Deputies responded to a 911 call at approximately 11:15 p.m. at a parking lot near the former WingHouse Bar and Grill, near U.S. 41 and 51st Avenue Drive West.

When deputies arrived, they found a woman dead in the parking lot with injuries investigators determined were consistent with a homicide.

Deputies also encountered Rodney Booth, 64, at the scene. Booth was taken into custody and has been charged with murder.

Authorities have not released the identity of the victim.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information related to the case is asked to contact the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office at 941-747-3011.

The 2026 event, themed “All Things New,” will bring together women, girls, families, foster youth, community organizations and professionals. Organizers describe the conference as an opportunity to empower, equip, encourage and celebrate girls while connecting them with resources and supportive members of the community.

Girl, LIVE! is an initiative of the Téa Bayonne Choates Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in memory of Téa Bayonne Choates, whose life was lost to domestic violence. The organization focuses on supporting girls and young women who have experienced foster care, domestic violence, trauma, abandonment or human trafficking. Its programs include empowerment conferences, educational workshops, mentoring opportunities and an annual gala.

Girl, LIVE! has previously held its empowerment conference and gala at the Christian Retreat in Bradenton. The 2025 program included workshops, speakers, worship and a formal gala, with foster youth and domestic violence survivors able to participate at no charge.

For the 2026 conference, vendors will have tables available during conference sessions and an opportunity to share products, services and community resources with attendees. Vendors must align with the mission and values of Girl, LIVE!, and applications are subject to approval. Space is limited, and early applications are encouraged.

The conference will be held Oct. 9-11 at the Christian Retreat and Conference Center, 1200 Glory Way Blvd. in Bradenton.

Organizations and businesses interested in becoming vendors can apply or obtain additional information through Girl, LIVE!, email info@girllive.org or call 941-334-1761.

The funding will be invested in the organization’s work with children and teens throughout Manatee County, helping provide opportunities and resources designed to support their development and future success.

The grant is part of the Taco Bell Foundation’s 2026 Community Grants program. Funding for the program is supported in part by customers who choose to round up their purchases at participating Taco Bell restaurants.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County thanked the Taco Bell Foundation and local customers whose contributions helped make the $70,000 award possible.

Feld Grossman, 42, became CEO in 2024, succeeding her father, Kenneth Feld, who led the company for 40 years and now chairs its board. She joined Feld Entertainment in 2010 as director of strategic planning and became chief operating officer in 2016.

The company was founded in 1967 after her grandfather, Irvin Feld, acquired Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. Feld Entertainment moved its headquarters from Virginia to Palmetto in 2013.

Today, the company produces Disney on Ice, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, Monster Jam and Monster Energy AMA Supercross. Disney on Ice has attracted an estimated 320 million fans in 74 countries during its 45-year history.

Feld Grossman has emphasized using audience feedback to guide changes to the company’s productions. One example is Monster Jam, where efforts have focused on expanding what was once a predominantly male audience to more families, children and female fans.

The strategy helped lead to Sparkle Smash, a pink and purple unicorn-themed Monster Jam toy introduced through a partnership with Spin Master in 2019. Its popularity resulted in a full-size, six-ton Sparkle Smash monster truck debuting in 2024.

Feld Grossman also helped develop Monster Jam University, which trains drivers and has focused on bringing more women and athletes from diverse backgrounds into the sport.

Feld Entertainment is also reaching audiences beyond its arenas through livestreaming, social media, merchandise and collaborations with entertainers and digital creators.

Feld Grossman now leads more than 2,000 employees worldwide, including about 450 full-time corporate employees. As Feld Entertainment approaches 60 years in business, the company continues to rely on audience feedback and experimentation to shape the next generation of its live entertainment.

Source

The performance begins at 6:30 p.m. at the park, 7550 Fort Hamer Road in Parrish. Food trucks will be on site, and attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs.

Chuckleheads made its debut at the park on Sept. 4 as part of Parrish Playworks’ outdoor entertainment series. The October performance gives local families another opportunity to see the improv group in action.

Unlike a traditional scripted play, improv performances are created on the spot, often using ideas and participation from the audience. Those attending the Parrish show can watch from their seats or volunteer to take part on stage.

The event is open to all ages and admission is free.

The Oct. 2 performance is the second of two Chuckleheads shows scheduled at Parrish Community Park this fall. More information about Parrish Playworks and its programs is available through the organization’s website.

Online gaming ranges from mobile phone apps to multiplayer games played on computers and consoles. While the platforms provide entertainment and opportunities to connect with others, they can also expose players to scams, malicious downloads and attempts to steal account information.

One concern involves gaming accounts connected to credit or debit cards. If an account is compromised, criminals may gain access to stored payment information or make unauthorized purchases. Players should also avoid sharing personal information such as their full name, birth date, home address or other identifying details through gaming profiles or conversations.

Fake games, modifications and other downloads can pose another risk. Malicious software disguised as legitimate gaming content can infect computers, phones or consoles and potentially steal information or prevent users from accessing their accounts.

The Holmes Beach Police Department recommends using strong, unique passwords for gaming accounts and enabling two-factor authentication whenever it is available. Players should also review privacy settings and limit the amount of personal information visible to other users.

Before downloading a new game, app, modification or other gaming-related content, users should research it carefully, even when it appears on a familiar or trusted platform. Computers, gaming consoles and mobile devices should also be kept current with the latest software and security updates.

Players should be especially cautious about unsolicited emails, direct messages or other communications promising free games, virtual currency, special items or other rewards. Such offers may be phishing attempts intended to trick users into providing login credentials, clicking malicious links or downloading malware.

Parents can also help younger gamers by reviewing account privacy and security settings, discussing what information should never be shared online and reminding children to report suspicious messages or interactions.

The department’s message encourages gamers to treat their digital playgrounds with the same attention to security they would give other online accounts: protect personal information, secure accounts and think carefully before clicking links or downloading content.

Courtesy of Holmes Beach Police Department

Hernandez made six starts for the Marauders before his call up to High-A Greensboro on May 12. Through those six outings, Hernandez secured 50 strikeouts over 28.0 innings and maintained a 0.96 ERA. Hernandez earned at least seven strikeouts in each appearance, including three consecutive outings with nine strikeouts.

The 20-year-old from Pomona, California, was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates with the 6^th overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft. Coming into the 2026 season, Hernandez ranked as the No. 26 prospect in all of baseball and currently ranks as the No. 7 prospect according to MLB.com. Hernandez also sits as the Pirates’ No. 1 prospect, finishing the year 6-1 with a 2.43 ERA and 118 strikeouts through 74.0 frames.

This season, Hernandez was awarded FSL Pitcher of the Week on April 27 for his performance against the Clearwater Threshers on April 24. The right-hander earned his first nine-strikeout performance and allowed just one hit across 5.0 shutout frames. He was also named FSL Pitcher of the Month for April, going 2-0 with a 0.53 ERA with 32 strikeouts and five walks through 17.0 innings of work.

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

The measure, officially titled “Increased Homestead Exemption; Lower Cap on Increases in Non-Homestead Property Assessments,” requires approval from at least 60% of voters to pass. The ballot language was rewritten in August after a Leon County judge ruled that the original title and summary were misleading. The revised language is now included in the Florida Department of State’s official 2026 constitutional amendment booklet.

What Amendment 3 would do

Under Amendment 3, the homestead exemption for non-school property taxes would increase to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028 for qualifying Florida residents. Beginning in 2029, the exemption would be adjusted for inflation. The larger exemption would not apply to school district property taxes.

For example, the change could substantially reduce the portion of a homesteaded property’s assessed value subject to county, municipal and certain other non-school property taxes. The actual savings for an individual homeowner would depend on the property’s assessed value, applicable exemptions and local millage rates.

The amendment also establishes different rules for people becoming Florida residents after Dec. 31, 2026. New residents who qualify for homestead would initially receive the existing exemption and generally would become eligible for the expanded exemption beginning with their fifth year.

Another provision would reduce the annual assessment increase cap on non-homestead properties from 10% to 5%. Non-homestead property can include second homes, rental properties and commercial properties. This provision could limit how quickly the taxable assessed value of those properties increases.

The amendment also directs the Legislature to establish a uniform process allowing counties and municipalities to increase their homestead exemptions up to the property’s full assessed value. Special districts could increase exemptions with voter approval.

In addition, county and municipal property tax revenue would be directed toward categories including public safety, education and schools, infrastructure, natural resources, bond debt service, employee retirement benefits, and government operations and administration. The revised ballot language notes that other expenditures could still be approved by county officers or county or municipal governing bodies unless prohibited by state law.

If approved, the constitutional changes would take effect Jan. 1, 2027.

Arguments in favor

Supporters say Amendment 3 would provide substantial property tax relief at a time when rising home values have contributed to higher local property tax collections.

Gov. Ron DeSantis and legislative supporters have argued that homeowners should receive more direct benefits from Florida’s growth and that local governments should exercise greater spending restraint rather than relying on increasing property values to generate additional revenue.

Supporters also point to the reduction of the non-homestead assessment cap from 10% to 5% as protection for businesses, landlords and owners of other non-homestead property against rapid increases in taxable assessments.

Another argument is that the amendment does not reduce the property tax revenue dedicated to public schools through the expanded homestead exemption. School district levies remain outside the larger exemption.

Supporters also contend that allowing counties and municipalities to eventually increase exemptions further gives communities a pathway toward additional property tax relief while requiring local officials to prioritize core government responsibilities.

Arguments against

Opponents focus primarily on the effect that a substantially larger exemption could have on local government revenue.

Counties and cities rely heavily on property taxes to pay for services, including law enforcement, fire and emergency services, roads and infrastructure, parks, libraries, emergency management and other government operations. Critics argue that removing a larger portion of homestead property from the tax base could force local governments to reduce services, delay projects, increase fees or rely more heavily on other revenue sources.

Opponents also argue that the benefits would not be distributed equally. The expanded homestead exemption directly benefits qualifying homeowners, while renters do not receive the exemption. Owners of properties with lower assessed values may also receive less benefit because they already have relatively little taxable value remaining after existing exemptions.

The Florida Nonprofit Alliance has raised concerns about the potential effect on nonprofit organizations that receive local government grants or contracts. In a statewide survey of 83 nonprofit organizations, 92% of respondents said they anticipated the amendment could affect their organizations or the communities they serve. Among organizations anticipating an impact, 77% expected reductions in local government funding or in-kind services, according to the group’s survey presented in the materials accompanying its opposition campaign.

The organization argues that reductions in local government services could also increase demand for nonprofit programs at the same time government funding available to those organizations becomes more limited.

Critics further contend that property tax relief does not eliminate the cost of providing local services. If property tax collections decline while demand for police, fire protection, roads, parks and other services remains, governments would have to absorb the difference through spending reductions, alternative revenues or some combination of the two.

What a Yes or No vote means

A Yes vote supports increasing the homestead exemption for non-school property taxes to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, providing future inflation adjustments, lowering the assessment-growth cap for non-homestead property from 10% to 5%, and making the other property tax changes contained in the amendment.

A No vote would reject those constitutional changes and leave Florida’s current constitutional property tax structure in place.

The cemetery tours are scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 10, and Saturday, Oct. 24, at 10 a.m. Participants will have an opportunity to explore Manatee County’s oldest established cemetery while learning about the people, families and stories connected to the area’s early history.

Staff from Manatee Village Historical Park will lead visitors through the historic grounds, offering a closer look at a site that provides a tangible connection to Manatee County’s past.

Both tours are free and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendance is limited to the first 30 participants for each tour, and those interested in attending are encouraged to arrive early.

Manatee Village Historical Park is located at 1404 Manatee Ave. E. in Bradenton.

For additional information, the park can be contacted at 941-741-4075 or manatee.village@manateeclerk.com.

The influx has placed additional strain on food and other supplies for cats and kittens, including animals receiving medical care. According to the shelter, some items are being used significantly faster than usual, with one order that would typically last about a month depleted in roughly one week.

The shelter is currently seeking donations of Tiki Cat wet food in any variety, Gerber Chicken and Gravy baby food, Sweet Sue Chunk White Chicken in Water, Meow Mix Kitten dry food, Tiki Cat Baby Thrive and INABA Churu treats.

The requested items are available through the Bishop Animal Shelter Amazon Wish List, where donors can have purchases shipped directly to the shelter. Donations may also be dropped off during normal business hours at Bishop Animal Shelter, 5718 21st Ave. W. in Bradenton.

The shelter is also encouraging residents to consider adoption. Cats available for adoption can be visited at Cat Town in downtown Bradenton from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

The Dive Team responded after receiving reports of a vehicle underwater and conducted an inspection beneath the surface. Divers determined there were no indications of foul play associated with the truck.

After completing the inspection, the Dive Team coordinated with the MCSO Marine Unit to safely recover the vehicle from the lake.

The operation also provided deputies with hands-on training in underwater inspections and vehicle recovery while helping keep local waterways safe and clear.

Lawrence, a member of the Manatee High School Class of 1970, was previously inducted into the inaugural Manatee High School Athletic Hall of Honor in 2016. The FHSAA selected Lawrence as one of eight members of its 2026 Hall of Fame class, recognizing his accomplishments as a student-athlete and his role during the integration of Manatee County schools.

Lawrence played varsity football at Lincoln Memorial High School in Palmetto from 1966 through 1969, lining up at offensive tackle and defensive end. Lincoln Memorial was Manatee County’s public high school for Black students before desegregation. Lawrence earned All-American recognition along with All-County, All-Conference, All-District and All-State honors.

When Lincoln Memorial was converted into a middle school during integration, Lawrence completed his senior year at Manatee High School. The FHSAA credits Lawrence with demonstrating leadership and perseverance while advocating for respect and equal treatment during a challenging period of integration. Manatee High’s longtime coach Eddie Shannon, who coached at Lincoln Memorial before joining Manatee High, was among the mentors who helped shape Lawrence’s career.

Lawrence continued his football career at Florida A&M University, earning Second-Team All-American and First-Team Little All-American honors in 1973. He also participated in the 1974 Senior Bowl before the Oakland Raiders selected him 19th overall in the first round of the 1974 NFL Draft.

The offensive tackle spent his entire 13-year NFL career with the Oakland and Los Angeles Raiders from 1974 through 1986. He appeared in 187 regular-season games, started 148 and played in 20 playoff games. Lawrence was selected to the Pro Bowl following the 1983 and 1984 seasons.

Lawrence was also part of all three Raiders Super Bowl championship teams of that era, winning Super Bowls XI, XV and XVIII.

His honors continued after his playing career. Lawrence was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 2012 and the Black College Football Hall of Fame in 2023. The latter recognizes outstanding players and coaches from historically Black colleges and universities.

Lawrence, a Bradenton Kiwanis member, has remained involved in community service through motivational programs and youth outreach, including health fairs, back-to-school programs, football camps and work with at-risk and incarcerated youth.

His induction into the FHSAA Hall of Fame adds another statewide honor to a career that began on the football fields of Manatee County and ultimately included college All-American recognition, a first-round NFL draft selection, two Pro Bowls and three Super Bowl championships.

The celebration will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Palmetto CRA Office, 324 8th Ave. W., Suite 103.

This year marks 40 years since the Palmetto CRA was established on Nov. 4, 1985. The agency is recognizing four decades of redevelopment efforts, partnerships and investment in the Palmetto community.

Friday’s event will feature prizes, giveaways and Spin the Wheel raffles. Residents are invited to stop by the CRA office and learn more about the agency while participating in the anniversary celebration.

The Redevelopment Week event is free and open to the community.

Thames brings more than two decades of leadership experience across philanthropy, healthcare, and nonprofit organizations, with a proven record of strengthening organizations, developing people, and expanding community impact.

Thames currently serves as CEO of Manatee Community Foundation and previously held a leadership role with Gulf Coast Community Foundation. Across her career, she has led with a focus on creating opportunity, building strong organizations and teams, and bringing people together around meaningful missions.

She now joins Dogs Inc, a national nonprofit whose mission is to transform lives through extraordinary partnerships between people and dogs. Dogs Inc provides expertly trained guide dogs and service dogs to people with vision loss, veterans with PTSD, Gold Star families, children with vision loss, and others with disabilities completely free of charge, including food, preventative medications, instruction and support for the life of the partnership.

“After a thoughtful and comprehensive national search, we are thrilled to welcome Veronica to Dogs Inc,” said Bob Meade, Chairman of the Board of Directors. “We were looking for a leader with strategic vision, a deep commitment to people and mission, and the ability to build on an already exceptional organization. Veronica brings that combination, along with a proven record of strengthening organizations, empowering teams, and creating meaningful impact.”

“Most importantly, Veronica understands that the heart of Dogs Inc is the extraordinary partnership between a person and a dog,” Meade continued. “She also understands that making those partnerships possible requires an entire community: our employees, volunteers, puppy raisers, graduates, donors, and partners. We believe she is the right leader to honor what has made Dogs Inc so successful while helping us reach even more people whose lives can be transformed by these incredible dogs.”

For Thames, the opportunity brings together many of the experiences and passions that have shaped her career. She immigrated to the United States from Buenos Aires at age 19 and went on to build a career spanning healthcare, philanthropy, and nonprofit leadership. She has a particular passion for supporting veterans and people with disabilities.

“Dogs Inc has an extraordinary mission and an incredible opportunity to change even more lives,” said Thames. “What drew me to this organization is the power of the partnership we create, beginning with the independence, confidence, and connection that becomes possible when a person and a highly trained dog find one another.”

“I’m coming into Dogs Inc ready to listen, learn, and roll up my sleeves,” Thames added. “I want to understand what makes this organization special from the people who live the mission every day: our employees, volunteers, puppy raisers, graduates, donors, and partners. Then, together, we can build on that strength and create even greater opportunities for the people we serve.”

Thames will spend her first several months focused on listening, relationship-building, and experiencing Dogs Inc’s programs firsthand. She plans to meet with employees and stakeholders across the organization, spend time with every department, and deepen her understanding of Dogs Inc’s programs, culture, and communities before establishing longer-term priorities.

Throughout her career, Thames has placed a strong emphasis on organizational and people development, receiving national recognition for workplace culture. She is an advocate for approachable leadership and creating environments where employees feel valued, empowered to contribute, and equipped to do their best work.

Dogs Inc also expressed its gratitude to Colleen Flaherty, who has served as Interim CEO during the leadership transition.

“Colleen stepped forward at an important moment and provided steady, thoughtful leadership while keeping our people and mission at the forefront,” said Meade. “We are deeply grateful for her service and for the strong position from which Veronica will begin.”

“Dogs Inc has an extraordinary foundation, an exceptional team, and a mission that changes lives every day,” Meade added. “We are excited to welcome Veronica and begin this next chapter together. Our goal is simple: to help more people experience the independence, confidence, and connection that these extraordinary partnerships make possible.”

About Dogs Inc

Dogs Inc transforms lives by creating extraordinary partnerships between people and dogs. The organization provides expertly trained guide and service dogs to individuals with vision loss, veterans with PTSD, Gold Star families, children with vision loss, and others with disabilities, helping them achieve greater independence, confidence, and connection. Dogs Inc provides its dogs, food, preventatives, instruction, and support completely free of charge for the life of the partnership. The organization is supported by dedicated employees, volunteers, puppy raisers, graduates, generous donors, and community partners.

Dechelbor, a familiar face on the Manatee High campus, is known by students and staff for his positive attitude, dedication and enthusiasm. He carried that determination into the pool, earning two medals during the regional competition.

Several Manatee High alumni were also on hand to support Dechelbor and celebrate his accomplishments.

Dechelbor will next travel to Ocala this weekend to compete in the Special Olympics State Swimming Competition, representing his community and Hurricane pride at the statewide event.

Commissioners are scheduled to hold a public hearing on Ordinance 26-42, which would establish a temporary moratorium on applications related to data centers, large-scale data centers and other large-load customers in unincorporated Manatee County. The moratorium would apply to applications for building permits, site plans, development orders, development agreements, special permit uses, rezonings and comprehensive plan amendments.

Another public hearing will focus on Ordinance 26-36, which would regulate simulated gambling devices in Manatee County and includes consideration of a related memorandum of understanding.

The consent agenda includes two significant land conservation items involving Mossy Island Ranch and Thundercloud Ranch. Commissioners will consider rural lands protection easements for both properties through partnerships with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Rural and Family Lands Protection Program.

Housing-related items include consideration of up to $75 million in single-family mortgage revenue bonds and several multifamily housing bond proposals. Projects include Lotus Vyne, DeSoto Apartments, Luminara Place, Harborline at Sarasota and Orange on 14th Street.

Commissioners will also consider authorizing speed humps on 47th Street West/Northwest between Third Avenue West and Riverview Boulevard and extending an agreement with the City of Bradenton Beach involving a dock repair project.

Other items include continued discussion of the county’s reserve policy, appointments to the Citizens Oversight Committee for the Infrastructure Sales Tax Advisory Board, funding and agreements involving emergency medical services and the Coordinated Opioid Recovery program, and the county library system’s FY27 annual plan.

The board is also scheduled to receive a report on the Duette Preserve Hunt Program.

The meeting will be held in the Patricia M. Glass Chambers at the Manatee County Administration Building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W. in Bradenton. Residents may attend in person, watch the meeting online or through Manatee Government Access television channels, and submit public comments through the county’s public participation options.

BayCare HealthHub Manatee opened at 6620 Moccasin Wallow Road in Palmetto following a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday. The more than 46,000-square-foot facility offers primary and specialty care through BayCare Medical Group, outpatient laboratory services and advanced imaging.

Imaging services include MRI, CT, PET, mammography, X-ray, DEXA scans and ultrasound.

The HealthHub is part of BayCare’s larger expansion along the Moccasin Wallow Road corridor. Construction is underway nearby on BayCare Hospital Manatee, a more than $560 million hospital scheduled to open in 2028.

The 436,000-square-foot hospital is planned with 154 private patient rooms and capacity to expand to 207 beds. BayCare also recently received $2.5 million in state funding toward a neonatal intensive care unit expected to significantly increase NICU capacity in Manatee County.

Construction reached a milestone in July when crews placed the final steel beam on the hospital. Robins & Morton is serving as the construction firm for the project.

BayCare’s investment in the area began taking shape in 2023 when the health system purchased nearly 94 acres along Moccasin Wallow Road for $28.66 million.

The new Manatee location is BayCare’s eighth HealthHub. The nonprofit health system currently operates 16 hospitals along with urgent care centers, laboratories, imaging facilities, surgical centers, physician practices and home healthcare services.