Daily News Roundup: July 8, 2026
Manatee County Leads Florida in Reducing Opioid Deaths, Earns $500,000 State Grant
Manatee County is being recognized as Florida’s top-performing county in the fight against the opioid epidemic after reducing opioid-related deaths by more than half in a single year through its Coordinated Opioid Recovery Program (CORP).
City of Palmetto Breaks Ground on Patriot Park Community Recreation Project
The City of Palmetto has officially broken ground on Patriot Park, marking the beginning of construction on a new community park that will provide recreation and gathering opportunities for residents for years to come.
District 2 Manatee County Commission Race Features Three Qualified Candidates
Voters in Manatee County Commission District 2 will have three qualified candidates to consider during the 2026 election cycle. The race includes Republican incumbent Amanda Ballard, Republican challenger Edward Bailey, and Democratic candidate Charles B. Smith Sr., according to the
Palmetto Man Sentenced to Federal Prison in $2.46 Million Tax Evasion Case
A Palmetto man has been sentenced to two years in federal prison after admitting to a long-running scheme to evade paying $2.46 million in federal taxes owed to the Internal Revenue Service.
Kim’s Krew to Host Graze & Good Fundraiser to Help Feed Families Facing Health Crises
Kim’s Krew will host its Graze & Good fundraising event on Sunday, July 26, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Canvas & Clay Art Studio, 839 Eighth Ave. W. in Palmetto.