The sneaker drive will benefit Project HEART, a School District of Manatee County initiative that provides essential items to students experiencing housing instability and other hardships. The program helps ensure children have the basic necessities they need to attend school with confidence and dignity.

Community members are encouraged to donate new sneakers by placing them in collection bins located in the Manatee Performing Arts Center lobby throughout the run of FAME, from Aug. 6 through Aug. 16. Donations are also accepted Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Organizers hope the community will combine an evening of live theater with an opportunity to give back. Every donated pair of sneakers will help students begin the new school year better prepared and supported.

FAME will be performed at the Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W. in Bradenton. Tickets are available by calling the box office at 941-748-5875 or by visiting the theater’s website.

The upcoming season features something for nearly every musical taste, beginning with Hocus Pocus Pops II on Oct. 30, 2026, a Halloween-themed performance featuring Sarasota Ballet’s Dance – The Next Generation.

The celebration continues with Born in the U.S.A., a tribute to the music of Bruce Springsteen, scheduled for Nov. 14-16, 2026.

Holiday favorites return in December with Ring in the Holidays, featuring the Ring Sarasota Handbell Ensemble, performing Dec. 13-15, 2026.

The new year opens with Cheek to Cheek on Feb. 13-15, 2027, starring Tiffany Haas and Michael McCorry Rose.

In March, audiences can enjoy ‘80s Ladies, featuring Jazzmin Carson and Friends, celebrating iconic hits from the decade on March 13-15, 2027.

The season concludes with How Low Can You Go? on April 11-12, 2027, showcasing the orchestra’s low brass and string instruments in a unique musical program.

Single tickets are available now, allowing patrons to choose individual performances or attend multiple concerts throughout the season. More information and ticket purchases are available at thepopsorchestra.org.

Fewer than half of the thousands of hospitals evaluated earned a ‘High Performing’ designation in the types of care evaluated by U.S. News.

U.S. News’ annual Procedures & Conditions ratings are designed to assist patients and their health care providers in making informed decisions about where to receive care for challenging health conditions or elective procedures.

“Being recognized as High Performing by U.S. News & World Report in multiple orthopedic and cardiac specialties highlights the level of care available at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center,” said Jason Madsen, Chief Executive Officer of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. “As our community continues to grow, we remain focused on providing advanced, high-quality healthcare that meets patients’ needs close to home. This recognition demonstrates that residents have access to excellent orthopedic and heart care in their own backyard, delivered by skilled teams committed to outstanding outcomes, safety, and compassionate service.”

“When patients face a major surgery or a chronic medical condition, having access to clear, quality data is vital,” said U.S. News’ Managing Editor and Chief of Health Analysis Ben Harder. “A ‘High Performing’ rating means that Lakewood Ranch Medical Center outperformed a national threshold, giving families a reliable starting point as they consult with their doctors to choose the best place for care.”

U.S. News evaluated nearly 4,500 hospitals across 14 adult specialties and 23 procedures and conditions; less than half earned recognition in any of those 37 areas of care. To determine the Best Hospitals, U.S. News analyzed each hospital’s performance based on objective measures such as risk-adjusted mortality rates, preventable complications and patient experience. The Best Hospitals Specialty rankings methodology and Procedures & Conditions ratings methodology measure patient outcomes using data from over 800 million records of patient care.

About Lakewood Ranch Medical Center

Lakewood Ranch Medical Center is an acute care hospital, accredited by The Joint Commission, which serves patients in Lakewood Ranch and surrounding communities. There are more than 750 physicians and clinicians who provide comprehensive medical and healthcare services. It has earned Primary Stroke designation, is accredited as a Chest Pain Center and holds other prestigious quality awards, including Certifications in Advanced Primary Heart Attack Center, Total Hip and Total Knee Replacement and Sepsis Certification from The Joint Commission. Visit http://www.lakewoodranchmedicalcenter.com for more information.

About U.S. News & World Report

U.S. News & World Report is the global leader for journalism that empowers consumers, citizens, business leaders and policy officials to make confident decisions in all aspects of their lives and communities. A multifaceted media company, U.S. News provides unbiased rankings, independent reporting and analysis, and consumer advice to millions of people on USNews.com each month. A pillar in Washington for more than 90 years, U.S. News is the trusted home for in-depth and exclusive insights on education, health, politics, the economy, insurance, personal finance, travel, automobiles, real estate, careers and consumer products and services.

Traffic is expected to increase significantly as thousands of students head back to school, making it more important than ever for motorists to stay alert around school buses and in school zones.

Drivers must stop for a school bus displaying its stop signal and flashing red lights on all two-lane roads. On multi-lane roads divided only by a painted yellow center line or a center turn lane, traffic traveling in both directions is also required to stop.

The only exception is on divided highways where opposing traffic is separated by a raised median or an unpaved median at least five feet wide. In those cases, only vehicles traveling behind the school bus must stop, while traffic on the opposite side of the divided highway may continue.

Officials are encouraging drivers to use the remainder of the week to enjoy lighter summer traffic while preparing for longer commute times once school resumes. Motorists are also reminded to slow down, eliminate distractions, and remain patient around school buses to help keep students safe throughout the school year.

The funding will support critical infrastructure work, including roads, utilities, drainage and site preparation, allowing construction activities to begin in early 2027. Habitat officials said the investment will help reduce one of the largest expenses associated with developing new neighborhoods, enabling more donor contributions to be directed toward building affordable homes for local families.

The appropriation was made possible through the support of State Sen. Jim Boyd and State Rep. Will Robinson, both of whom have longstanding ties to Manatee Habitat for Humanity.

Habitat President and CEO Bernie Quinn said infrastructure costs are among the biggest challenges in developing affordable housing communities and that the funding removes a significant obstacle to expanding homeownership opportunities in Manatee County. He also expressed gratitude to Boyd and Robinson for supporting the organization’s mission.

Boyd has been involved with the organization for many years. His office sponsored one of the first Habitat homes built by the Manatee affiliate, and members of Boyd Insurance volunteered alongside future homeowners during construction.

Robinson has also been a longtime supporter through his work with the law firm Blalock Walters, which has provided pro bono legal services to Manatee Habitat since the organization was founded. He recently oversaw the closing of a Habitat home for a homeowner named Barry, marking another milestone in the partnership.

The funding is part of a broader statewide effort to expand affordable homeownership. According to Habitat for Humanity of Florida, every Habitat funding request submitted to the Florida Legislature during this year’s budget process was approved, marking an unprecedented level of state support.

Habitat officials said the appropriation represents an important step toward breaking ground on the future Palmetto community and expanding opportunities for hardworking families in Manatee County to achieve affordable homeownership.

The event will provide a variety of free preventive care services, including a basic veterinary exam, rabies vaccine, microchipping, distemper vaccines for dogs and cats, and heartworm testing for dogs.

The clinic is limited to the first 35 animals on a first-come, first-served basis. Households may bring up to two animals, and participants must be Manatee County residents. Pets must already be spayed or neutered to qualify for the free services.

The Humane Society is also offering free spay and neuter vouchers, along with additional free services at the time of surgery.

The organization says the event is designed to help keep pets healthy while supporting a stronger, healthier community by making essential veterinary care more accessible. More information is available at HumaneManatee.org.

The week begins Wednesday, Aug. 5, with Soar in 4 at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Families can enjoy free admission, receive literacy materials and books while supplies last, and connect with teachers as children prepare for the upcoming school year.

Nature lovers can also head to Palma Sola Botanical Park on Thursday, Aug. 6, for a free Bonsai class from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Participants can learn about the ancient art of bonsai and create their own tree to take home for a fee.

Also on Thursday morning, Mixon Farms continues its Crafty Critters series from 9 to 11 a.m. Designed for preschool and elementary-age children, the program combines nature lessons, hands-on crafts and time to explore the grounds.

Fame: The Musical opens Thursday, Aug. 6, at the Manatee Performing Arts Center in downtown Bradenton. Running through Aug. 16, the high-energy musical follows aspiring young performers as they chase their dreams through music, dance and theater. Shows are presented in Stone Hall at 502 Third Ave. W. Tickets are available through the Manatee Performing Arts Center.

Friday, Aug. 7, brings music to Lakewood Ranch during Music on Main from 6 to 9 p.m. on Lakewood Main Street. Admission is free, with food and beverage purchases supporting HOPE Family Services. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, while leashed pets are welcome.

Art enthusiasts can spend Friday and Saturday exploring the Village of the Arts Hot Summer Cool Art Walk, taking place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Visitors can browse galleries, meet local artists and enjoy shopping, dining and live demonstrations throughout the colorful arts district.

The Jess Jewelers Suncoast Fishing Challenge also begins Friday with a captains meeting at 7 p.m. at Bahia Mar West Marina. Fishing starts immediately afterward, with the tournament continuing through Saturday. The annual fundraiser benefits Just for Girls of Manatee and features a kids’ fishing tournament, auctions, a fish fry and an awards ceremony.

The Jess Jewelers Suncoast Fishing Challenge concludes Saturday with gates opening at 2 p.m., followed by the kids tournament, weigh-in, fish fry and awards presentation. Top anglers will compete for cash prizes and trophies while supporting a local nonprofit.

One of the largest events of the week is the Back to School Jam on Saturday, Aug. 8, at LECOM Park. Hosted by the Bradenton Marauders and the School District of Manatee County, the free event begins with gates opening at 5 p.m. before festivities start at 6:30 p.m. Families can receive free backpacks filled with school supplies while supplies last, complimentary game tickets and meal vouchers, connect with community organizations and celebrate the start of the new school year.

Whether residents are preparing children for school, enjoying live music, discovering local art or spending time outdoors, the week offers a variety of activities throughout Manatee County for families and visitors alike.

The inaugural program will begin with orientation on Monday, September 14 and include six core learning sessions, followed by graduation on Thursday, December 17. Participants will observe meetings of the Manatee Board of County Commissioners and School Board of Manatee County, hear directly from County Commissioners, School Board members, constitutional officers and County leadership, and learn how local policies, services and decisions move from an idea to action.

Students will explore the roles and responsibilities of county government, the public meeting and decision-making process, and the many ways residents can become involved in their community. They will also assume the roles of elected constitutional officers before planning and conducting their own mock Board of County Commissioners meeting on Nov. 30, where they will apply what they learned to realistic local-government issues.

“Model Manatee gives students an opportunity to see firsthand how the decisions made at the local level directly affect their families, their neighborhoods and their futures,” said Manatee County District 2 Commissioner Amanda Ballard. “We want our young people to understand that local government belongs to them, too. By giving them a seat at the table and an opportunity to experience the process for themselves, we hope to inspire the next generation of informed and engaged community leaders.”

The program is open to students who have completed 10th grade; live in Manatee County; and are enrolled full time in a public, charter, private or home education program. Applicants must submit a complete application and meet the program’s attendance requirements. Students younger than 18 must also provide consent from a parent or guardian.

“This program goes beyond learning about local government in a classroom,” said Government Relations Director Stephanie Garrison. “Students will meet the people doing the work, see how different areas of government work together and learn how they can play an active role in their community.”

Applications open at 8 a.m. Monday, August 10, and must be submitted by 3 p.m. Friday, August 21. The selection committee will consider application completeness, demonstrated interest in civic engagement and representation from communities across Manatee County. Applications and complete program information are available at mymanatee.org/modelmanatee.

In the top of the first, Wyatt Sanford walked and moved to third on a single by Pimentel to put a runner in scoring position. Richard Ramirez grounded into a double play, allowing Sanford to score and make it 1-0.

After Daytona put together two runs in the bottom of the second, Bradenton responded in the top of the third. Pimentel walked and came around to score on a double by Ramirez to tie the game 2-2.

Down 6-2 in the top of the sixth, Iredale smashed a solo homer, cutting the deficit 6-3.

The Tortugas plated two runs in the bottom of the sixth and the Marauders went scoreless the rest of the way to finalize an 8-3 win for Daytona.

Dominic Scheffler (2-1) earned the win, letting up a run on three hits, a walk, and four strikeouts over 3.1 innings. Dariel Francia (1-2) took the loss, allowing a run on two hits, two walks, and a strikeout over 1.2 frames.

The Marauders take the day off on Monday before beginning a six-game series against the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels from LECOM Park. First pitch is set for 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.

The effort is part of the association’s push to demonstrate strong community interest as Manatee County prepares its upcoming budget, which takes effect Oct. 1. The organization hopes public support will encourage county leaders to consider funding or pursuing a community center for the growing Parrish area.

According to the association, the former YMCA once served as a gathering place for youth programs, seniors, individuals with disabilities and the broader community before it closed several years ago. Since then, the area has lacked a central location for community activities and services.

The proposed community center is envisioned as a place where residents of all ages can participate in recreational programs, classes, cultural and arts activities, youth events and social gatherings. It would also provide meeting space for local nonprofits and organizations to host events, share information and connect with the public.

Parrish Civic Association President Jennifer Hamey said the organization is seeking letters of support from anyone who believes the project would benefit the community. Supporters can submit letters or emails by Aug. 15 to be included in materials presented to the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners.

Letters of support can be emailed to jenniferhamey@gmail.com or mailed to Jennifer Hamey, 7216 U.S. Highway 301 N., Suite 120, Ellenton, FL 34222.

The association is encouraging supporters to share the request with others in hopes of building widespread community backing for the proposed Parrish Community Center.

Thanks to a generous contribution from the Ralph S. French Charitable Foundation Trust, all donations will be matched dollar for dollar, up to a total of $65,000. The campaign allows every gift to have twice the impact, helping the shelter provide essential care for animals in need.

Funds raised during the campaign will support lifesaving medical treatment, nutritious food, safe shelter, enrichment activities, and adoption services for dogs and cats awaiting permanent homes. Shelter officials say the annual matching campaign has helped thousands of homeless pets over the years and continues to play a vital role in expanding care for animals across Manatee County.

Examples of the matching program include a $25 donation becoming $50 and a $50 donation becoming $100, allowing donors to maximize the value of their contributions.

The Humane Society of Manatee County hopes the community will help reach the $65,000 matching goal before the campaign ends on Aug. 27, ensuring more animals receive the care and second chances they deserve.

The free event will take place from 9 a.m. to noon at the Manatee County Agriculture & Extension Service Office, located at 1303 17th St. W. in Palmetto.

Residents are encouraged to bring clean, gently used clothing to exchange for new-to-them items. The event aims to reduce textile waste, keep usable clothing out of landfills and conserve the water and natural resources required to produce new garments.

Organizers are accepting donations before the event to help prepare for the swap. Clothing can be dropped off Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Agriculture & Extension Service Office. Donations will also be accepted during the two-day event.

The swap welcomes clothing and accessories for men, women and children, including shirts, pants, shorts, skirts, dresses, shoes, hats, purses and backpacks.

Participation is free, but registration is encouraged.

During the previous school year, the automated enforcement program issued 17,177 speeding violations in school zones.

The cameras operate throughout the entire school day. They enforce both the reduced school zone speed limit when school zone lights are flashing and the regular posted speed limit during other times of the school day.

Drivers traveling 10 mph or more above the applicable speed limit will receive a $100 violation by mail, which is sent to the vehicle’s registered owner.

The Bradenton Police Department encourages motorists to pay close attention to posted speed limits in and around school zones, reminding drivers that obeying the speed limit is the simplest way to avoid a citation while helping keep students, crossing guards and school staff safe.

A complete list of Bradenton school zone speed limits, along with answers to frequently asked questions about the school zone camera program, is available on the Bradenton Police Department’s website.

The Marauders began the scoring in the top of the first. Wyatt Sanford walked, and Johan De Los Santos singled to put runners on first and third. A single by King Jr. scored Sanford to make it 1-0. Jirvin Morillo tied the game on an RBI sacrifice fly in the bottom of the first to make it a 1-1 ballgame.

After Daytona plated three runs in the second and four in the third, Bradenton responded with a run in the top of the fifth. De Los Santos singled and moved to second on a walk from King Jr. A base hit from Brazoban scored De Los Santos to make it 8-2.

The Marauders went scoreless the rest of the way, finalizing an 8-2 win for the Tortugas.

Bradenton and Daytona play the finale of a six-game series on Sunday with first pitch set for 1:05 p.m.

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

The organization was honored with the 5-Year Milestone Award, recognizing five years as a designated Florida Main Street community. It also received the America250FL “The Four Notes” Award, which celebrates excellence in historic preservation, downtown revitalization and community engagement.

The awards recognize Palmetto Downtown Main Street’s continued efforts to strengthen Historic Downtown Palmetto through preservation initiatives, partnerships with local businesses, volunteer involvement and community collaboration.

Organization leaders said the recognition reflects the dedication of its board members, volunteers, business owners, community partners and supporters who continue investing in the growth and success of Historic Downtown Palmetto.

The honors highlight the organization’s ongoing commitment to preserving the city’s historic character while fostering economic development and creating a vibrant downtown destination for residents and visitors alike.

Carlucci will present two free lectures, with the first beginning at 2 p.m. and the second at 4 p.m. Both sessions will feature a discussion of his book, Baseball in Paradise: A Century of Spring Training in Bradenton, Florida, which chronicles the area’s rich baseball heritage and its longstanding connection to spring training.

The presentations will highlight the history of baseball throughout Bradenton and Anna Maria Island, offering attendees an in-depth look at the people, teams and events that helped shape the region’s place in America’s pastime.

Books will be available for purchase at the event, and Carlucci will sign copies following the presentations.

The event is open to the public at no cost and is designed to be enjoyable for baseball fans of all ages. Organizers encourage families to attend, making it a fun and educational outing for children after school while giving sports enthusiasts a chance to learn more about the area’s historic baseball legacy.

The program is aimed at families facing financial challenges as energy costs continue to strain household budgets. In Manatee County, an estimated 43% of households live below the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) threshold, a measure that identifies working families who earn above the federal poverty level but still struggle to afford basic necessities.

To qualify, customers must have an active residential FPL account and meet the income eligibility requirements for their county.

Participants begin by checking their eligibility online, followed by a 15-minute energy-saving walkthrough that provides practical tips for reducing electricity use. After completing the walkthrough, applicants verify their income through FPL’s community partner, The Salvation Army.

Customers whose applications are approved will receive a one-time $200 bill credit applied to their FPL account, typically within 90 days. The credit is subject to funding availability.

More information and eligibility details are available at www.FPL.com/SavingSteps.