Daily News Roundup: June 5, 2025
Holmes Beach Offers $3 Million to Purchase Storm-Damaged Gloria Dei Lutheran Church
The city of Holmes Beach is moving forward with plans to acquire the former Gloria Dei Lutheran Church property at 6608 Marina Drive, voting to authorize a $3 million offer for the site during a commission meeting held May 27.
18th Annual Fire Charity Fishing Tournament Casts Off in Bradenton This Weekend
Anglers and families from across Manatee, Sarasota, Pinellas, and Hillsborough counties will gather in Bradenton on June 7–8, 2025, for the highly anticipated 18th Annual Fire Charity Fishing Tournament. Hosted along the scenic Riverwalk, this two-day community celebration promises more than just fishing.
Sewer Smoke Testing Scheduled in Palmetto for June 9–13
Palmetto residents are advised that sewer smoke testing will take place from June 9 through June 13, 2025. The testing will be conducted by McKim & Creed, a contractor working on behalf of the City of Palmetto's Public Works department.
Man Sentenced to Over 5 Years in 2023 Strangulation Death at Manatee Homeless Camp
A Manatee County man has been sentenced to five years and five months in state prison for the 2023 killing of Charles Smith at a homeless camp in Bradenton.
Bradenton Bar Shooter Sentenced to 17 Years in Prison
A Bradenton man who opened fire inside a downtown bar last summer, injuring two people, has been sentenced to 17 years in prison.
Judge Rules Bradenton Road Rage Shooting Justified Under Stand Your Ground Law
A Manatee County man accused of second-degree murder in a 2024 road rage shooting has been released after a judge ruled the act was justified under Florida’s “stand your ground” law.
44th Avenue East Extension Nears Completion Ahead of Schedule, Offers New Route Through Manatee County
A major infrastructure project, which has been in the making for over a decade, is finally nearing completion. Manatee County officials say the 44th Avenue East extension could open as early as August—nearly four months ahead of schedule—bringing long-awaited traffic relief to the region.