for boat trailers. Users of the ramp describe the area as already heavily utilized, particularly during peak boating times, raising questions about how additional ferry traffic could impact congestion and accessibility.

City officials acknowledge the concerns and indicate that parking is a primary consideration in the planning process. Recent updates to city ordinances are expected to guide development standards, and planners are working on strategies intended to accommodate both ferry operations and current recreational use.

The proposed ferry stop remains in the early stages, with multiple approvals and permits still required before any final decisions are made. Officials emphasize that community input will continue to play a role as discussions progress and plans are refined.

The organization intends to convert the site into a rehabilitation center for pelicans and other seabirds commonly found along the coast near the Skyway Fishing Pier and surrounding mangrove areas. The nonprofit rescues more than 1,000 injured birds each year, many affected by fishing hooks and entanglement in fishing lines.

Friends of the Pelicans has been seeking a permanent location since 2021. Until now, the group has relied on partner facilities outside Manatee County, including Save Our Seabirds and Seaside Seabird Sanctuary, to provide medical care and rehabilitation. Those facilities have supported local rescue efforts but often face capacity challenges due to the high volume of injured birds.

County officials approved the lease for the Palmetto property, which already includes features such as kennels and operating rooms, making it well-suited for conversion into a wildlife care center. The location’s proximity to key rescue areas is expected to improve response times and treatment outcomes.

Before opening, the nonprofit must secure rezoning approval from Manatee County and obtain permits from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The organization will also be responsible for maintaining the property and covering utility costs.

If approvals move forward as planned, the new seabird rehabilitation campus could open within the next year and a half, expanding local capacity to care for injured wildlife and reducing reliance on out-of-county facilities.

The homes are part of Manatee Habitat for Humanity’s affordable housing program and are designed to support working families through income-restricted ownership options. Selected applicants could move into their new homes as early as June 2026, depending on eligibility and completion of the process.

The townhomes include two- and three-bedroom models with two bathrooms, and select units feature a one-car garage. Living spaces range from approximately 1,910 to 2,040 square feet. Estimated monthly mortgage payments are projected between $950 and $1,050, not including homeowners’ association fees.

Eligibility requirements include a minimum of one year of residency or employment in Manatee County. While an example income range for a household of four is between $65,000 and $80,000 annually, income limits vary by household size, and applicants are encouraged to review detailed guidelines.

Homes will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis once applications open, and the application period will remain ongoing until further notice.

Additional information, including full qualification requirements and income limits, is available online at mhapply.org.

The week features several early highlights, including the Washington Park Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony scheduled for Thursday, May 7, at 10 a.m. The event will mark the official opening of improvements to the park, with community members invited to attend and explore the updated amenities.

On Saturday, May 9, residents will find a wide variety of events taking place throughout the county. MCR Health will host a Special Saturday for Family Care from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at its East Manatee Health and Wellness Center in Bradenton. The event offers convenient access to family medicine, pediatrics, and on-site pharmacy services, designed to help families receive care without missing work or school.

Also on May 9, the Manatee County Commission District 1 Forum will take place from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Williams Elementary School in Parrish. The forum provides an opportunity for residents to meet Republican candidates running for the District 1 seat ahead of the upcoming election cycle, with introductions, a question-and-answer session, and petition signing.

Outdoor recreation continues to be a focus with the Jerry Hill Memorial Kids Fishing Tournament happening Saturday, May 9, from 7:30 a.m. to noon at Tom Bennett Park in Bradenton. The long-running event welcomes participants ages 5 to 14 and includes prizes for top catches in each age group. Bait will be provided, and a limited number of loaner rods will be available.

Teacher Appreciation Week, observed May 4 through May 8, will be recognized across Manatee County with schools, local businesses, and community organizations honoring educators for their impact on student success. Campuses throughout the School District of Manatee County are planning appreciation events, while many local businesses are offering special promotions and discounts for teachers.

Mother’s Day weekend events will also be a major draw across Manatee County. Local restaurants and venues are expected to offer special brunches, waterfront dining experiences, and family-focused celebrations on Sunday, May 10. Popular spots in Bradenton Beach, Anna Maria Island, and Lakewood Ranch traditionally host Mother’s Day brunch menus and reservations are encouraged due to high demand. Community organizations and churches throughout the county are also planning special services and family-oriented gatherings to honor mothers.

In addition to scheduled events, local parks, beaches, and nature preserves are expected to see increased visitation throughout the weekend, offering families opportunities to celebrate outdoors with picnics, kayaking, and beach outings.

The week concludes with continued community engagement opportunities and preparations for upcoming summer programs, as Manatee County transitions into a season filled with youth activities, camps, and outdoor events.

Residents are encouraged to check individual event details, register where required, and plan ahead for what is expected to be an active and well-attended week across Manatee County.

Hosted by the Manatee Chamber of Commerce, the awards highlight excellence in leadership, innovation, growth, and overall community impact among local businesses and nonprofit organizations. The program is designed to honor those making meaningful contributions through strong business practices and service to the community.

Organizers emphasize that the awards process is not based on popularity. Each nominee undergoes a detailed application and evaluation process that focuses on measurable achievements, operational excellence, and community involvement. Being nominated alone is considered a significant recognition, while finalists and winners represent a high standard of distinction within the local business and nonprofit sectors.

Community members are encouraged to participate by nominating organizations they believe are making a difference across Manatee County. There is no limit to the number of nominations that can be submitted, and only one nomination is required for a business or nonprofit to be invited to complete the application process. The number of nominations received does not influence selection outcomes.

Nominations will be accepted through June 5, 2026, with submissions available online through the Manatee Chamber of Commerce website.

The awards program will culminate at the 46th Annual Small Business and Non-Profit of the Year Awards Luncheon, scheduled for Friday, August 28, 2026. The event will bring together community leaders, business professionals, and nonprofit representatives to celebrate the organizations helping shape Manatee County’s future.

The annual awards continue to serve as a cornerstone event during Small Business Week, spotlighting the vital role local businesses and nonprofits play in building a vibrant and resilient community.

Construction crews have begun work on the facility’s front entrance canopy, which will serve as a prominent feature welcoming visitors to the complex. Inside the grounds, the installation of the main scoreboard has been completed, marking another milestone for the athletic components of the site.

Interior work is also advancing, with drywall installation nearing completion across much of the facility. Exterior improvements are underway as well, including the addition of sidewalks designed to enhance accessibility and pedestrian flow throughout the campus.

Foundational elements for shade structures are currently being installed, which will provide relief from the sun for guests once the center opens. Nearby, construction of a retaining wall separating the pool areas from the pickleball courts is approaching completion, helping define and secure the different activity spaces.

As work progresses across multiple areas of the site, the project continues to move closer to becoming a finished recreational destination intended to serve the entire community. More updates are expected as construction advances.

The legislation removes a previous barrier that required professional security licensing, which had limited the ability of congregations to organize volunteer-based protection. Under the new law, volunteers may serve in a security role if they hold a valid Florida concealed weapon or firearm license, pass a background check conducted by the congregation, and operate under a formal security plan approved by the local sheriff’s office.

Supporters of the measure say it offers a practical solution for smaller congregations that may not have the financial resources to employ professional security services. They point to increasing concerns about safety at religious institutions and say the law provides a way for communities to take preventative measures while maintaining their ability to gather for worship.

Training organizations, including Trinity Security Allies, emphasize that proper preparation is essential for volunteers taking on security responsibilities. These groups work with houses of worship, faith-based schools, and nonprofit organizations to develop safety protocols and ensure volunteers understand how to respond appropriately in high-pressure situations.

Critics of the law, however, have raised concerns about the potential risks associated with armed volunteers who may not have the same level of training as licensed security professionals. Some worry that without consistent standards, there could be an increased chance of escalation or misuse of authority in sensitive environments.

The law leaves the decision to implement volunteer security entirely up to individual congregations, allowing each to determine whether the approach aligns with their needs and comfort level. As the implementation date approaches, faith communities across Florida are expected to evaluate their safety plans and consider how the new option fits into their overall approach to security.

The Barbanegras began the scoring in the bottom of the second off Flying Tigers starter Troy Melton. Murf Gray singled and Eddie King Jr. reached on a throwing error to put runners on third and second. A single by Richard Ramirez drove in Gray and King Jr. to make it a 2-0 ballgame.

Bradenton increased the lead off Lakeland reliever Yendy Gomez in the bottom of the fourth. Ramirez and Cristian Jauregui worked back-to-back walks to put runners on second and first. A single by Pimentel moved Jauregui to third and scored Ramirez to make it 3-0. After Pimentel stole second, Scherrer notched a base hit to right, plating Jauregui and Pimentel to move the score 5-0.

In the bottom of the sixth, the Barbenegras put up three runs on Flying Tigers reliever Pedro Garcia. Pimentel singled and came around to score on a double by Scherrer. Dylan Palmer and Yordany De Los Santos worked back-to-back walks to load the bases. A walk by Josh Tate and sacrifice fly from Gray plated two runs and made it an 8-0 ballgame.

Lakeland scored five runs in the top of the seventh, but Bradenton reliever Draven Zeigler closed it down in the ninth to finalize an 8-5 win for the Barbenegras.

Sterling (2-1) earned the win, letting up two hits on two walks and two strikeouts over 6.0 scoreless innings. Melton (0-1) took the loss, allowing two runs (one earned) on two hits and two strikeouts over 1.2 frames. Zeigler (6) allowed a hit with a walk and a strikeout in a scoreless ninth to collect the save.

Bradenton takes the day off on Monday before beginning a six-game series with the Dunedin Blue Jays. First pitch from TD Ballpark is set for Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.

For more information about the Bradenton Marauders, please call 941-747-3031, visit www.BradentonMarauders.com, or email MaraudersInfo@pirates.com.

Over the course of the next year, panel members will meet regularly with the superintendent and district leadership to share their perspectives on a range of topics affecting students. These discussions will focus on access to academic programs and resources, college and career readiness, and identifying both strengths and opportunities for improvement within their schools.

The advisory panel is designed to elevate student voice in decision-making and ensure that district initiatives reflect real classroom experiences. Feedback gathered from the group will play a role in shaping key components of the district’s next strategic plan.

The panel is scheduled to reconvene in the fall when participants return as high school seniors, continuing their involvement and contributing further insight as they prepare for graduation and post-secondary pathways.

Opened in 1916, the Olympia Theatre is believed to have been the first movie theater on Florida’s west coast. Originally owned by Erwing W. Stoltz, the building served not only as a place for films but also as a residence. Stoltz and his family lived above the theater’s lobby for a period of time, and the upstairs space was later converted into his office.

In 1923, the venue was renamed the Palmetto Theater, marking a new chapter as it continued operating as a local entertainment hub for several decades. The theater remained active until 1953, drawing generations of residents to the growing waterfront community.

Over the years, the building has adapted to meet changing needs. At different times, it housed a bakery operated by Mrs. Toft and later became home to Earl Mason’s Bake Shop, adding to its role as a gathering place beyond entertainment.

After sitting dormant for many years, the building briefly reopened in 2009 as the Olympia Children’s Theatre, offering a short-lived revival focused on youth performances. Today, the structure is privately owned and no longer open to the public. It is understood to be used as a recording studio, reflecting yet another transformation in its long history.

Though no longer serving as a public venue, the former Olympia Theatre remains a landmark that connects present-day Palmetto with its early 20th-century roots, standing as a reminder of the city’s cultural beginnings and continued evolution.

The program, titled “Beyond the Storm: Business Continuity Planning Made Simple,” is a free, hands-on initiative designed to guide participants through the process of building or updating a continuity plan. The workshops focus on preparing for unexpected disruptions, protecting staff and operations, and meeting requirements often tied to disaster relief funding.

The series begins May 5 in Tampa with a continuity plan activation workshop hosted at the Hillsborough County Emergency Operations Center. Additional in-person sessions will be held throughout June across the region, including workshops in Largo, Bradenton, Arcadia, and Sarasota. A Manatee County session is scheduled for June 10 at the United Way Suncoast Lakewood Ranch location.

Two virtual-only sessions are also planned, offering additional flexibility for participants. These will take place on June 30 and July 15, with registration links provided after sign-up.

Organizers emphasize that disasters can occur without warning, and many organizations are unprepared for the operational and financial impacts. The workshops aim to provide actionable tools and strategies to help organizations respond effectively and recover more quickly.

The initiative is a collaboration between Verizon, United Way Suncoast, and local partners, focusing on strengthening community resilience. The program highlights the importance of breaking the cycle of disaster response followed by recovery, encouraging proactive planning instead.

Registration is available through a QR code provided on event materials, with all sessions offered at no cost to participants.

O’Connor brings more than three decades of global leadership experience in economic development, business attraction, and foreign direct investment. Her career includes leadership roles with Financial Times FT Locations, AdvanceCT, UK Trade and Investment, and the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency. She has also advised more than 120 organizations worldwide on economic growth strategies and investment initiatives.

A Florida native with strong ties to the Gulf Coast, O’Connor is returning to the region with a focus on advancing sustainable economic growth, strengthening regional partnerships, and expanding opportunities throughout the Bradenton area.

She is scheduled to officially assume the role on June 1, 2026.

After Lakeland plated a run off Bradenton starter Yonleg Gaetano in the top of the first, the Marauders bounced back against the Flying Tigers starter Max Alba in the bottom half of the inning. Josh Tate singled and Gray homered to center, putting Bradenton up 2-1.

The Flying Tigers scored three runs in the top of the fifth against Marauders reliever Roilan Portuondo, but Bradenton answered back in the home half of the inning off Lakeland reliever Caleb Leys. Tate reached on a fielding error and scored on a homer by Gray to make it 4-4.

In the bottom of the sixth, Jauregui tripled and was plated on a single from Antonio Pimentel. After Pimentel moved to third on a throwing error, Dylan Palmer walked and stole second to put runners on third and second. A balk by Leys moved Palmer to third and scored Pimentel to make it a 6-4 ballgame. Tate and Gray worked back-to-back walks to load the bases for Edgleen Perez. A sacrifice fly by Perez scored Palmer from third and increased the lead, 7-4. Richard Ramirez doubled to plate Tate and moved the score 8-4.

Bradenton earned an insurance run in the bottom of the seventh against Lakeland reliever Jan Caraballo. Jauregui parked a solo shot over the right field wall to make it a 9-4 ballgame.

The Marauders capped of their offensive night with four runs in the bottom of the eighth, highlighted with a two-RBI single from Pimentel.

Navarro slammed the door in the ninth, collecting a 13-4 win for Bradenton.

Navarro (1-1) notched the win, striking out six and allowing two walks over 4.0 scoreless frames. Leys (0-2) earned the loss, letting up six runs (four earned) on three hits, three walks, and two strikeouts over 1.1 innings.

The Marauders and Flying Tigers play the series finale of a six-game set on Sunday from LECOM Park with first pitch set for 12:00 p.m. RHP Levi Sterling (1-1, 5.28) takes the ball for Bradenton, while RHP Alistair Tanner (1-3, 11.57) is on the mound for Lakeland.

For more information about the Bradenton Marauders, please call 941-747-3031, visit www.BradentonMarauders.com, or email MaraudersInfo@pirates.com.

The business introduces a concept that combines an indoor play area for young children with a café-style setting where adults can relax, work, or socialize while keeping a close eye on their kids. The model, which has grown in popularity in other markets, is aimed at meeting the needs of modern families looking for safe, engaging, and convenient spaces.

The facility features structured play zones designed for younger age groups, emphasizing both fun and developmental activity. Equipment and layouts are intended to encourage imaginative play, movement, and social interaction among children, while maintaining a controlled and secure environment.

For parents, the café component provides seating, refreshments, and a setting that allows them to remain on-site rather than dropping children off elsewhere. The dual-purpose design reflects a growing demand for businesses that cater to both children and adults simultaneously.

The opening comes as Lakewood Ranch continues to see rapid residential growth, particularly among young families. As the population expands, so does the need for amenities that support family life, early childhood engagement, and community connection.

The play café adds to the area’s evolving mix of family-oriented businesses and is positioned as both a recreational destination and a gathering place for parents seeking connection and convenience in a fast-growing community.