Daily News Roundup: February 21, 2026
Cold Weather Shelters Open as Chilly Forecast Looms Over Manatee County
Manatee County officials have announced that temporary cold-weather shelters will open Monday and Tuesday to provide residents experiencing homelessness a warm, safe place to stay as cooler-than-average temperatures are expected across the region.
The Pops Orchestra Takes Center Stage with Elton!
The Pops Orchestra of Bradenton and Sarasota presents Elton!, a dazzling, high-energy tribute celebrating the music and larger-than-life legacy of Sir Elton John. Featuring nationally acclaimed performer Greg Bickley as Elton John, this show-stopping concert blends iconic hits, flamboyant costumes, and the full symphonic power of The Pops Orchestra for …
NAMI Sarasota and Manatee Counties to Lead Hurricane Recovery and Resiliency Project, Funded by a Grant from the American Red Cross
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Sarasota and Manatee Counties has been selected by the American Red Cross to lead a $914,872 grant supporting mental health recovery and resiliency efforts across 11 Florida counties following Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024.
Emmy-Award Winning Filmmakers Return Home to Bradenton
Bradenton native, Elizabeth Preston-McNeese, returns to Bradenton, bringing her Emmy-award winning filmmaking team to Manatee County. Elizabeth and Mike McNeese are the core of Echo Productions, the creators of video and photo content for such brands as The Limited, Honda, Lbrands, Proctor & Gamble, and many others. The move to Bradenton positions Echo …