At ABC Action News, we know it's the combination of all the communities that make Tampa Bay great to live in. That's why we've started a new series of reporting highlighting good things happening around town, discovering cool gems you may not know about, and uncovering the big news events impacting those areas.
On Friday, the Good Morning Tampa Bay team focused on Bradenton.
Complete Coverage: GMTB Local Spotlight
History surrounds Bradenton restaurant Pier 22
Back in the 1930s, this area was known as the Memorial Pier and was dedicated to the 21 men from Manatee County who died in WWI.
Later, it was used as a warehouse for freight steams and was the original home of the South Florida Museum (now the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature).
Today, Pier 22 is known for its good food, winning the Open Table 2022 Diners Choice Award and many others.
Walking Club: Exploring the Bradenton Riverwalk
Take a stroll on the Bradenton Riverwalk this weekend! You’ll find no shortage of things to do or see. Plus, exciting plans for the Riverwalk are in the works!
Palma Sola Botanical Park is one of Manatee County's hidden gems
Palma Sola Botanical Park is tucked away near Robinson Preserve in Bradenton. This little slice of paradise is mainly taken care of by volunteers and a few staff members.
It was once the site of the Manatee County Nursery, but when the county decided to sell the land, a large group rallied to keep it a park for all to enjoy.
Today, it's home to the Manatee Rare Fruit Council. A walk through the park, and you're sure to find some unique fruits. They're just to look at, though!
Bradenton's Bishop Museum of Science and Nature has been educating the community for 75 years
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, formerly the South Florida Museum, has been educating people of all ages here in Manatee County for 75 years.
"So my favorite thing is seeing kids and their adults get really energized," said Ashley Waite, Director of Museum Experience at the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature.
In a nutshell, this is Florida's history. It's fascinating and unique, but the Bishop Museum has found a way to make it interesting for everyone.
Nearly a dozen development projects in Bradenton; city tries to maintain 'controlled growth'
Like many places across Tampa Bay, Bradenton is continuing to grow as people flock to the friendly city.
"Being just that family-oriented connection, and also while growing, to still celebrate the future," Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown said.
Ask Brown, and he'll tell you everything he loves about the city. The list is long.
"We have a flavor of everything that can actually give somebody something in the tourism part of it," Brown said. "And it's what we're going to do as a city as we go through what's going to happen on our city hall property, which is right on the river that really gives an opportunity for future developments," Brown said.
Family-owned winery in Bradenton adds unique touch to the area
For John and Kristin Hokanson, the Fiorelli Winery is a passion project.
"We make wine here on property. We have six different types of muscadine grapes on property," Kristin said. "And we make and produce all of our own wine. We currently have 12 different wines that we offer to our guests."
The Hokansons bought the property about 18 months ago and dove right in.
ArtCenter Manatee working on expansion plans
ArtCenter Manatee is home to hundreds of artists perfecting and beginning their craft.
The 10,000 square feet center is located right off 9th Street and 3rd Avenue, close to downtown Bradenton.
The nonprofit has been in Manatee County for 85 years. There are all kinds of classes offered here, including jewelry making, pottery, painting, drawing and everything in between.
New businesses finding home along Downtown Bradenton's Historic Old Main Street
Historic Old Main Street in Downtown Bradenton is full of local businesses and restaurants.
The Stoked Flamingo is one of the newest businesses along the strip, a men's clothing store with a unique style.
It's located on the bottom floor of a newer parking garage with four other businesses.
Birdrock Taco Shack in City of the Arts
Chef Dave opened Birdrock Taco Shack in Bradenton's City of the Arts 20 years ago, and it's grown into a huge success.
Tully's Tails: Lost Pet Services
One of the most successful nonprofits in all of Manatee and Sarasota Counties is Lost Pet Services, and it's only comprised of five people that work 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
Patty is now retired, but you’d never know because nine years ago, something happened that changed her life forever.
“Well, my husband left the gate open one day, and my two dogs escaped," Patty said. "I was frantic and discovered there was nothing other than Craigslist to reunite lost pets."
“It was my fault, yeah, this is how it all started," her husband Jim said.
Owner of Bradenton's Tide and Moon Jewelry teaches craft
Giving back to the community through art: that's the mission of one local business owner in Bradenton.
Laura Shely owns Tide and Moon Jewelry.
She said she started making jewelry by doodling as a teenager, and it has since turned into her passion.
Walking Club: Exploring Robinson Preserve
Robinson Preserve is one of the most popular spots for nature lovers in Manatee County, and it's easy to see why. Explore trails and boardwalks that lead to beautiful views of the water. Plus, returning visitors will find a new spot to check out that's an adventure for the whole family!
Walking Club: Exploring Perico Preserve and Neal Preserve in Manatee County
Outdoor enthusiasts in Manatee County may be familiar with popular spots like Robinson Preserve and Emerson Point Preserve, but lesser-known Perico Preserve and Neal Preserveoffer similar experiences with a lot less foot traffic!
Florida's largest beer garden calls Bradenton brewery home
One of Bradenton's first craft breweries is tucked away off 9th Street in an old car dealership. Motorworks, a fitting name, is 27,000 square feet.
It's also home to Florida's largest beer garden, sitting right underneath a beautiful, old oak tree.
But aside from aesthetics, Motorworks Brewing is really known for its beer.
Something for everyone at the Village of the Arts
explored. It’s a place where dozens of artists live and work in harmony. They call it the Village of the Arts.
“Artist by artist, house by house, creating galleries and studios and fixing up derelict housing for the last 22 years,” said artist Mary Fragapane.
When Fragapane walks her neighborhood, she can’t help but feel inspired.
Talent shines at Manatee Performing Arts Center
The Manatee Performing Arts Center in Bradenton is home to all kinds of exceptional talent, and it's not just on stage either.
They'll be celebrating 10 years in their Bradenton home next year but 75 years in Manatee County.
Our ABC Action News team got a complete behind-the-scenes tour, from their entrance with tons of artwork (including the chandelier from Gone with the Wind) to the prop room with just about anything you could imagine.
Ghost Street Kitchen
People come to Ghost Street Kitchen for pizza, burgers and more. One menu item is even called the Gut Buster.
Chateau 13
Chateau 13 is a perfect spot for date nights, offering charcuterie boards and more.
Realize Bradenton finds success with Downtown Saturday morning market
If you go through Downtown Bradenton and ask locals what's fun to do, you're sure to hear all about the Saturday morning market.
It's put on by a non-profit called Realize Bradenton. They're focused on community events and bridging businesses with the community.
"We're the friendly city. We live up to it," Realize Bradenton Director of Community Engagement Andrea Knies said.
Serena William's legendary career inspires students at IMG Academy where she trained
Inside IMG Academy in Bradenton, the walls are decorated with legends like Serena Williams, who, along with her sister Venus, trained at the academy for nearly a decade with Nick Bollettieri, who founded IMG in 1978.
"It's a dream come true even to just walk on a court that Serena played on, it's really special to me," said Aiko Jackson, a 13-year-old tennis student.
Margie Zesinger is head of the Girl's Tennis Program and said Williams is a huge inspiration for hundreds of her students.
