Daily News Roundup: September 20, 2025
Florida Court Ruling Makes Open Carry Legal, Restrictions Remain in Place
The Florida First District Court of Appeal has ruled that the state law prohibiting the open carry of firearms is unconstitutional, immediately making open carry legal across the state. The decision, announced by Attorney General James Uthmeier on September 15, 2025, marks a major shift in Florida’s firearm regulations.
Bradenton Advances $100 Million in Water Reclamation Upgrades
Significant improvements are transforming Bradenton’s Water Reclamation Facility as part of the city’s ongoing Face It, Fix It initiative. For more than five years, the city has been investing in modernizing its wastewater infrastructure, with more than $100 million in upgrades currently underway.
Nine Bids Submitted for Anna Maria City Pier Reconstruction
Construction companies have submitted nine proposals to rebuild the Anna Maria City Pier, which sustained heavy damage during the 2024 hurricane season. The bidding process opened on September 12, and the city has 30 days to evaluate the submissions.
BOCC Declines Renewal of Bradenton Area EDC Contract
Manatee County Government’s contract with the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation (EDC) will expire on September 30 after the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) failed to reach a majority decision to renew the agreement for the upcoming fiscal year.
Manatee Commissioners Approve Property Tax Rate Reduction
The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners voted Sept. 10 to reduce the county’s property tax rate, giving residents a small break on their annual bills while reducing county revenues by an estimated $3.7 million.