Daily News Roundup: May 18, 2026
Wrong-Way DUI Crash on I-75 Kills Bradenton Woman, Sarasota Man Arrested
A 21-year-old woman from Bradenton was killed early Saturday morning in a wrong-way crash on Interstate 75 in Charlotte County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Growing Together: New Report Examines Future of North River Manatee County
A newly released community report is highlighting both the strengths and growing challenges facing North River Manatee County as the region experiences rapid growth and change. The report, Growing Together in North River Manatee County: Shaping a Shared Future
Big Dreams Through Small Steps Launches AQUAlibrium Program Amid Rising Demand for Swim Safety Education
The nonprofit Big Dreams Through Small Steps officially launched its AQUAlibrium Drowning Prevention Program on Monday, May 11, and within the first week, the initiative received more than 350 applications from families seeking swim lesson assistance for children.
Martinez Tosses Season-High Six Innings, Marauders Drop Series Finale 9-2
Jeter Martinez tossed a season-high 6.0 innings during a 9-2 loss for the Bradenton Marauders (21-18) against the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels (22-17) on Sunday from LECOM Park. Johan De Los Santos drove in two runs, and Bradenton split the six-game series with Fort Myers
Memorial Day Week Events and Ceremonies Planned Across Manatee County and Gulf Coast Communities
Communities throughout Manatee County and the surrounding Gulf Coast region will honor fallen military service members during Memorial Day week with ceremonies, exhibits, parades, clean-up projects, and family-friendly events scheduled from May 18 through May 25, 2026.
Plea Hearing Scheduled in 2024 River Club Home Invasion Case
A plea hearing has been scheduled for May 28 in the case involving one of the suspects accused in a deadly 2024 home invasion in the River Club community in Bradenton.
Lakewood Ranch High Junior Earns State History Fair Honors for Research on Bicycles and Women’s Rights
A junior at Lakewood Ranch High School earned statewide recognition for a research project examining how bicycles helped transform women’s lives and expand social freedoms throughout history.