Daily News Roundup: February 25, 2026
Manatee County Commissioner Carol Felts Dies at 68
Manatee County Commissioner Carol Felts has died at 68. Multiple sources confirmed that Felts was found deceased in her yard on Tuesday. No additional details have been released.
Florida Executes Melvin Trotter for 1986 Murder of Palmetto Store Owner
Florida carried out the execution of Melvin Trotter, 65, on Tuesday evening for the 1986 murder of Virgie Langford, a 72-year-old grocery store owner in Palmetto.
From Rescue to Rehabilitation and Release, Three Manatees Continue Their Journey Home
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature announced that three manatees, Crane, Kyber, and Mandalore, have successfully completed their rehabilitation at the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat and returned to the wild.
Manatee County Commissioners Unanimously Reject 2,000-Home Lone Valley Development in Parrish
Manatee County commissioners unanimously denied a proposed 2,047-home development in Parrish, citing concerns over infrastructure capacity, limited commercial amenities and emergency service demands in one of the county’s fastest-growing areas.
East End of Orlando Avenue to Close for Cedar Cove Construction Project
The east end of Orlando Avenue at Fifth Street West in Bradenton will close for approximately one month as crews complete infrastructure improvements tied to a new affordable housing development.
Crime Drops 19.7% in Manatee County in 2025, Continuing Historic Decline
Overall crime in Manatee County fell 19.7% from 2024 to 2025, marking another significant decrease and continuing a downward trend in reported offenses.
Back to Angola Festival Returns to Bradenton to Celebrate Maroon Community Heritage
Bradenton Mineral Springs Park will once again host the annual Back to Angola Festival March 7 and 8, offering a weekend-long celebration of the rich history and culture of the Angola Maroon community that once thrived along the Manatee River. The free event is presented by Oaktree Community Outreach Inc. and runs from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and …