Promoting Manatee County and All Our Neighbors. Please recycle this magazine
Please recycle this magazine
FROM THE EDITOR
Just me popping in to say FOUR years of BMag has flown by! Yes, we are all about those birds this issue!
During the last year, seeing the exciting growth of our downtown, supporting the businesses that make us still feel small, and being able to contribute just a small piece of the much larger workings has been an honor. I am thankful for the BMag team from the ever-so-talented cover artists to the creative writers to my designer, Rox – who ROCKS! – and my sales rep, Toni, who is just as passionate as I am about small business and the magazine!
Recently I received this review from a business owner and feel as though her words are better than anything I can write.
“Bradenton Magazine is an absolute gem in our local community. Each issue is thoughtfully curated with rich stories, fun facts, and stunning photography that truly capture the heart and soul of the Bradenton area. Whether you’re a long-time local or just discovering our slice of Florida paradise, this magazine feels like a love letter to our town.
At the heart of it all is Paula — a confident, kindhearted woman who leads with passion and authenticity. She speaks from the heart, and it shows in everything she does. Paula has a natural way of uplifting those around her, especially fellow small business owners. Her support, encouragement, and genuine belief in the power of community make Bradenton Magazine more than just a publication — it’s a platform for connection and growth.
We’re lucky to have both this magazine and this remarkable woman representing our area so beautifully.”
Leonora DeCerio, Sugaring NYC - Bradenton
“A love letter to our town” ...I love that part the most. The words really hit home for me. I can only hope to continue this journey by providing an authentic reading experience and a platform for our businesses.
Our summer issue is always hyper-geared toward our mission of support local. After three hurricanes and a slower season, this summer will be even harder than in the past on our small businesses. We love the time when we can slow down, traffic is a little better, and “no line, no wait” is music to our ears, but as much as this is a time to regroup, our businesses need us to show up more. So, please check out those summer deals and happenings. Start looking at those ads as not just an ad but as a way to get to know that business who wants your business. Go say “hi,” tell them you tried their recipe, and let them know you saw them in the magazine and that you are here to support them.
– Thank you for supporting this magazine and local.
CHARLOTTE SORSEN ART
BY EMMA HARTMAN
Often, an artist’s journey begins with a singular moment—an instance when they find art. For Charlotte Sorsen, it’s more accurate to say that art found her—and it did so early. Her family tree is brimming with creative talent, and even as a child, she was never far from inspiration.
Sorsen recalls sitting on her grandfather’s lap while he sketched elaborate drawings for her and her brother. The scent of stubby crayons tucked in the breast pocket of his vest still lingers in her memory. In the early morning hours, they would toast bread over an iron stove while he transformed a simple blackboard into a world of castles and fire-breathing dragons. She remembers visiting the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, standing wide-eyed in the Egyptian wing at 10 years old—slightly spooked in the shadow of the ancient statues, but filled with the unmistakable urge to create something with her hands.
And create she has—across mediums, decades, and the natural rhythm of a long, evolving life. Sorsen seems to let curiosity be her guide, often following a spark before fully understanding the larger themes that tie her work together. She speaks of her process as though she’s more conduit than conductor.
Sorsen nurtured her creative instincts while growing up in Lexington, Massachusetts. When it came time for formal training, she attended the New England School of Art and Design and took courses at the Museum School of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.
Photo by David Tejada
Her first jobs out of school were in the technical illustration departments of several large companies. “They all had production departments, but it wasn’t terribly creative,” she recalls. “It was a lot of ink drawings of mechanical things— schematics for engineers. I did that just because those jobs were available.”
Sorsen eventually returned to her more expressive roots while raising her children, though—like most parents with young kids—she had to fit creative time into the chaos of daily life. Her ‘art studio’ was perched atop the washing machine. At one point, she switched from oil to acrylic paint simply to make cleanup easier after her little ones, inevitably, knocked over her supplies. It was a practical compromise at the time, but one she’s stuck with ever since.
As her children grew and the pace of family life shifted, Sorsen began carving out more space for her creative work. What had long been squeezed into spare moments and corners of the house began to take up real room—both physically and imaginatively.
In 1998, she opened her own boutique in Amesbury, Massachusetts, a storefront where she could not only sell her handmade creations but also create a space infused with her artistic spirit. “It was small,” she says of the shop, “but it was mine—and it had a window on the sidewalk,” a detail she had long envisioned.
The shop included some of Sorsen’s paintings, but she primarily focused on apparel. She did lampworking, or glass bead-making, and sold custom jewelry. Inspired by exotic textiles, she dusted off her sewing skills from Home Economics and created one-of-a-kind jackets from parcels of woven tapestry and Japanese kimono silks. Her creations drew a devoted following—no small feat in the days before social media! But after a decade as a shopkeeper, she felt it was time for another shift.
Sorsen closed the boutique and returned to studio work until 2012, when she and her partner made the move to Florida’s gulf coast.
The couple had often vacationed in Florida. Both avid swimmers, they spent their days body surfing in the waves and sun-drying in the warm, 80-degree air. After returning one May to a particularly gloomy Massachusetts, they decided it was time for a change. By September, they were officially Floridians.
The first three years of Florida life also marked the final years of her partner Jerry’s life. During that time, Sorsen stepped back from art to care for him with devotion, letting creative pursuits pause while she focused on being present. But, as Sorsen learned in earlier seasons of life, stepping away didn’t mean letting go—creation was always waiting, ready to return when she was.
When she returned to her practice, Sorsen found herself drawn more deeply to painting than ever before. Though Massachusetts had its own coastal charm, Florida’s bold, sun-soaked palette brought something new to her work.
“I just enjoy the painting part now. It’s what brings me the most joy,” she says. “It’s funny—I felt like I had no control over what dripped off the brush. It was going to be orange and aqua and blue, whether I planned it or not. The paint just jumped onto the brush. I couldn’t stop it—and I didn’t want to.”
Sorsen’s painting that’s featured on the cover is more than a vivid coastal scene— it’s a meditation on movement, memory, and the quiet arc of a life. Against a backdrop of rich blues and purples, a single bird soars in front of a golden sun, its wings arched mid-flight. Though not considered traditional composition, Sorsen embraced the asymmetry, later recognizing the deeper symbolism that had emerged. “The bird, you know, it comes in, there’s a middle, and it leaves,” she reflected. “That kind of is what life is, you know.” Looking back on decades of creative evolution, she sees the work—like much of her art—not as something carefully constructed, but as something that moved through her. “I’m not planning to go anywhere, hopefully not any time soon,” she added with a smile. “But… the bird is going out the other direction,” she laughed.
Sorsen first joined Island Gallery West before its transition to downtown Bradenton, where it became Island Gallery and Studios. In addition to her larger-scale paintings, she delights in creating miniature pieces, ornaments, wine glasses, and greeting cards, blending her fine art practice with a continued love for playful, giftable keepsakes. Sorsen’s work can be viewed and purchased at Island Gallery and Studios on Old Main Street in Bradenton.
”Return to Me”
SAVE OUR SEABIRDS -
A REFUGE FOR BIRDS…AND PEOPLE!
Located on Sarasota’s City Island, Save Our Seabirds offers a peaceful place to stroll, reflect, and connect with nature. The Birdwalk is open seven days a week with free admission. Visitors are invited to explore this scenic path lined with native plants and home to nearly 100 non-releasable birds, each with a unique story. After your stroll, head up the ramp to their gift shop — every purchase helps cover the medical care and daily needs of the birds at Save Our Seabirds.
Along the Birdwalk, visitors meet their Ambassadors — birds who cannot safely return to the wild — and gain an up-close look at Florida’s native and migratory species. Educational signs share insight into bird adaptations, threats to wildlife, and simple ways we can all help protect them.
Behind the scenes, their avian hospital plays a vital role in the community, fielding more than 5,000 calls for help each year. From entanglements to window strikes, their team works to assess, treat, and rehabilitate wild birds, always with the goal of returning them to their natural habitat.
Save Our Seabirds also reaches thousands through educational programs, field trips, and community outreach. As a Gold-Certified member of the Florida Society for Ethical Ecotourism and part of the Sarasota County Green Business Partnership, the organization is a trusted voice in wildlife conservation and sustainability.
Support comes in many forms — volunteering, donating, or simply visiting. Learn more and get involved at SaveOurSeabirds.org.
We Need Your Help!
Save Our Seabirds relies on dedicated volunteers to power everything we do—from rescuing birds and maintaining our grounds to greeting visitors and supporting events. No matter your skills or schedule, there’s a role for you. Join our flock and make a difference for Florida’s wild birds.
LOCALSUMMERDEALS & happenings!
Support Local this summer and enjoy all that our local businesses are offering to make this summer fun, full of savings, and memorable! Check out their ads for more information!
The Chop Shop
Butchers Break
Flash sale every Wednesday during the summer from 2 PM to 6 PM
HOT Lunches
Grilling outside every Thursday 10 AM to 1 PM - Stop by for a hot fresh lunch!
(See ad — Page 72)
Eat Like a Local
Summer Nights, Local Bites
Climb aboard The Blend for a rolling feast through Sarasota-Manatee Originals restaurants. Enjoy wine pairings, seasonal flavors, and chefcrafted bites—one night only, each month May–August. Tickets at EatLikeALocal.com.
(See ad — Page 71)
Orange Blossom Coffee
Save 10% off your next order
Mention Bradenton magazine ad.
(See ad — Page 33)
Chicken Salad Chick
15% Off Your Next Catering Order
Mention the ad in this magazine for discount.
(See ad — Page 33)
WHEN THE SNOWBIRDS ARE AWAY, THE LOCALS WILL PLAY
BY BETH DEYO
In the Bradenton area, summer is the locals’ secret season. It’s a time when the traffic thins out, wait times get shorter, and there’s just a bit more room to breathe. With the snowbirds gone and tourist crowds thinning out, it’s also the perfect time to get out and enjoy your favorite spots — or try someplace new.
Many local restaurants, shops, and attractions get creative this time of year, offering off-season specials to keep foot traffic flowing. Whether you’re looking for a fun foodie experience, a cool place to escape the heat, or something new to explore, summer is the time to do it. You’ll save a little, skip the crowds, and support the small businesses that make our area special.
Here are a few ideas to help you make the most of the season.
Eat Local (and Maybe Catch a Deal)
When it’s too hot to cook, let someone else handle dinner. During the off-season, many local restaurants have happy hour pricing and limitedtime summer deals. You’ll find smaller plates, lower prices, and a laid-back vibe that makes it easy to linger.
At PIER 22, happy hour runs daily from 3 to 6 p.m., with a great mix of food and drink specials plus a stunning view that makes any day feel like a vacation. Mattison’s on the Riverwalk hosts their own happy hour at the same time, with a fantastic menu, discounted drinks, and their signature martini or boat drink of the day. Visit these local hot spots, then check your favorite restaurant’s social media — or give them a call — to find out if they’re offering summer specials, too.
Prefer to stay in and fire up the grill? You can’t go wrong with The Chop Shop, a family-owned butcher shop on Manatee Avenue that’s been serving Manatee County for over 50 years. Their meat packages are perfect for backyard cookouts. Add in a few of their homemade sides, and you’ve got everything you need for a solid summer meal — no oven required.
If you’re looking for something lighter, head downtown and check out Clementine’s Acai on 13th Street. They serve up refreshing acai bowls, smoothies, salads, and sandwiches — perfect for a hot day when you want something healthy but satisfying.
Just a short walk away, Orange Blossom Coffee is a cozy spot for specialty coffee, tea, and baked goods. It’s a great place to cool off, catch up with a friend, or grab a quiet moment to yourself between stops.
Shop and Stroll in Downtown Bradenton
Downtown Bradenton has no shortage of local gems. Below the City Centre Parking Garage, you’ll find a variety of shops filled with treasures. Pop into The Stoked Flamingo for trendy men’s fashion, Island Passage for unique gifts, and Pink & Navy Boutique for stylish women’s clothing, accessories, and home decor.
Just a short walk up the street, you’ll find Island Gallery & Studios, where you can explore beautiful artwork, handcrafted jewelry, and affordable gifts made by local artists. They also host classes, critiques, and free artist demos. Follow them on Facebook to see what’s coming up.
Floridays
Fish Fryday
weekly special of crispy fish and chips and any draft beer for $19.99
Oyster Wednesday featuring rotating specials
Live Music certain nights of the week. Major sporting events, holiday weekends, and seasonal happenings are also marked by festive events and themed specials, with special package offerings for private events, weddings, and corporate buyouts also available.
(See ad — Page 36)
Tiramisu Ristorante Italiano
OFFERS VALID ONLY DINING IN
TUESDAY - WINE NIGHT
Enjoy 50% off any wine bottle under $120. The perfect pairing for your dinner.
WEDNESDAY - APPETIZER DUO
Buy one appetizer, get one free, with the purchase of any main course. Share the flavor!
THURSDAY - SWEET DEAL AND LIVE VIOLIN
Buy one dessert, get one free, with the purchase of any main course. All accompanied by live violin music for a romantic and elegant evening.
(See ad — Page 31)
More! & happenings!
Plan an Adventure in the VOTA
LOCALSUMMERDEALS
Shear Rituals
“Have a Smooth Summer Sale”
20% off any smoothing products
$25 off express smoothing system
$50 off any full smoothing system
(See ad — Page 6)
SUGARINGNYC
20% off 1st time visit with INSTA20
Mention Bradenton Magazine and receive a free mask.
(See ad — Page 12)
The Cat’s Meow: Summer Sales
Stars, Stripes & Vintage Delights!
Get ready to sparkle this Independence Day with The Cat’s Meow July 4th Blowout Sale! June 25July 5
“Mimosas & Moonbeams – Where Every Find Feels Like a Daydream.”
Mimosas, Markdowns and Market Magic. Join us Sunday July 20 from 12pm-4pm for a one-day special event, 15% off the entire store.
(Some exclusions may apply)
“Goodbye, Summer. Hello, Steals.” This Is the Vintage Blowout You Didn’t See Coming!”
You will find deep discounts and dreamy deals throughout the entire shop. August 1-23
(See ad — Page 51)
In the heart of the Village of the Arts, The Village Mystic is a one-of-a-kind shop filled with crystals, jewelry, and unique gift items. And right next door, you’ll find something totally unexpected: the largest gemstone mining attraction in Southwest Florida. At Mystic Mines, kids — and kids-at-heart — will love panning for treasures, including crystals, gemstones, shark’s teeth, and fossils from around the world.
Just up the street, Witchgrass Studio is a mustvisit for anyone who loves handmade art. Browse unique glass creations or try your hand at making your own. The studio offers classes all summer long, and you can even drop in to create your own glass suncatcher — no experience needed.
Explore, Escape, and Unwind
Whether you’re in the mood to move or ready to slow things down, there are plenty of ways to play this summer. If you’re down for a bit of competition, indoor golf is a fun way to mix things up. The Cut Golf & Grill in Palmetto offers a casual vibe with simulated golf bays and a solid menu. Over in Lakewood Ranch, The Golf Society brings a more upscale feel, perfect for a relaxed round with friends — no sunscreen required.
Craving a challenge? Try your luck at a local escape room. Premier Escape Adventures in Lakewood Ranch has a variety of themed rooms that are great for groups looking to think fast and work together under pressure. If you’re feeling brave, Intense Escape takes things up a notch with horror-based escape experiences that definitely aren’t for the faint of heart.
For those days when you feel like you need a break from everything — the heat, the noise, and the hustle? Pay a visit to The Salt Caves & Spa in Lakewood Ranch. This immersive Himalayan salt cave is a cool and peaceful place to unplug, breathe deep, and enjoy some well-earned stillness.
And if you’d rather be on the water, Yak Shack Watersports has you covered. They offer kayak rentals and small-group eco-tours that give you a fresh view of the local landscape — no crowds, no rush, just a chance to enjoy nature at your own pace.
Make the Most of Summer in Bradenton
With fewer crowds, relaxed vibes, and plenty of hidden gems to explore, summer is one of the best times to enjoy all that Bradenton has to offer. This time of year, it’s easier than ever to grab a table, find a deal, or finally visit that place you’ve been meaning to check out.
Even better? You can show this article at the following businesses to claim your own exclusive BMag summertime discount! (One per customer, please. Offers expire 07/31/2025.)
Clementine’s Acai: Enjoy 15% off your next order. Pink & Navy Boutique: 15% off non-sale items
The Village Mystic: 20% off select sterling silver jewelry (excludes sale items)
Mystic Mines: Get a large gemstone mining bucket for $35.
Witchgrass Studio: $5 off a glass class and/or buy 2 get 1 free on drop-in sun catcher activity
The Salt Caves & Spa in Lakewood Ranch: 10% off a salt caves experience
Yak Shack Watersports: $10 off per person for tours or $5 off kayak rentals
Looking for even more summertime deals?
Check out Discover Bradenton’s Ultimate Guide to Summer Fun, releasing June 12. It’s packed with events, activities, and local specials to help you make the most of the summer season.
https://discoverbradenton.com/summer-fun/
PASTA
At Ristorante TIRAMISU, we believe that the best Italian cuisine is born from tradition, simplicity, and passion. One of our most beloved dishes is Pasta alla Norma, a Sicilian classic that tells a story with every forkful. Named after the opera “Norma” by Vincenzo Bellini, this pasta embodies the bold and vibrant flavors of Catania, Sicily. It’s a celebration of fresh ingredients: silky eggplant, rich tomato sauce, fragrant basil, and a generous grating of salty ricotta salata. Simple, yes — but unforgettable.
Ingredients (serves 2):
• 200g (7 oz.) pasta (traditionally rigatoni or spaghetti)
1. Cut the eggplant into small cubes, sprinkle with salt, and let them rest for 20–30 minutes to remove bitterness. Rinse and pat dry.
2. Heat a bit of olive oil in a pan and fry the eggplant cubes until golden and soft. Set aside on paper towels to drain excess oil.
3. In a saucepan, heat olive oil and sauté the garlic until lightly golden. Add crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for about 15–20 minutes.
4. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and toss it with the tomato sauce.
5. Add the fried eggplant and fresh basil. Gently mix.
6. Serve with a generous sprinkle of grated ricotta salata on top.
Pasta alla Norma is more than a recipe — it’s a symbol of our roots, our respect for tradition, and our love for Mediterranean flavors. Whether you’re Italian-born or discovering these flavors for the first time, this dish will make you feel at home.
Come taste the real Sicily in the heart of Florida. Only at TIRAMISU.
Summer Starts Here: Live Music, Gulf
Flavors, and Waterfront Views at Floridays
While Florida’s dining scene is ever-evolving with outposts of Northeast restaurants popping up almost daily, Floridays Woodfire Grill & Bar celebrates the time-honored flavors and traditions of the Sunshine State – serving up exceptional food and drink and an undeniable sense of place thanks to its quirky decor and waterfront location along the tranquil Anna Maria Sound.
Situated just steps from the Compass Hotel Anna Maria Sound, Floridays has always been known for its postcard-perfect scenery and relaxed, come-as-you-are atmosphere. But the restaurant recently marked a fresh chapter in its story when, late last year, it underwent a complete reimagination, making waves with a fresh menu, new chef, and hospitality team, and weekly specials and live entertainment, becoming a new waterfront escape for all who come to experience it.
A Culinary Revival Rooted in Gulf Coast Traditions
At the heart of the restaurant’s relaunch is Executive Chef Ken Gilcrest, a seasoned culinary expert with more than 44 years in the hospitality industry. Gilcrest’s vision blends the laid-back charm of coastal dining with fresh, elevated options that pay homage to the island’s vibrant flavors. Packed with both approachable comfort food and inventive seafood creations, many of which are prepared from scratch using locally sourced ingredients, the menu is a love letter to Florida’s Gulf Coast.
“Our goal was to create something for everyone,” says Chef Gilcrest. “Whether you’re a seafood connoisseur, a burger lover, or just looking for a lively place to unwind with friends after a day out on the water, I’m confident you will find something here that will keep you coming back.”
This summer, shrimp is stealing the spotlight among new menu items launched for the season.
“We wanted to highlight what the Gulf Coast does best — fresh, flavorful seafood — with a focus on shrimp dishes that locals know and love,” says Gilcrest.
by Anne Podlecki
Photography
Among the additions are the Fried Shrimp Dinner, featuring eight golden fried shrimp served with seashore-style fries, Floridays cole slaw, and a selection of cocktail and tartar sauce; a light and crispy Shrimp Tempura appetizer perfect for sharing; and a decadent Crab-Stuffed Shrimp plate featuring Florida pink shrimp stuffed with crabmeat and finished with key lime dill sauce. For those looking for something a little lighter, the new Pasta Primavera is a bright, veggie-packed option that can be customized with your choice of shrimp or other proteins.
The new dishes join an already impressive lineup of menu favorites, from the Floridays Triple Bacon Burger — piled high with bacon jam, grilled bacon, and candied bacon — to the flavorful Crab-Stuffed Hogfish topped with panko crumble and finished with a key lime remoulade. The Loaded Lobster Quesadilla and Marker 45 Salad are other can’t-miss menu items, alongside shareable starters like the Florida Key Grouper Bites and Ahi Poke Bowl
Sip and Savor: A Drink Menu Made for Summer
Of course, summer dining isn’t complete without a refreshing drink in hand, and Floridays’ beverage menu has been updated to capture the spirit of island living. Alongside the restaurant’s signature housemade margarita menu and extensive wine and beer list, guests can enjoy familiar craft cocktails like a Classic Mai-Tai complete with a Cruzan Hurricane 137 proof floater and a Blackberry Mule with fresh lime and ginger beer, as well as tiki-inspired concoctions and frosty beachside favorites. And for locals who love a good deal, Happy Hour runs Monday through Friday from 3-6 p.m., featuring 50% off well cocktails and $1 off draft beers and house wines.
A Destination for Celebration
Beyond its culinary upgrades, Floridays is putting renewed energy into its role as a local gathering place, doubling down on delivering that warm, island hospitality locals expect. The restaurant has rolled out a full calendar of entertainment, events, and weekly programming, making it a vibrant destination for good food, good music, and life’s celebrations.
“Our goal is to develop experiences that bring the community together,” says Brian Keller, Complex General Manager. “From local live music to private events and weddings to special holiday brunches, we’re proud to offer a space where people can come together, relax, and enjoy some of the best food and views the area has to offer.”
Photography by Anne Podlecki
Live music fills the air several nights a week just before sunset, showcasing talented performers such as Ryan Faraday & Cort Ferris and JAH Movement on a regular basis, while weekly dining promotions such as Fish Fryday, a weekly special of crispy fish and chips and any draft beer for $19.99, and Oyster Wednesdays featuring rotating specials, have also grown in popularity. Major sporting events, holiday weekends, and seasonal happenings are also marked by festive events and themed specials, with special package offerings for private events, weddings, and corporate buyouts also available.
“Since reopening, we’ve received overwhelming support from the community,” says Keller. “The reimagination has always been more than a new team and a new menu — it’s about reviving a gathering place and celebrating the strength and spirit of Anna Maria Island, especially after one of the most devastating hurricane seasons we’ve experienced to date.”
Plan Your Visit
Floridays Woodfire Grill & Bar is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., with weekend bar service extended until 11 p.m. Reservations are recommended and are available through OpenTable. For more information, full menu details, and event updates, visit www.floridays-annamaria.com or follow along on Instagram @floridaysgrill.
Photography by Anne Podlecki
Swim with theFishes
at Floridays Woodfire Bar & Grill
Ingredients: (makes 1 cocktail)
● 1oz. Planteray 3 Stars white rum
● 1oz. Cruzan coconut rum
● 1.5 oz. pineapple juice
● 1.5 oz. orange juice
● .25 oz. lime juice
● .25 oz. grenadine
Directions:
● Add all ingredients into shaker with 1 scoop of ice and SHAKE TWICE.
● Pour into Collins glass.
● Float with Cruzan Hurricane 137 proof.
● Garnish with lime wedge and maraschino cherry.
One of our new and already proven to be “most popular” cocktails at Floridays Woodfire Bar & Grill is called “Swim with the Fishes,” which not only packs a punch but is also indicative of our concept. With Floridays being waterfront, the majority of our seating, including the bar, is outdoors. When people arrive fresh off a beach or boat day, they want something refreshing. During the summer months, I like to lean into “island mode,” so when choosing the liquors for this cocktail, Caribbean-inspired was an obvious choice. Having the opportunity to travel quite a bit to the Bahamas and enjoy classic Bahama Mamas, I couldn’t not create my own version for our menu.
This cocktail also pairs very well with the fresh grouper, snapper, and hogfish dishes we’re known for, especially when the fish is blackened. The citrus juices tamper down some of the heat from the rums, and the touch of grenadine adds a slightly sweet finish, helping to cool the spice from the blackening seasoning.
Kevin Hagerty, Director of Food & Beverage, Floridays Woodfire Grill & Bar
TAVERNA TOSCANA
BY KELLY STILWELL
The building of the Taverna Toscana restaurant, taking up the ground floor of the Sunz Insurance Company building, brought a lot of excitement to the Bradenton area. Word spread quickly that celebrity chef and best-selling cookbook author Fabio Viviani would be leading the way for this new Tuscan Italian dining experience.
I signed up for text messages to follow the progress. Finally, on May 10 of last year, Taverna Toscana opened its doors to a barrage of eager diners. A year later, you’ll still have a hard time getting a table on the weekends and happy hour fills most bar stools and high tops. It’s best to make a reservation, but we’ve also stopped in and gotten lucky with an open spot at the bar.
It looks like the strategy the Top Chef Fan Favorite used to open his other three dozen eating establishments around the country has worked its magic again. And as a frequent visitor, I’m so glad he chose our area for Taverna Toscana.
After its first year in Bradenton, we sat down with Fabio Viviani to find out how things were going and what was in store for the future.
BMag: What inspired you to open a restaurant in Bradenton?
Chef Viviani: I have partners in the area, and I fell in love with Bradenton the moment I set foot here. The community has this amazing blend of laid-back Florida charm and a genuine appreciation for good food. It reminded me of the warmth and authenticity I grew up with in Italy, and I immediately thought: “These are my kind of people!” Opening Taverna Toscana here was an easy decision.
BMag: How do you like the area? Are you taking time to explore?
Chef Viviani: Bradenton is full of fantastic surprises! I’m always on the go, but every time I’m here, I make sure to sneak in some exploring. The beaches, the friendly vibe, the farmers’ markets, the historical ties of the city, the Riverwalk, the artist district — there’s always something new to discover. It’s been wonderful getting to know the community.
BMag: How do you feel the restaurant has been received?
Chef Viviani: The response from Bradenton locals and visitors alike has been phenomenal. Honestly, it exceeded even my expectations. People here are passionate about great food, and they’ve embraced Taverna Toscana with open arms. It makes me incredibly proud and grateful every day.
BMag: What is the restaurant’s most popular dish? Is there a story behind it?
Chef Viviani: Our Rigatoni Bolognese is a huge favorite. It’s inspired by my grandmother’s recipe, the very first dish I learned to cook in her kitchen back in Florence. Slow-cooked sauce, handmade pasta, and a touch of Italian charm, every bite tells my family’s story. People can’t get enough of it!
BMag: Any summer happenings we can share?
Chef Viviani: Summer at Taverna Toscana is all about fresh, seasonal flavors and community events! We’re launching special wine-pairing dinners and chef-curated tasting menus highlighting local ingredients.
BMag: What’s the most exciting thing on the horizon for Taverna Toscana?
Chef Viviani: We’re planning some amazing hands-on cooking classes and interactive dinners where guests get into the fun or entertain their work colleagues and families. It’s going to be fun, memorable, and delicious — just the way it should be!
Cooking classes? I’m in! If you haven’t been to Taverna Toscana, go! The vibe is fun and friendly, and the food is exceptional. And yes, the Rigatoni Bolognese is heavenly. Start with the Grilled Octopus or Fabio’s Wagyu Meatball, both large enough to share.
Have you been yet? Tell us your favorite dish on the BMag Facebook page!
ISLAND GALLERY AND STUDIOS
CELEBRATING CREATIVITY, LOCAL SPIRIT, AND THE POWER OF THE ARTS.
Island Gallery and Studios—a longtime cultural cornerstone in our community.
Located on Old Main Street in downtown Bradenton, this artist-owned, nonprofit gallery has been enhancing and promoting local art and artists for over 30 years.
Essay By: David X Tejada and Gallery Members
Photo
Tejada Photography, Inc
“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”
– Pablo Picasso
“Island Gallery and Studios is owned and operated by over 20 local talented and professional artists and artisans. The gallery features a diverse collection of artwork and gifts and is a pertect place to browse, meet with friends, and talk with the artists. The Gallery has classes, demos, First Friday receptions, special events, and rents out space for local businesses to hold their own special event. We are committed to promoting, enriching and expanding the local arts community through education and outreach. Our goal this year is to introduce new programs, classes, demonstrations, workshops, and to continuously be changing the artwork so there is always something new to see and experience.”
We look forward to seeing and meeting you at the Gallery!
Lynn
Coppinger, President - Island Gallery and Studios
10 WAYS TO STAY COOL THIS SUMMER
BY KENDRA GEMMA
When the summer heat becomes too much or you want to avoid getting drenched in a downpour, an indoor activity can come to the rescue. Need inspiration? Try these cool ideas for couples, families, and friends to escape the weather and enjoy each other’s company.
Just the Two of You
Your next hot date doesn’t have to be taken literally. You two can stay comfortable without resorting to a movie and dinner outing.
Discover Sarasota Tours’ air-conditioned trolley transports you through the streets of Sarasota as it entertains and educates. Launching in July, the Sing-Along Trolley tour will depart at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays. Take turns serenading each other or team up on your favorite duet. Discover Sarasota Tours offers a variety of tours seasonally and all year round, so you can sample several throughout the summer.
If you love to cut a rug or you’ve always wanted to learn, put on your dancing shoes and join a class. Arthur Murray Dance Centers’ Lakewood Ranch Studio teaches ballroom dance lessons for couples. Choose from 30 different styles – from Viennese waltz to East Coast swing. Bradenton Dance Center has group classes Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, and private lessons by appointment.
Plunge into the local art scene. ArtCenter Manatee’s pet-themed Dog (& Cat) Dayz of Summer Open Juried Show runs from July 1-August 8, with an opening reception July 3 from 5:00-7:00pm. Downtown Bradenton’s Island Gallery and Studios showcases the works of nearly 30 artists. Browse their pieces (and maybe buy one) before dining at a nearby restaurant.
Family Fun
Sure, you could spend the summer with the kids at the beach or in the pool, but sometimes, an indoor activity makes a welcome respite from the sun and heat.
For an educational day that just feels like fun, step inside the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature. The full-dome planetarium lets you view the constellations and planets, and you can watch the resident sea cows in the museum’s Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat. Plus, there are natural history and Florida heritage exhibits.
See a family-friendly show at the Manatee Performing Arts Center. Three Friday night performances – on June 13, June 27, and July 18 –feature kids’ camp actors. Choose from “Disney’s 101 Dalmatians,” “Disney’s the Aristocats,” or “Mary Poppins Jr.,” or attend all three.
Help your kids release their pent-up energy at sporty indoor places, like Astro Skate Family Fun Center and Kids Empire, where they can climb, overcome obstacles, slide, and more.
Does your family enjoy a good challenge? Exercise your competitive spirit and maybe win bragging rights at Bowlero Bradenton. The facility has 64 bowling lanes, a billiards area, and an arcade.
The More the Merrier
Gather your friends to indulge in a day of indoor pampering and new hobbies.
Refresh your wardrobes at The Market Boutique, a locally owned shop that carries the latest fashions while offering old-fashioned customer service. Discover unique treasures at The Cat’s Meow, Blessed & Distressed Vintage, and the Blue Flamingo. All three are chockfull of vintage goodies, so plan to spend a few hours hunting or just browsing.
Or give yourself a well-deserved break from the hustle and bustle with a body or facial treatment. Blue Door Spa has two locations – one in Lakewood Ranch and one in Ellenton – where you can bond with your girlfriends by getting matching mani/pedis or you can each do your own thing. Make it a head-to-toe spa day to thoroughly relax. Six-hour spa packages include haircare, a facial, a massage, and nail treatments.
If you and your friends are creative types, unwind by getting a little messy and expressive with a craft project. Canvas & Clay Art Studio in Palmetto lets you take a paintbrush to your choice of pottery, canvas, or wood pallet to make a home décor piece that’s customized to you. Walk in for a spontaneous artsy afternoon or schedule a party for you and your pals. Fancy Leaf Plant Co. in Parrish also offers pottery painting in partnership with Arts a Blaze.
Don’t let the Florida heat keep you cooped up at home this summer. Get out – and stay in – with the help of these activities that will educate, entertain, and inspire you.
BEAT THE HEAT: BRADENTON’S BEST SPOTS TO SWIM, SPLASH, AND COOL OFF
BY AMANDA GRAY
Bradenton is surrounded by some of the world’s most beautiful beaches — but we get it. Not everyone has time for a full beach day. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best local spots to splash, swim, and stay cool all summer.
Before diving in, it’s always smart to brush up on water safety. Even experienced swimmers can benefit from a refresher. New to swimming? Manatee County offers free swim lessons from May through July at G.T. Bray Park.
Whether you’re after a colorful splash pad for the kids, a shaded park with water features, or a relaxing place to cool off, here are some top spots:
Splash Pads: Free, Fun, &
Family-Friendly
Cool down and have fun at one of these three free splash pad locations. They’re convenient, kid-approved, and open to all:
Bradenton Riverwalk Splash Pad
Situated along the Riverwalk, this splash pad is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. — a great way to cool off during a stroll downtown.
750 3rd Ave. West on Bradenton Riverwalk
Lincoln Splash Pad/Lincoln Aquatic Center
A community favorite, Lincoln offers plenty of space to splash and relax.
715 17th Street E, Palmetto
Bayfront Splash Pad
Located in scenic Bayfront Park, this splash pad features interactive water controls that let kids choose how the water flows. With a nearby playground and ADA accessibility, it’s a perfect spot for families.
5 Bayfront Drive, Sarasota
With so many options to choose from, why not try them all? This summer, make the most of Bradenton’s (and a couple of Sarasota’s!) water spots. Just grab your sunscreen, pack a towel, and dive into the fun!
Parks & Pools for a Full Day of Water Fun
Looking for more than a quick splash? These parks offer pools, water features, and shaded spaces to hang out while the kids play:
G.T. Bray Park
G.T. Bray Park is a local hub for swimming lessons, pool time, and summer fun. From kiddie pools to splash pads to lap pools, there’s something for everyone.
5502 33rd Avenue Drive West, Bradenton
Bayfront Park
Beyond the splash pad and playground, enjoy shaded areas with waterfront views – perfect for a picnic or gathering. Bayfront Park is close to downtown Sarasota, giving you the option to venture for an ice cream cone or snack after the park.
5 Bayfront Drive, Sarasota
Waterside Place at Lakewood Ranch
Waterside Place is a vibrant new destination with modern amenities, waterfront dining, and outdoor fun against the backdrop of Kingfisher Lake. You can enjoy summer activities like splashing, volleyball, lounging in a hammock, or enjoying the green space of the event lawn, which regularly hosts events and community gatherings. After cooling down and relaxing, enjoy a meal out at the many dining options here, as well as some shopping and strolling. There’s even a water taxi service!
7500 Island Cove Terrace, Lakewood Ranch
Payne Park (Circus Park)
This playful, circus-themed park features interactive water elements like cooling mists on the playground, allowing kids to explore their inner circus performers while staying cool. There are lots of shaded canopies and the park is open until 10 p.m., which allows you to enjoy the park during the not-so-hot hours of the day.
2010 Adams Lane, Sarasota
THE POWER OF PLACEMAKING
“Events are like that spark”
BY NICOLE MISKOVIC
How Events Shape Our Community and Boost Our Economy
In downtown Bradenton, the hum of conversation blends with music drifting from the Riverwalk. Food trucks line the street. Artists paint live while children laugh and dance. Neighbors, strangers, and visitors alike are sharing the same experience. This moment is more than just an event. It’s placemaking in action.
Placemaking, according to Project for Public Spaces, is the collaborative process of reimagining public spaces as the heart of every community. It emphasizes the connection between people and the places they share, turning parks, streets, and plazas into vibrant, inclusive spaces that foster identity, interaction, and pride.
One organization helping lead the placemaking movement locally is Realize Bradenton, a nonprofit that builds community and promotes economic prosperity through the activation of public places. Its latest initiative, BAM!Fest, brought an estimated 10,000 people to the Bradenton Riverwalk in April for a free day-long celebration of art, music, food, and family fun.
Events, Festivals, and Economic Impact
Beyond the social and cultural impact, events also generate real economic returns. According to the Economic Development Journal, the economic impact of tourismbased events is driven by new money (spending that comes from outside the local area and circulates within it). This means every out-of-town visitor attending a festival or event like BAM!Fest contributes to our local economy through ripples of interaction with the community, from eating at restaurants to staying in hotels.
A 2023 Arts & Economic Prosperity study reinforces this with data indicating that in Manatee County alone the nonprofit arts and culture sector generated $75.1 million in total economic activity, including over $45.9 million in audience spending. These dollars supported more than 1,000 jobs, generated $2.5 million in local tax revenue, and fostered long-term sustainability for our venues and creative spaces. Even more powerful are the voices of the people attending events in Bradenton, with over 85% of respondents indicating that participation in arts and culture events made them feel a sense of pride and connection to their community.
Impact on Identity and Connection
For those who work closely with events, the impact of events is both measurable and long-lasting. Jordan Heller, founder of Suncoast Wedding & Event Leaders (SWEL), an industry collective helping strengthen businesses through top-quality networking events, sees firsthand how festivals and public gatherings help shape the identity of a place and bring people together in a shared experience that digital life often lacks.
“While shared experiences for communities used to be things like tuning into the Olympics or a network show at the same time, now everything is personalized, streamed, or algorithm-driven. This has turned events and festivals into a new way of sharing experiences as a community. A downtown street that’s normally just a way to get from point A to B becomes a bustling night market. A quiet park transforms into a music venue,” said Heller. “Activating different public spaces makes people think differently about their city, creating new memories and emotional connections. Especially for kids, these experiences become foundational stories of growing up in their community.”
Photos by Jeremy Piper
He’s also observed how gatherings can ignite connection and reframe how people see their surroundings, both through his work with SWEL and through the broader ripple effects of the event industry, particularly weddings. For example, The Ringling generates over half a million dollars annually from weddings, which turns into revenue that helps fund their public events and strengthens the community. That same trend can be seen in places like Waterside Place in Lakewood Ranch, where events like Ranch Nite Wednesdays bring people together weekly.
“Events are like that spark,” Heller said. “You think, ‘Oh, I can go to the museum or gardens anytime,’ but years go by, and you don’t. Events like the Bradenton Public Market or BAM!Fest give people that excuse to go. They break the routine and remind people of what’s here, all while giving tourists a more authentic experience rooted in our community’s character.”
Activating the Community: How Realize Bradenton Brings People Together
BAM!Fest demonstrated how fostering pride of place, economic momentum, and shared memories are possible when our local community businesses and organizations activate public spaces.
With 58 visual artists, 14 musicians, nine performers, and over 50 food vendors, community partners, and local suppliers combined, BAM!Fest celebrated Bradenton’s creative ecosystem while inviting residents and visitors alike to see the city through a new lens. From local businesses to food vendors, dozens of regional partners played a role, reinforcing the ripple effect events have on our local economy, supporting small businesses and amplifying our community’s vibrancy.
Whether it’s through large-scale festivals like BAM!Fest or spring traditions like Music in the Park, Realize Bradenton continues to turn everyday spaces in our community into extraordinary experiences. By attending, volunteering, or simply showing up, you can become an active participant in placemaking within our community.
To learn more about upcoming events or how you can get involved, visit www.RealizeBradenton.com.
Photos by Jeremy Piper
JOHN RINGLING HOUSE
BY LIZ REED
Over dinner in 1911, John bought the property from Ralph Caples. John stated, “Sell me the property.” Ralph did. John wrote a check on the spot and the Ringlings became part of Florida’s history.
John was a soft-spoken and reserved gentleman, who preferred finely tailored suits, fine cigars, and his own private label bourbon. At the beginning of Ringling Brothers Circus, the five brothers ran it together, each performing in the circus. John was the comedian.The Ca’ d’Zan, meaning “House of John,” is located on The Ringling campus and was built for the love of his life, Mable. Mable was a wonderful, gentle woman who loved her winter home on Sarasota Bay. Unfortunately, Mable died in 1929 in their home in New York. The following year, John married Emily Haag Buck and realized that he had made a big mistake. The newspapers called the disastrous marriage a “Three Ring Circus.” John filed for divorce in 1933, then halted the proceedings. He refiled in 1934 and the divorce was finalized in 1936. It was said to be the most expensive divorce in the history of Florida in those days. He died shortly afterward, on December 3, 1936.
Since his death, John is known to be present and is seen off and on. At one point he appeared to a worker and told him to “Get out of his house.” The worker quit that day. There are wet footprints that show up on the tile floor and, no matter what is done, they don’t go away until they want to. A worker who saw someone in the attic left and will not return to the property to this day.
Mable, John’s first wife, is seen and felt in the sunroom, nearly a century after her death. She is seen going from the cemetery area to the house. She’s also been seen by security, getting out of her bathtub.
The Ringling’s dog, Tell, is also seen on the property running around the front yard.
The house is climate controlled, yet the Tap Room has a chilly feeling to it, and you can sometimes see your breath. A lot of spirits seem to be in that room, probably enjoying John’s private stock of whiskey and a good cigar.
There’s also the priest that wanders the property. He would come out to bless the circus trains before they left. If you ever see a man in black with the brightest blue eyes, please nod your head to the priest and, if he nods back, you will know that he knows you can see him. He then disappears into thin air.
This happened to a group of us on Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday. The priest appeared in the trees and looked at us, nodded his head, then walked past me and disappeared into the middle of a crowd walking towards me. No one in the crowd noticed him at all, which was strange since he walked right through the crowd of people.
Ariel View of the Ca’ d’Zan
Photo: Florida Memory State Library and Archives of Florida
John Ringling, Portrait, by Russian artist Savely Sorine Photo: Florida Memory State Library and Archives of Florida
Also, a volunteer still comes to help who you also may see wandering the property.
There are some benches over John’s, Mabel’s, and John’s sister Ida’s graves. On the bench closest to the graves, a woman entered the property early in the morning and shot herself in the head. She was found by an employee making rounds first thing that morning. People sometimes complain about having a headache or a sharp pain while sitting on the bench, not knowing the story.
John’s second wife, Emily, is also on the grounds. John and Emily didn’t get along very well, and it is said that she caused his stroke. When John died, December 3, 1936, the same year he finally divorced Emily, he left Emily one dollar in his will, which left Emily very upset. She is heard in what had been her bedroom. She was not allowed to use Mable’s old bedroom, which was next to John’s. She had to use the bedroom down the hall. She was a very angry woman and is still angry in death. Now John is felt throughout the house, making sure that everyone enjoys his house. People have felt a huge presence behind them, and no one is there. John was a big man (6’5”) with a personality to match, so he would have a grand presence! At times, the scent of cigar smoke is detected, and no one is smoking. That’s just John letting you know he’s around. Mable, the true lady of the house, will lead you through her house with John following behind.
We were lucky enough to be there talking to Ron McCarty, the curator of John’s house for 38 years, and caught two EVPs of John. When I was asking Ron about what part of John’s body was affected by the stroke he had, we heard “arm” before Ron could answer, which Ron said was correct. In the second recording, Ron was telling us about the rose garden out front that they had put in for Mable and we caught a voice saying, “something is beautiful outside.” Activity is known to go on all the time.
Just ask an employee and they will tell you their story. Some have even heard a woman reading poetry.
This part of my story is now able to be told as we made a promise to Ron McCarty that we would not publish anything about it until after he retired as he snuck us in after the annual Christmas party that was held there. Ron retired in August of 2018. We want to thank Ron for allowing us to do this investigation and for all his love and service he gave to John and Mable’s home throughout his many years of being curator there. We really enjoyed the private tour since we got into areas that the public never gets to see.
I jokingly told Ron that we would come back one day to find that his spirit would be wandering around since he was there longer than John and Mable.
We’ve had several things happen to us while on the property. We were at Ca’ d’Zan on the night of December 2nd, Charles’ birthday, which is also the day John died years later, and we stayed after midnight into the day that Charles died, December 3rd. Charles’ former residence, where he died, is now known as College Hall at New College, which is adjacent to The Ringling campus.
We had a very interesting night. Upon entering the house, we immediately felt the presence of someone working in the kitchen area. Ron told us ghost stories and history while we walked around with equipment. Our K2s agreed with everything Ron was saying!
In John’s Tap Room, we encountered several spirits. We mainly concentrated on John and Charles, as it seems they enjoyed this room and John’s private stock of whiskey and cigars. After midnight, Charles left us and from there John took us on his own tour, which I think amazed Ron as much as it did us.
John led us through the house, and we finally ended up in the top bedroom in the tower area. This is where John told us he went after Charles died. It was a very sad moment for all. You could feel his sadness in the room.
The family did not want Ida, John’s estranged sister who passed away in 1950, buried next to John and Mable, but Ida’s son went to court and won the battle to have his mom buried with John. A lot of people don’t know that all three were kept in storage until they came to be buried on the Ca’ d’Zan property. In 1987, John and Mable were brought to Florida. John had intended for his and Mable’s remains to be put to rest in a crypt at the open end of the art museum’s grand court, under the statue of David. This plan was abandoned and the remains of all three are interred on the grounds near the house behind the Secret Garden.
John and Charles had the biggest competition on who could outdo whom, even in death. One could view the death competition and who “won” in two different ways. One could say that Charles won in the end since he is buried with his family in a beautiful, ornate mausoleum in Manasota Cemetery in Bradenton. However, John and his wife and sister are interred in a beautiful, peaceful setting, full of nature, and near the house that he loved. If his original plan had been carried out, he, Mable, and Ida would have rested in a grander setting with Michelangelo’s David as their headstone, but he may prefer his current resting place. This might be an excellent question to ask him when you visit Ca’ d’Zan’s grounds.
Mable Ringling
Photo: Sarasota County History Center
Ca’ d’Zan and its surrounding grounds have an almost eerie silence to them, in spite of all of the activity there, both from the living and the dead. It is not a threatening silence; it’s very peaceful, relaxing, and meditative, which is perfect for noticing spirit activity around you. You will leave with a feeling of great contentment.
In their living days, John was an entertainer who truly loved an audience and Mable was an excellent, gracious hostess. Both were determined to ensure that their guests had a lovely, lively time in their glamorous house. The Ringlings continue to welcome guests even in death.
LIZ REED CO-FOUNDER OF PSOBFL
AUTHOR OF HAUNTED MANATEE COUNTY OWNER OF DOWNTOWN BRADENTON GHOST WALK paranormalsocietyofbradenton.wordpress.com
THE CEPHALOPOD’S
SYLLABUS:
Hollywood Biology
BY MASHA DOLGOFF University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee STEM major
Here in southwest Florida, we’re lucky enough to have vibrant sea life that includes a couple species of octopuses. These fascinating creatures, belonging to the animal class Cephalapoda, are known for their remarkable intelligence. Their ability to constantly expand their knowledge of their environment, along with my Hollywood Biology class, has inspired this column.
In this course, we evaluate the way real biological phenomena are represented in film and on television. Needless to say, science fiction takes a lot of creative license as far as the work of actual researchers is concerned, but it’s a lot more fun to take the cinematic abstraction in good faith and use it as a starting point to find out something new. Here are several blockbuster titles you might know and the unexpected ways they flow from test tube to screen.
IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY SUPERPOWER, WOULD YOU HAVE ONE INSPIRED BY THE ANIMAL WORLD?
X-Men (2000) was the first installment in a film series about a team of mutant superheroes based on the Marvel Comics of the same name. Perhaps unsurprisingly, some of their miraculous adaptations are borrowed from other enterprising branches of the animal kingdom.
The villainous character Toad, for example, has the ability extend his tongue up to 30 feet. While this quality is clearly inspired by frogs and other amphibians, the applications of long tongues for something other than just prey retrieval in other species might be less well known.
For example, if you’ve ever been awoken by a woodpecker hammering away at a tree by your window, you might have wondered how they accomplish all that cranial construction work without the avian equivalent of hardhat. Popular theories suggest that the secret lies in the stretchy organ, which measures up to a third of their total body length and wraps around the back of their skull to extend out of their beak every time they land a blow. The reasoning of some scientists is that besides reaching for insects, the tongue also provides cushioning for the brain inside the bird’s red-tipped head as it gets jostled from about 20 pecks per second in the type of impact that would most certainly lead to concussions in humans.
Maybe instead of wondering if we would rather be able to read someone’s mind or be invisible, we should consider how we could forever hang up the bike-riding helmet and accomplish safety in style using this versatile muscle.
COULD A REAL TIME MACHINE LOOK LIKE A GENE SPLICER?
Jurassic Park (1993) warned us about the dangers of resurrecting long-gone species like dinosaurs for human entertainment.
A Texas-based company called Colossal Biosciences is now attempting to do something similar, albeit with more recent candidates and claiming more noble reasons. On April 7, the company’s efforts made headlines as they announced that they had genetically engineered an extinct species, the dire wolf, back into existence by modifying grey wolf DNA. Using CRISPR, a gene editing tool that works a lot like a “find and replace” function in a word processor, they tweaked 20 locations in the grey wolf’s genetic code to make it more closely resemble its long-lost relative.
Next on their wish list are animals like the woolly mammoth and thylacine. The thylacine, otherwise known as a Tasmanian tiger, was a striped carnivorous marsupial that helped keep Australia’s wilderness in check and was hunted to extinction in the early 1900s. Colossal has said that its reconstruction of the thylacine’s genome 99.9% complete, and has been considering the fat-tailed dunnart, its closest living relative, as a surrogate for the “deextinction” of the animal.
Critics of the projects argue that the comeback kits are simply approximations of the original specimen, not a true reproduction, and that the initiatives serve as a publicity magnet that detracts from conservation of the species we still have around. The look of charismatic megafauna such as thylacines and dire wolves may also be a hidden “cuteness bias” for their restoration, as no one appears to be too keen to resurrect the litany of insects lost to the cabinet of curiosities of time. What do you think about the debate?
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU SHINE A LIGHT ON THE MOST MYSTERIOUS ORGAN OF THE HUMAN BODY?
If you’ve been watching the buzzy biopunk series Severance on Apple TV+ that has gained pop culture momentum with its recently concluded second season, you might have wondered if the sci-fi memory-sequestering technology that lies at the heart of the plot is remotely possible. The show revolves around
employees of a secretive biotechnology company opting for a procedure that allows them to isolate the memories of their professional and personal lives.
While the human brain is notoriously one of the most mysterious organs ever studied, breakthroughs have been made in the roughly jellybean-sized brain of mice using a technique called optogenetics. The technology allows neurons to be manipulated with light and was first developed by a team at Stanford University by breeding mice that can synthesize light-sensitive proteins with DNA borrowed from green algae. If the mice’s neurons are triggered to install the protein right before an event, the resulting strobe symphony can be recorded and played back to make them relive the memory.
For example, mice that are placed in a new and uncomfortable environment will suddenly revert to their extroverted state when “reminded” of their previous home with the dendrite disco. In humans, optogenetic therapy created a stunning result by partially returning vision to a man who had been blind for decades. Once again, DNA for light-sensitive proteins from algae were inserted, this time to bestow photoreceptor properties on inner retinal cells that normally serve as interpreters for the rods and cones that detect light and have experienced cell death in blind patients. Next on this exciting frontier is the possibility of treating Parkinson’s disease and other neurological or psychiatric disorders. And while we are perhaps thankfully far away from a reality in which our employer can exert mind control over us, we can thank the ability of our brain to perceive the wonderful world around us, however closely its machinations are guarded from us by the laws of nature and the universe.
QUARTERLY CATCH-UP
BY SHELLY WEST
It’s hard to believe the first quarter of 2025 is already behind us! A lot has, the aircraft captures the essence of Florida’s Gulf Coast and serves as a flying ambassador for the regio It’s hard to believe we are halfway through the year. Here are highlights from the past quarter.
SeaFlower Master-Planned Community Breaks Ground
A new chapter began on Bradenton’s west side as construction kicked off for SeaFlower, an impressive 1,175-acre development. The former flower farm near Palma Sola will be transformed into a vibrant, masterplanned community. The project will include over 4,000 homes that range from single-family residences to senior housing, along with hotels, commercial businesses, and public green spaces. A preview center has opened, offering potential residents a glimpse into the coastal-inspired design and lifestyle, emphasize bike-friendly paths, walkable districts, and sustainable practices.
City Park Project Set to Revitalize Downtown Bradenton
In March, the City of Bradenton began demolition of the aging Public Works Building at 1411 9th Street West to make way for a new City Park. The planned green space is a central feature of a downtown revitalization effort intended to strengthen the connection between Old Main Street, the Riverwalk, and the Village of the Arts. Once completed, the park will feature open-air event areas, community gathering spots, and pedestrian-friendly pathways. Aiming to increase foot traffic and cultural engagement, City Park is expected to become a vibrant center for Bradenton’s downtown expansion.
New Bradenton Police Headquarters Under Construction
In February 2025, ground was broken for the new Bradenton Police Department headquarters, marking a major investment in the city’s public safety infrastructure. The new location, at the intersection of 6th Avenue West and 2nd Street West, is expected to be completed by mid-2026. The aging headquarters will be replaced by a modern facility, including forensic labs, improved dispatch centers, and community meeting areas. The headquarters are being constructed on city-owned land selected for optimal access across key service areas, helping improve response times and operational efficiency.
New
Forest Cove Affordable Housing Community Moves Forward
In April, Manatee County Commissioners approved a $5.66 million loan to help finance Forest Cove, a 156unit affordable housing development near Cortez Road West and 14th Street West. The project, led by One Stop Housing, addresses the critical need for workforce housing in a region facing increasing rent burdens. Forest Cove will serve residents earning below the area median income and will offer units built with energy efficiency and community-centered amenities in mind. Construction will begin in summer 2025, with leasing projected to start in 2026.
Housing Rehabilitation and Replacement Program Open
In March, Manatee County opened applications for a $1.2 million housing rehabilitation and replacement program aimed at assisting low- and very-low-income homeowners. The program, administered through the county’s Community Development Services Division, offers 0% interest deferred-payment loans. The program is for residents in need of critical home repairs or
Bradenton Police Headquarters Under Construction | Courtesy Photo
complete replacement of unsafe structures. This funding will address critical habitability issues like roof damage, structural problems, faulty wiring, plumbing failures, and other safety concerns.
The loans, which do not require repayment until the property is sold or ownership is transferred, should provide financial relief to long-term residents struggling to keep their homes livable. The program prioritizes applicants who are elderly, disabled, or living in substandard housing conditions.
Applications will be accepted until all funds are allocated, and the county encourages early submissions because of expected high demand. This initiative is part of a broader county effort to preserve existing affordable housing and invest in community well-being by helping residents remain safe in their homes.
Mote Marine Laboratory Makes Strides in Global Coral Conservation
Mote Marine Laboratory’s International Coral Gene Bank is making major strides in global coral conservation. Using advanced cryopreservation techniques, the lab is preserving the genetic material of vulnerable coral species, including rare staghorn corals rescued after Florida’s record 2023 bleaching event. This allows for long-term storage and the ability to restore reefs with genetically diverse, more resilient corals.
In the wake of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon spill, Mote plays a key role in a NOAA-supported initiative to restore damaged deep-sea coral habitats in the Gulf of Mexico. Mote’s coral biodiversity protection was strengthened by Florida DEP funding for Gene Bank infrastructure expansion.
Spawning and Cryopreservation at Mote
Sofra Kitchen Bar & Bistro Debuts
In mid-March, downtown Bradenton welcomed a stylish fresh addition to its culinary scene with the opening of Sofra Kitchen Bar & Bistro. Located at 606 Manatee Avenue West, the restaurant is gaining attention for its unique blend of Mediterranean, Italian, and American flavors. Executive Chef Armand Dosti leads the kitchen with a menu that includes standout dishes such as branzino, seafood risotto, and spicy rigatoni.
The spirit of the restaurant is captured in its name, “Sofra,” an Albanian word for “gather around the table.” Sofra provides a sophisticated but casual ambiance, perfect for special events or romantic evenings, with both indoor and outdoor seating. The bistro is open for dinner service Monday through Saturday and closed on Sundays.
Good Liquid Brewing & Distilling Co. Opens
In April, Good Liquid Brewing & Distilling Co. opened its newest location in the heart of downtown Bradenton, adding a fresh energy to the city’s growing food and beverage scene. Situated at 1008 4th Avenue West, this latest location expands on the brand’s reputation for bold craft beer, creative cocktails, and a lively social atmosphere.
The Bradenton location features a self-pour beer wall, a full-service bar, and a menu of chef-inspired fare that elevates the typical brewpub experience. Its proximity to the Riverwalk makes it an ideal spot for locals and visitors alike to unwind with a pint and enjoy downtown Bradenton.
Welcome Vernona Gourmet Restaurant & Market
A hidden gem in Bradenton, Vernona Gourmet Restaurant & Market, at 711 Manatee Avenue East, offers an authentic taste of Hungary through traditional dishes like chicken paprikas and savory mushroom crepes. Blending a cozy cafe atmosphere with a specialty market, Vernona also sells imported Hungarian goods and hosts community events, making it a unique spot for Eastern European flavors and hospitality.
