Issue No. 1 | Summer 2021

ISSUE NO. 1 |1 SUMMER 2021 ISSUE NO. | JULY 2021

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GET #MANATEEREADY As Manatee County’s Emergency Management Chief, I urge all Manatee County residents to make sure their families are prepared for hurricane season. Hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30, peaking in August through October. Hurricanes are dangerous and can cause major damage because of storm surge, wind damage and flooding. The 2021 Hurricane Season is expected to be an above-average season, according to the Colorado State University Tropical Meteorology Project Team, calling for 17 named storms, eight hurricanes and four major hurricanes. Regardless of the forecast, knowing the essentials of how to prepare for a hurricane can be a lifesaver. The best time to prepare for an emergency is always before the threat is imminent.

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Planning for an emergency will help you and your loved ones stay safe and connected if a disaster occurs.

The three most important things to know before hurricane season are 1) your home’s evacuation zone; 2) where to go if you need to evacuate and; 3) what your disaster plan is. Manatee County residents can find out this crucial information by visiting mymanatee.org/information or by calling 311.

First, have a disaster plan ready. Write out the steps and share them with your family and friends. You should include steps that focus on a pre-storm plan and a post-storm plan. Remember to print important documents (e.g., emergency phone numbers, insurance information) before a hurricane strikes. Power outages during and after a hurricane can prevent you from accessing information online when you most need it. You should also prepare a supply kit lasting longer than seven days and having supplies such as hand sanitizer, face masks and disinfectant wipes to prevent germs from spreading.

To know when to evacuate for hurricane surge flooding, you should know your evacuation zone. You can easily look up your home’s evacuation zone by searching for your address at mymanatee.org/information.

If you live in a zone that has been ordered to evacuate, you should get out. I advise all residents and visitors to plan where you will shelter and have travel routes mapped ahead of time.

As Manatee County continues to follow CDC guidelines, we currently have reduced capacity in our shelters, so it is even more important to have alternative plans to shelter somewhere else. Please keep in mind that evacuating and seeking a shelter will look very different in the COVID-19 era. Local shelters should be a last resort if you need to evacuate. If you find yourself in an area that’s under evacuation orders, it’s best to stay with a friend or family member in an area outside of the evacuation area. Hotels out of the evacuation area are another option. Shelters provide a safe structure with limited resources, no beds, no cots, no privacy, no blankets and no showers.

In addition, Manatee County offers a special-needs registry, which is designed to assist residents of Manatee County who will require transportation or sheltering assistance when the citizen is notified to evacuate their residence because of a storm. Residents can register online at mymanatee.org or by calling 311.

I encourage all residents to sign up for ‘Alert Manatee’ to receive emergency notifications such as evacuation notices, weather warnings and hazardous traffic or road conditions. You can opt to receive notifications by phone call, text, or email. Additionally, stay tuned to the radio and TV for weather updates, emergency instructions or even direct evacuation orders. Visit the county’s website at www.mymanatee. org/ManateeReady for readiness tips and be sure to follow our social media accounts for news straight from county officials. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/manateecounty.fl and Twitter @ MCGPublicSafety.

Remember to have a disaster plan, know when to and where to evacuate and consider volunteering when the need arises. “It only takes one”.

MANATEE COUNTY’S EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT CHIEF STEVE LITSCHAUER BMAG | 5

CONTENTS 08 The Power of Shopping Locally

by Kendra Gemma

16 The Rescue Report

sponsored by Pet Supermarket

19 Bishops of Bradenton

by Sarah Fish

22 Bradenton’s Legendary Past

by Sarah Fish

26 Florida Paradise Life

by Stacy Cunneen, Realtor

28 5 Kid-Friendly Museums in Manatee County

by Kelly Stilwell

30 Is the Hampton Inn Haunted?

by Liz Reed

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Nearly 90% of sea turtle nesting in the U.S. occurs in Florida. From March through October, these creatures will return to their home beaches to lay eggs.

32 VOTA: Bradenton’s Hidden Artist Colony

by Sarah Fish

40 Fishing in Bradenton

by FishingBooker

46 7 Bradenton Restaurants

Boasting Outdoor Seating with a View

by Kelly Stilwell

48 What Time is it...

It’s Time for Wine

by Hal Christensen

53 RECIPE: Root Beer Glazed Ribs & Tropical Tuna Poke

by Blade & Tine

59 Revitalizing Community, Reuniting Bradenton

by Nicole Miskovic

64 Buc to Buc

by Travis Cornwell

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M ISS I O N

support local

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The Power of Shopping Locally

BY KENDRA GEMMA Bradenton native and business owner Rich Knowles epitomizes the positive effects of shopping locally. A former restaurateur now caterer, he not only benefits financially from having neighbors as customers, but he also has gained inspiration from other Manatee County entrepreneurs.

While planning wine dinners for his restaurant, Knowles visited Dakin Dairy in Myakka City and ended up buying a couple of their gourmet cheeses, which he incorporated into new dishes that became added to the permanent menu.

“I prefer to buy from the mom-and-pop owned places, as much as possible,” he said.

“Whether it’s business or going out to eat.”

Patronizing locally owned stores, restaurants and other establishments means more money stays in Manatee County.

For every $100 spent at local places, $68 remains in the community’s economy. If you spend the same amount at a national chain, the local economy sees only $43.

“Shopping local is one of the most important decisions a consumer can make to impact our local economy,” said Jacki Dezelski, IOM, President and CEO of Manatee Chamber of Commerce. “By consumers choosing to purchase goods and services locally, Manatee County’s economy benefits in terms of business success, employment and local tax revenue to fund important needs.”

The impact is wider reaching than commerce alone. It affects the fabric of the community, too.

Small businesses sponsor nonprofit organizations and community causes by a significantly higher rate –250% more – than their larger counterparts.

And there are the less tangible benefits. Employees at local businesses generally report more satisfaction with their jobs. Residents enjoy a selection of products and services tailored to their wants and needs. Shopping districts have their own, unique flavors reflecting the people who live here and attracting visitors from out of the area.

Perhaps one of the sweetest results of shopping locally is simply maintaining the oldfashioned concept of being neighborly, like when Knowles invited his friend Tony Zook, owner of local syrup maker Colonial Shrubs, to pick lychee from his parents’ yard. Zook turned the fruit into syrup and gave it to Knowles, who then used it in the coleslaw dressing for his business’s spicy chicken sandwich.

It’s a perfect example of what can happen when local people and businesses support each other.

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PO Box 1034 Bradenton, FL 34206

Sales@BradentonMag.com Paula@BradentonMag.com www.BradentonMag.com Editorial

LOCAL Bra denton Ma gazin e We would like to welcome you all to the first-ever issue of “Bradenton Magazine.” This magazine’s mission is to support local. We will feature the

PAULA WRIGHT Editor-in-Chief KENDRA GEMMA Proofreader ROXANNE CLAPP Designer

people, food and culture of our local community, while giving our businesses a place to shine.

We hope you will enjoy learning something new or remembering a familiar place you just haven’t been in a while. Let’s embrace where we live and showcase this wonderful place we are so fortunate to call home.

We hope you will enjoy this issue and those that follow.

PAULA WRIGHT CEO + Editor-In-Chief

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Creative Writers Kelly Stilwell Sarah Fish Nicole Miskovic Kendra Gemma Travis Cornwell

Cover Photo by: Adriana M Photography

Bradenton Magazine is free digitally online at: www.BradentonMag.com But if you are like me, you want to flip through those colorful pages, reading articles by the pool or at the beach, propping it up in the kitchen to try those delicious recipes and even plan your next dinner date/adventure in Bradenton.

Make sure to let our advertisers know you saw them in Bradenton Magazine!

Subscribe on the website.

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THE RESCUE REPORT BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Thelma After 8 months at Manatee County Animal Services, Thelma was adopted by a loving family while she was in a foster home. Thelma, a charming, 4-year-old mixed breed, presented some challenges to finding the right home for her. She struggled with kennel stress at the shelter, which might have deterred potential adopters when meeting her. She also needed to be the only pet in the household. When she was fostered in a volunteer’s home, she relaxed, and her personality blossomed. That’s when she met her new pet parents and connected with them immediately. There were many things to like about Thelma.

She is an easy-going dog, who enjoys leisurely walks and afternoon naps. More than anything, she adores people, and now, she has a family to call her own.

Thelma’s story is similar to many other dogs at the shelter. It shows the importance of fostering, and the need for perseverance while waiting for a pet to find the best match for a successful adoption.

Manatee County Animal Services www.mymanatee.org Meet Cracker Jack! Cracker Jack is a sweet 9-year-old senior boy that was recently adopted from Bishop Animal Shelter. He was passed over by multiple potential adopters, but he finally met his perfect human and is now living the life in his furever home!

Bishop Animal Shelter SPCA of Manatee County www.BishopSPCA.org

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Sadie after rescue

Sadie In early October 2020, we received a call from one of our partnering shelters of an animal in need of help. Sadie was an 8-year-old mixed breed dog who went through an unimaginable tragedy, her beloved owner passed away and no one knew she was left in the house alone. When animal services finally found her, Sadie was down to BEFORE less than 27 pounds after weeks of starvation. While in a foster home, Sadie’s foster family discovered that she loves to play, always carrying a toy around the house. After several months, Sadie is now 57 pounds!

When it came time for Sadie to be adopted, her foster family realized that they couldn’t let her go and was adopted into her forever family in March 2021.

Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue www.honoranimalrescue.org

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Bishops of Bradenton

Bishop’s Yacht Ripple Bradenton Municipal Pier

BY SARAH FISH Some of the richest additions to the Bradenton

years of age. The two foundations have funded

community all have one thing in common:

projects that serve nearly every aspect of life in the

generations of the Bishop family’s philanthropy and

Manasota area.

generous contributions to those in need.

“The original Manatee Players Theatre was strongly The Edward E. and Lillian H. Bishop Foundation,

supported by the Bishops, not only for construction

established in 1953, has awarded millions of

of the physical building, but also for assistance with

dollars over the years to not-for-profits and

the production of the events that took place there,

charities throughout the Bradenton and Sarasota

with Lillian serving many years as the chair of the

communities.

Properties Committee.” their website notes. The Bishops even helped establish the Manatee Arts

The South Florida Museum in the heart of

Center.

downtown Bradenton is considered one of the city’s most valuable assets and attractions. Also known as

The Bishop family loved animals and Patty Bishop

The Bishop Museum and Planetarium, its artifact

was known to ride side-saddle through Bradenton

exhibit and aquarium give the community up-close

on her beloved horses. The family donated property

access to the unique history and biodiversity of this

and funding from the foundation to establish The

area, and a look into deep space. If you ever had the

Bishop Animal Shelter in Bradenton. The shelter

chance to visit our Manatee County mascot, Snooty,

has been rescuing and rehoming pets for many

in his state-of-the-art aquarium, you can thank the

years, focusing on making animal companionship

Bishop Foundation for making that possible.

affordable for seniors on fixed incomes.

Coming from wealthy families, Edward (Ned) and

When the Manatee Memorial Hospital was known

Lillian (Patty) Bishop were active philanthropists

as the Manatee Veterans Hospital, it expanded with

in the Bradenton and Sarasota communities their

money from the Bishop Foundation, without any

entire lives. Between traveling extensively and

fanfare.

spending summers on their 350-acre Maryland farm, Ned and Patty made numerous, often anonymous

“When

these

hospitals

became

overcrowded,

donations to countless charities until their deaths in

the Bishops matched community donations and

1962 and 1972 respectively.

grants, creating a new wing of what was, at that time, Manatee Veterans Memorial Hospital,” the

Dr. Wentzel and Dr. Sugg with Mrs. EE Bishop

Mary Parker, their nurse-turned-

Foundation website explains, further adding that

adopted daughter, so inspired by

the additional two-story wing contained operating

her family’s altruism, continued

rooms, an orthopedic operating room, tumor clinic

her Bishop family’s legacy in 1986

and a recovery room suite. The expansion serves

by establishing the Mary E. Parker

those in the community with medical conditions

Foundation, funded with her own

that have driven them to seek care here, in

assets. She passed in 2020 at 108

Bradenton, for teams of specialists only this hospital offers.

Photos courtesy of the Bishop Parker Foundation.

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“The Bishops also provided surgeries for numerous

for the Healthy Eats program, Nate’s Honor Animal

patients at no cost as well as other medical care for

Rescue, The Neuro Challenge Foundation to assist

people who were indigent,” the website says.

those with Parkinson’s and the Mote Aquarium whose grant is helping to build the advanced

According to the foundation’s website, its mission

technology biomedical research lab.

is to “strengthen the Manatee County Community by

providing

financial

support

to

nonprofit

Two rounds of funding were approved for 2021 with

organizations which are working to improve the

the first application period having opened in April

lives of individuals and animals.” They prove this by

and payments made in July. The second application

awarding grants yearly for six areas of interest: animal

period will open in September with payments made

welfare, the arts, the environment, education, health

in December. Applicants fill out an online form to

and human services.

apply for the potential to receive funding of $10,000 or more. Smaller amounts are also considered.

Some past recipients of over roughly two dozen chosen from last year’s round of funding include the

More information about the Bishop Parker Foundation

Arts Center, Boys and Girls Club of Manatee County

can be found at www.bishopparkerfoundation.org

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Key Facts • •

Scholarships • • • • • • • • •

Established in the state of Florida in 1995 and in Manatee County in 1996.

Our mission: Take Stock in Children of Manatee County, Inc. provides scholarships, mentors and hope for academically qualified, financially at-risk students to help them achieve success in college and life.

712 scholarships awarded by TSIC-M since inception.

217 students (6-12) currently in the School District of Manatee County.

179 mentors in the School District of Manatee County.

60 new scholarships to be awarded during the 2020-2021 school year.

216 currently enrolled in post-secondary education.

494 have attended post-secondary education.

Eligible students are in grades 6-9.

Must show a financial need (taxes verified) Must pass standardized tests.

•

•

• • •

Selected students sign a contract to meet with their mentor on a regular basis, maintain a 2.5 GPA, model excellence behavior and attendance, remain drug and crime free.

Manatee average GPA per grade: • 9th- 3.63 • 10th- 3.58 • 11th- 3.67 • 12th- 3.43 98% high school graduation rate.

92% matriculation into post-secondary education.

Each affiliate raises scholarship dollars for the students in their school district. These funds are matched dollar-for-dollar by the Florida PrePaid Foundation.

Mentors • • •

100% mentor match rate.

Each scholar (6-12) is matched with a volunteer mentor.

All mentors are background checked and must complete a mentor training to be eligible.

Hope • •

55% of students in the School District of Manatee County are living with families whose household income is below the national poverty level.

2,500 + students in the school district are invited to apply.

We hope you will join us!

We are better TOGETHER! Take Stock in Children of Manatee County, Inc. 941-209-7375 • PO Box 325 Palmetto, FL 34220 501(c)(3) Status 46-1337168

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BRADENTON’S LEGENDARY PAST

BY SARAH FISH Nestled away in a sleepy community of mobile homes along the Manatee River lie the remnants of what once stood a towering fortress. Serving as a winter trading post for citrus farmers and as protection from Native American attacks, Braden Castle now resembles a pile of old stones in the shape of a foundation, surrounded by metal fencing and deteriorating asphalt.

The ruins memorialize a big part of Bradenton’s legendary past and could be seen as a metaphor for much of the city’s history tucked away and often overlooked, but unique and impressive, nonetheless.

Bradenton is more than just its nickname, “The Friendly City”; it is a significant location in American history.

“For me, the most important thing to remember about history, local or otherwise, is that context is everything,” said Phaedra Dolan, Director of the city’s Historical Records Division. She says many people who visit Bradenton are aware of the Spanish Colonial era of local history, but the rich history of Bradenton is often overshadowed by the attraction of area theme parks.

Only a couple miles away, a National Monument pays tribute to conquistador Hernando De Soto, who in 1539 landed nearby and was met by the resistance of the Calusa tribes who inhabited the lands. Uniquely, they are credited with engineering a canal system through which they and other indigenous people traveled the Florida territory.

Braden Castle Ruins Photos Courtesy of Florida Memory State Library and Archives of Florida

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Braidenton

The Calusas are one of very few Native

Bradenton’s

American tribes who did not rely on staple

once the location of the Maroon Community,

crops and animal husbandry to survive.

Angola. It served as a safe haven for freedom-

Instead, they were master ship builders and

seeking African Americans from 1770 to 1821

engineered estuaries to capture and raise fish,

and ultimately was destroyed during a massive

using shells as their main tools. Multiple shell

slave raid. This still accessible spring provided

mounds still adorn local preserves to this day.

life-sustaining water to Florida’s first settlers

A look into their ship building ways can be

and Native Americans, Spanish explorers and

enjoyed at the Florida Maritime Museum just

soldiers who fought in the Third Seminole and

off Bradenton’s Cortez Road heading towards

Civil Wars.

Manatee

Mineral

Spring

was

the beach. It is a peek into the importance of the area’s waterways. “The Gulf of Mexico

In 2018, it was finally dedicated as a site on the

has been a source of food, commerce and

Underground Railroad to Freedom, 11 years after

transportation for centuries,” Dolan said.

a Black Bead tree on the property was added to the National Register of Big Trees.

The city was named after settlers Hector and Joseph Braden. The latter ultimately built the

Originally spelled “Braidenton” due to an

now dilapidated Braden Castle in 1854. His

officially documented error by the then acting

brother, Hector, died crossing the Manatee

secretary, the city was founded in 1842 upon

River during a hurricane before Joseph began

applying for its own post office. The innocuous

construction on the castle.

“I” was eventually dropped in 1905 after the trolley car system was built. Before closing the

Legend has it that Hector and his horse

line due to lack of riders, the train once crossed

became stuck in the muddy river bottom

Bradenton’s first bridge, newly rebuilt yet still

while the water was sucked out to sea during

located today cresting over Ware’s Creek.

the eye of the storm. The pair drowned when water returned to the river, and it is said that both the horse and Hector, who was allegedly still gripping the reins, were discovered deceased with their eyes wide open. It is legends like that which make the Manatee River the subject of much of the area’s history.

“The Manatee River has been the subject of legends, a safe haven, a highway and a beacon for those who wished to settle here looking for a better life,” Dolan said.

“The Manatee River’s banks were dredged in the 1920s to accommodate larger ships, which led to the rapid growth of the City of Bradenton,” Dolan added. “To me, the most often overlooked piece of our local history is that of the role the Manatee River has played.”

“BRADENTOWN WILL ALWAYS BE A SMALL TOWN UNTIL WE TAKE THE “W” OUT!” Almost 20 years later in 1924, the spelling changed yet again. The “W” was dropped when local businessman E.C. Barnes said to the Manatee River Kiwanis Club, “Bradentown will always be a small town until we take the “w” out!” His idea became reality, and the spelling has not changed since.

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Confined to just over 12 square miles of land and

Today, the city boasts hosting the largest artists’

nearly 3 acres of water, Bradenton maintains its

colony in the state of Florida, the Village of the

small-town energy with big ambition, along with

Arts; it is training grounds to the Pittsburgh

its rich and interesting history. Despite being

Pirates; and the local theater group, the

small in size, Bradenton packs in nearly one dozen

Manatee Players, placed first in the Florida

historical buildings and historic districts within

Theater Conference and Southeast Theater

its city limits including the Braden Castle Historic

Competitions three years in a row as well as

District, the Downtown Historic Old Main Street

currently holding the first-place title from the

and the Wares Creek neighborhood, among

American Association of Community Theater.

others. Nearly two dozen historical societies and

We even have our own Roller Derby team, the

groups have been officially chartered to preserve

Bradentucky Bombers, and recently laid to rest

its history.

in 2017 the oldest manatee in captivity and one

Tucked between St. Pete and Sarasota, Bradenton cannot help but be a significant part of the Culture Coast. Its unique history and vibrant community of movers and shakers help make the city what it is today and has helped shape the course of American history as we know it.

BY SARAH FISH 24 | BMAG

of the first recorded captive births, our beloved county mascot, Snooty.

Bradenton has been home to many prominent figures. Depending on who you consider famous, Dolan said, “From Billy Bowlegs (Holata Micco) and Polly Parker (Ma-De-Lo-Yee), two legendary members of the Seminole Tribe; to Babe Ruth and Dizzy Dean, who frequented the area during spring training – there’s a wide variety of ‘famous’ personalities that are part of our local history.”

“If I had to pick a favorite, mine is probably Powell Crosley, inventor and radio pioneer, who lived on Sarasota Bay. Though he only spent winters in our area, his inventions were as varied as could be and simply fascinating. His Spanish-revival style estate on Sarasota Bay is one of my favorite pieces of architecture from Florida’s 1920s Land Boom era.” Dolan shared.

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5 KID-FRIENDLY MUSEUMS IN MANATEE COUNTY 01

BY KELLY STILWELL

The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature Explore the past and present

Whether you’re lucky enough to live here or

through The Bishop Museum’s fascinating

you’re on vacation, a day exploring one of the

exhibits. From the first floor featuring fossils

kid-friendly museums in Manatee County

of Florida’s earliest animals to the Digital Full-

is a day well spent. Kids will have fun while

Dome Planetarium, there’s a lot to see at the

learning about our beautiful local area and

largest natural and cultural museum on the

the world we live in.

Gulf Coast of Florida.

WHAT KIDS WILL LOVE ABOUT IT What kid doesn’t love a giant Mastodon skeleton? The Mosaic Backyard Universe is all about hands-on exploration for kids and their parents. Say hello to the resident turtles!

Location: 201 10th Street West in Bradenton See The Bishop Museum’s website for admission prices and hours.

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Gamble Plantation Historic State Park The only surviving plantation

house in South Florida as well as the oldest building in Manatee County, The Gamble Plantation Historic State Park features a plantation restored to resemble its original beauty during the mid-1800s.

WHAT KIDS WILL LOVE ABOUT IT The Operation Exploration Kids Geo-Tour takes younger visitors on a mission of finding one of six possible Nature Cards. Sign-up is free at Geocaching.com.

Location: 3708 US Highway 301 in Ellenton Photo by: Kelly Stilwell

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Visit the Gamble Plantation website for hours. Admission is free.

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Florida Maritime Museum Discover old Florida through the history of Cortez Fishing Village. Explore the traveling exhibits such as the current attraction, Caught in the Storm, 100 Years of Florida Hurricanes. Permanent exhibits feature an expansive shell collection, ship models and more.

WHAT KIDS WILL LOVE ABOUT IT Kids can explore the inside of a Seminole chickee hut replica; see Florida Maritime Museum’s mascot, Pip the Pelican; and visit the Folk School with hands-on classes teaching traditional Florida maritime skills.

Location: 4415 119th Street West in Cortez.

See the Florida Maritime Museum website for hours. Admission is free.

Village 04 Manatee Historical Park Pick up your self-guided tour map and explore historic buildings from Manatee County’s pioneer days, including a oneroom schoolhouse, farmhouse, boathouse and church.

WHAT KIDS WILL LOVE ABOUT IT The first thing kids will notice is the 1913 locomotive. A replica of an old general store houses items most children have never seen. Be prepared for questions! A train-themed playground is in the back corner.

Stilwell Photo by: Kelly

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Location: 1404 Manatee Avenue East in Bradenton.

Manatee County Ag Museum

Visit the Manatee Village Historical Park website for hours. Admission is free.

Learn about the history and future of agriculture in Manatee County through artifacts and exhibits. Explore a typical farm shop and garage including a Model 1925 Ford Model T pickup truck.

WHAT KIDS WILL LOVE ABOUT IT In the Vegetables and Fruits room, kids can guess which tools are useful to farmers and learn about vegetables that are still grown in Manatee County, like celery and tomatoes.

Location: 1015 6th Street West in Palmetto.

Visit the Manatee County Ag Museum website for hours. Admission is free.

Want to learn more about old Bradenton while getting some exercise? Check out Florida Stories Walk: Old Manatee, Bradenton for a 12-stop walking tour including Manatee Mineral Spring Park and the 1887 church. Learn more at Florida Stories on Cell. floridastories.oncell.com

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Is the Hampton Inn

Haunted?

In 1925, the doors of the Manatee River Hotel (aka

Maria, and some have reported seeing Al Capone

Pink Palace) opened. It was considered to be the

in the elevator of the Hampton Inn. He may have

“Ritzy playground for the roaring 20’s”. It brought in

stayed there on one of his many trips to Bradenton.

such famous people as Greta Garbo, Babe Ruth and President Herbert Hoover. It’s also rumored that Al

In March 1966, the hotel closed up and reopened

Capone stayed there. There was someone saying

the same month renamed the River Hotel Senior

they found a ledger book and handgun in the wall

Home. In August of 1966, the hotel closed again

of hotel with Al Capone’s name and the letters AC

and sat empty until 1993 when it opened as The

on the handgun but no one would bring it forward

Riverpark Residence Hotel/Senior Vacation Center.

for anyone to see. After some checking I found out that Al never signed his own name and most times someone else signed him in under a different name.

As for the gun I really can’t see Al Capone putting A C on his guns.

It was reported that the activity in the building was crazy. Children were heard running up and down the hall when no children were in the building, latenight music from a band could be heard playing, towels and bedding were thrown all over in the linen

However Al Capone was known in the area. He and

storage room and the dishes in the dishwasher

his friends would hangout at a dance hall on Anna

would come out upside down after being loaded

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correctly. The person who loaded the dishes didn’t know how that happened and always said “Casper did it”. One live-in employee even reported a dark shadow in his room that got on top of him and held him down until he couldn’t breathe. Repair crews would walk off the job leaving their equipment behind because of the activity.

In 2008, the place was foreclosed on and the chain link fence went up around it. The Manatee River Hotel sat empty again waiting to see if it would survive. During this time it’s said that police would get regular calls about seeing people in the building and lights were on when there was no electricity to the building. They however never shared their stories.

Thankfully the Hampton Inn came in and restored the building in 2013 and the ghost stories continue.

A little girl spirit in the kitchen area will take your silverware from you and then give it back or hold the automatic paper towel holder button until all the paper unrolls. There is the lady in white that wanders the 3rd and 7th floors and lately hotel guests have reported that they wake up in the middle of the night to a woman in white standing at the end of bed staring at you or she’ll be sitting on the end of bed.

While taking pictures of the building, you may capture orbs, or even a shadow figure staring out a window of an empty room, as some have caught. There is a watchman who walks through the lobby at 2,4,6 A.M. whistling and jingling keys. Some have heard voices of a woman talking to them but no one is there.

So if you are willing to stay a night or two at the Hampton Inn, you may end up with your own ghost story to tell.

LIZ REED CO-FOUNDER OF PSOBFL AUTHOR OF HAUNTED MANATEE COUNTY OWNER OF DOWNTOWN BRADENTON GHOST WALK BMAG | 31

Village of the Arts: Bradenton’s Hidden Artist Colony

BY SARAH FISH The largest artist community in the state of Florida

for being a successful arts community. Art Walks

is in little ol’ Bradenton. Just steps from downtown

that take place the first full weekend in each month

historic Main Street, a little farther south on 12th

regularly fill the sidewalks with art-lovers and looky-

Street across Manatee Avenue, is a hidden oasis of

lou’s. Open mics, live music and pop-up shopping

art and music, cafes and restaurants. It is an entire

events occur weekly.

neighborhood dedicated to the arts and its creators.

You can find tacos, a vinyl record shop, a yoga studio.

In this quirky Village of the Arts, yards are adorned

A country store sells produce from a stand on the

with colorful sculptures while sidewalk murals

corner as music fills the air. You can get a tattoo, go

guide you through blocks of shops and galleries

gem mining and have your chakras aligned all in

where artist-residents have created Bradenton’s

one trip. But most importantly, it is the people who

Arts District. Here, they live a life of which most only

live and work in the Village making it all happen.

dream. Mixed-use zoning allows residents to operate businesses out of their homes, and these artists and

Before the Village became what it is today, a small

makers inhabit nearly 300 properties spanning over

group of like-minded individuals came together with

two dozen blocks that are known as “the Village” or

a vision for a new, intentional neighborhood. One

simply the VOTA.

that would provide opportunity and enrichment for the community. In 1999, the Artist’s Guild of Manatee

The Village has everything bohemian, nature-loving,

County officially founded the Village of the Arts. Since

peace-seeking, old-punk, neo-hippy, entrepreneurial

its inception, the blighted area of dilapidated homes

creative-types could ask for. Quaint cottages from

has transformed into Florida’s largest artist colony.

the 1920s and 30s have been renovated into brightly

It is even now supported by the city’s Downtown

painted studio spaces and stores to fill almost any

Development Authority and performed its very own

need. Those who live and work in the VOTA are self-

sociological impact study on the strategic growth

reliant visionaries who have taken years to develop a

they call “creative placemaking”.

community that is purposeful, progressive and part of the city’s larger plan.

Douglas Holland owns Jerk Dog Records on 12th Street West, the area’s premiere vinyl record shop

“I knew from the first time that I came to the VOTA

and frequent host of live local music. He and his

that I had found my niche,” artist Kris Cross said, who

wife, Valarie, who created the Bradentucky Bombers

operates a hair-dreading business on 11th Ave West

roller derby team, are some of the first residents to

called Loc Alchemy. She added that the move to

be involved in forming the VOTA.

the Village has been nothing short of life-changing for her. “I found a community of like-minded people

“At the time, I don’t even remember if there

creating art and working on personal growth.”

was a name for it,” Holland said. “It was just this economically deprived neighborhood with a lot of

Today, the VOTA has become a must-see tourist destination and it has gained national recognition 32 | BMAG

crime that had special zoning.”

But he and Val saw the potential it offered and bought a fixer-upper that would later be home to Valerie’s former art studio where she conceptualized local art group Edge, a thriving record business, and nest to their first-born child. “It didn’t take long before more people moved in and fixed up some of the abandoned and dilapidated places and our street really became the center of the VOA pretty quick,” Holland said.

“I love raising a kid here,” he added. “Our neighborhood is tight knit and we watch out for each other.”

Though things have changed since Covid hit last

and new interests, he is troubled by the proximity of

year. Jerk Dog Records no longer hosts live music

high-density apartments to the Village.

during Art Walks, and they must limit the store capacity to only three people at once. Holland even

“I believe the Village is not the ‘destination’ that

had to cancel his notorious Record Store Day, the

many people want to believe it is but a community

busiest national event for vinyl shops everywhere.

of neighbors, with some that are very creative,” Tenery said, adding that the big changes coming

Having survived over 20 years now, through

from the development may negatively affect the

multiple hurricanes, economic recession, and now a

area he calls home.

pandemic, the Village of the Arts is a leading example of what happens when creativity and ingenuity

At Loc Alchemy, Kris Cross feels hopeful that the

merge over zoning meetings and master plans.

strength of the VOTA residents will prevail.

Without the unlimited imagination and stubborn

are not exempt from the realities of recent health

determination of artists and rebels, neighborhoods

concerns and life here has changed as it has for

don’t get planned or survive like this one.

all small businesses.” But, she says that Village

“We

residents come together in times of need and they In addition to the Covid pandemic, the Village

have found new ways of expressing their art as they

soon faces another potential threat, and how the

adapt to a changing business climate.

community is able to navigate it will determine its future. A development of high-rise apartments is

“We find ways to make statements with new

slated to be built along 14th Street in the next year,

boundaries,” she said. “When one of the community

which poses a serious influx of traffic and people

is facing a challenge, everyone does their best

that the small Village is not equipped to serve.

to help.” She added that it’s not unusual to find neighbors distributing food from local food banks

Gene Tenery has lived in the Village for 10 years now,

and delivering home cooked meals.

witnessing much of the neighborhood’s ebbs and flow. His interest in relocating to the Village was

“It’s a VOTA custom to barter for goods and services

sparked by the opportunity to run his knife and tool

and to share freely with each other,” Cross said.

sharpening business from his home and later an

“This is the approach that has kept us reaching out

art studio, where he currently resides. Although he

through art, music and food and translating our

has permanently closed his business due to Covid

actions into loving connections.”

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Photo by Sarasota Experience

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FISHING IN BRADENTON If you are on an angling adventure on the west coast of Florida, you should not skip Bradenton.

And if you hit these prolific waters on one of Bradenton fishing charters, you will feel like a kid in a candy store. To find your trophy catch, take your pick between Manatee River, the Intracoastal Waterway and the vast expanse of the Gulf of Mexico.

Did we mention that Bradenton has quick access to three major bays of Florida? This means superb fishing wherever you go. Schools of Snook, Redfish and Trout lurk in shallow waters, and let us not forget about the amazing Tarpon action in Tampa Bay. In the deeper areas, you could land Sheepshead, Black Drum and Jack Crevalle.

Gag Grouper, King Mackerel, Triggerfish, Hogfish and a variety of Snapper are at your disposal in the offshore waters. If you are looking for the ultimate test of your angling skills, once you make it past the 60-mile mark, you can hope to get Amberjack, Sailfish, Tuna, Wahoo and Mahi Mahi. Finally, on the gorgeous Manatee River, you can hook Bass, Bluegill, Catfish and Gar. With such a variety of waterways, you can find just about any charter trip under the sun. Maybe you are here to land the Tarpon of your life, maybe you are relaxing with your best fishing buddies and maybe you’re teaching your little ones how to fish. Whatever your plan is, there will be a guide out there that can make it happen.

Bradenton sports gorgeous beaches and takeyour-breath-away fishing that is open year-round.

It’s truly a combo you should not miss out on!

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BRADENTON FISHING JUNE - OCTOBER June While

freshwater

fishing

is

slowing

down,

offshore festivities are just starting. Mahi Mahi, King Mackerel, Snapper and Grouper are all there for the taking. Fishing in the bays could yield excellent Redfish, Snook, Jack Crevalle and so much more.

July The hottest month of the year is here, and so are Amberjack, Snapper, Grouper and

Rules & Regulations

Triggerfish around the reef bottoms. You

Solo anglers in Bradenton should have an appropriate

Wahoo, Kings and more. Blackfin Tuna are

fishing license before they head out and they should

roaming the blue water if they tickle your

be familiar with local regulations and daily limits. If

fancy.

you decide to go with one of the Bradenton fishing

August

charters, all the licenses are provided, and your captain will let you know all the rules. To find a charter that suits your needs, you can browse and book on FishingBooker.com.

can also snatch Mahi Mahi, some odd

It is all about the Silver King in Tampa Bay! There, Tarpon are biting ferociously, and you can go after a variety of inshore superstars as well. In the offshore universe, Wahoo, King, Spanish Mackerel, Amberjack, Cobia and Snapper reign supreme.

September In September, head to the Bradenton rivers, because the freshwater action is too good to miss. Crappie, Bass, Catfish and Bream are the most common catches. Offshore, you can get Wahoo, Amberjack and, of course, King Mackerel.

October It is Wahoo time again! They are passing by in all shapes and sizes and both local and tourist anglers will have a blast reeling them in. Inshore, Reds and Black Drum are hungry and waiting. You should also check out lakes and rivers for some Bass.

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7 BRADENTON RESTAURANTS BOASTING OUTDOOR SEATING WITH A VIEW PHOTOS AND WRITTEN

BY KELLY STILWELL When you find a restaurant with a fabulous view and incredible food every single time, you have a winner!

These seven restaurants not only have a view, but all have outdoor seating. Visit their websites for hours and menus.

ANNA MARIA OYSTER BAR ON THE PIER

One of four locations fondly known by locals as AMOB, the newest location brings them back to their early days on Anna Maria Island. Located on the Historic Bridge Street Pier, you can watch the boats come and go and likely spot a dolphin or two.

What You Must Try Oysters are a specialty at AMOB. The Deep Fried Oysters are a favorite, but you can’t go wrong with any of them. Try the Sampler. The Spicy Seafood Gumbo is also delicious.

Location: 200 Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach

BEACH BISTRO

THE SANDBAR

Though this upscale restaurant on the beach

There’s something about dining at an

could rely on that view, the food is what will

upscale restaurant with your toes in the

bring you back again and again. Dining at

sand. The Sandbar is the perfect spot to

Beach Bistro is an experience.

enjoy a meal after spending a day on the

What You Must Try

beach on Anna Maria Island.

The Scallop Pan Roast is heavenly, with a

What You Must Try

hint of curry in an aurora broth. The Grouper

If you’re adventurous, try the Octopus

Floribbean is crusted with coconut and

Escabeche. It’s out of this world and served

cashews and the bell pepper papaya jam pairs

with

perfectly.

Grouper Sandwich is also always a win!

Location: 6600 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach

Location: 100 Spring Avenue, Anna Maria

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house-pickled

local

veggies.

The

NORTHSHORE CAFE This is such a hidden gem for a healthy breakfast and lunch. Featuring a plethora of coffees, teas and smoothies, this cafe also offers up fresh pastries and bagels, bowls and sandwiches.

What You Must Try

TIDE TABLES

The Dragon Fruit Bowl is full of flavor and

If you haven’t been to Cortez, add this to your list.

Instagram-worthy.

Location: 304 Pine Avenue, Anna Maria

Located right on the Intracoastal Waterway, the views go on forever. See the last working fishing village on the Gulf Coast of Florida, designated a National Historic District.

What You Must Try The Conch Fritters are the best we’ve ever had.

They’re crunchy, flavorful and filled with fresh conch. You can’t go wrong with the Smoked Grouper Spread or Grouper Sandwich!

Location: 12507 Cortez Road West, Bradenton

OAK & STONE Part of a chain of six Florida locations, Oak & Stone in Bradenton sits high atop Springhill Suites hotel offering fabulous views of the Manatee River.

What You Must Try The Voodoo Chicken Sandwich is crazy good, as

PIER 22

is the Tuna Poke Bowl.

Location: 1201 1st Avenue West, Bradenton

With a huge menu and a great deal of seating both inside and out, this is a fantastic spot for appetizers, sushi and traditional fare just steps from the Riverwalk.

What You Must Try The Happy Hour menu can’t be beat from 3-7 pm. Try the Monte Cristo!

Location: 1200 1st Avenue West, Bradenton

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Revitalizing Community, Reuniting Bradenton

BY: NICOLE MISKOVIC Embodying the true meaning of The Friendly City, Realize Bradenton is a local nonprofit with a mission to strengthen our community and foster its economic growth. From the transformation of the places you visit today, like the Bradenton Riverwalk, to bringing people together through events and experiences, like Walk Bradenton, this organization shapes the city we live, work and play in.

The past year, however, hasn’t necessarily been conducive to bringing people together. So, how has Realize Bradenton confronted the challenges of a pandemic while keeping the spirit of their mission and our community alive?

We’re looking back on Realize Bradenton’s year of adaptation, and looking ahead to an upcoming season of new goals, partnerships and (hopefully) events that can bring us together again.

Working Together While Staying Apart Last year allowed the Realize Bradenton team new ways to flex their creative muscles to accommodate community members while prioritizing the safety of everyone. The first was the weekly Farmers’ Market, which runs each year from October through May. The team created an online market throughout April and May, giving an opportunity for local farmers and vendors to still sell their products safely.

Later, in October, the market was able to open up again with a more spread-out vendor configuration while requiring social distancing and masks.

This became a popular way for community members to appreciate the outdoors.

The annual Bradenton Blues Festival brought its own set of challenges. A normally shoulder-to-shoulder event, the team at Realize Bradenton

Photos of Bradenton Blues Festival — Michael Bartley

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worked hard to keep the

music again that we had an

blues alive – not only for the

amazing event. People were

community, but also for the

very respectful of each other

artists – with safety at the

and the policies, and we’re so

forefront. Fortunately, LECOM

thankful that it went as well as it

Park was able to partner with

did,” said Andrea Knies, Director

the team to create a memorable and safe Blues celebration. With 700 attendees rather than its usual 3,000, the festival brought the stadium to 10 percent capacity with plenty of room to space out and enjoy the day.

“Masks were required, social

distancing was adhered to, there was a temperature check to come in and then guests were not able to exit and re-enter.

With all these measures in place, amazingly, people were so grateful for the opportunity to experience and enjoy live

of Communications for Realize Bradenton.

Engagement Through Creativity If you’re looking for an interactive way to teach, or learn, about the community, Realize Bradenton has helped

The Magic River by James Simon

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Photos courtesy of Realize Bradenton

create the areas first-ever

we always think about how the

that a majority would actually

children’s book called Old

community could utilize it. This

like a passive space instead of

Manatee, A to Z. All about the

is why we conduct a lot of focus

an active one filled with bands,

history of the community, with

groups and surveys – because

stages and entertainers. The

added curriculum for local

we truly do hear your voice, take

solution? Partner with Old

educators, this is an engaging

that information and use it,” said

Manatee A to Z illustrator, Don

way for families, classrooms and

Knies.

Brades, to bring the book to life

coloring enthusiasts to connect to the area.

as future public art installations.

To see this in action, take a look at the Riverwalk, which

“This is going to connect the

“Anytime Realize Bradenton

is currently expanding toward

history, literacy and public art

does anything at all, our primary

the east. Realize Bradenton

all together in one space,” said

focus is the diversity of people

has become very involved in

Knies. “It’s going to be a place for

in the community. So when

conversations about how to

residents and families to learn

we create or plan something,

utilize the space, discovering

about the area, play together

The Magic River by James Simon

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and read together. All while

be one for the books. And not

for is a belated birthday party.

activating the area in a different

just because the one and only

2020 was Realize Bradenton’s

and thoughtful way based on

Grammy-winning legend Bobby

10-year anniversary, and for

feedback from the community.”

Rush will be taking the stage.

the safety of the community,

In partnership with LECOM

the celebrations, of course,

Park for another year, you can

remained digital. This means an

So, what can we look forward to

still expect safety measures like

official celebration for Realize

this summer and later into the

masks and social distancing

Bradenton’s 11th year is in the

year? First thing’s first, the 10th

to be present, but with the

line-up, and who knows what

annual Bradenton Blues Festival

success of last year’s event, we

that celebration will have in

dates and line-up have been

know it won’t take away from

store for the community!

announced, and in case you

the experience this December.

missed it, it’s definitely going to

Another thing to stay tuned

What’s in Store

Johnette Isham, Executive Director

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BUC TO BUC The Buccaneers Look to Repeat as Super Bowl Champions, Bringing Fan Engagement to a Whole New Level

BY: TRAVIS CORNWELL The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are your Super Bowl

the task was trying to market that to the fan

LV (55) Champions. First, let’s rewind. The Rays

base. Atul Khosla, Chief Corporate Development

won the American League Pennant before falling

& Brand Officer said, “Capturing and scheduling

just short of a World Series title, the Lightning

the shoots was different. That was all virtual. Staff

won their second Stanley Cup in franchise history

was being tested daily.” The ongoing challenge of

and then the Buccaneers delivered another

keeping the fans engaged was continuing to be a

championship franchise to the Tampa Bay area

battle for the Bucs staff.

with their recent Super Bowl win.

Keeping the fans’ hopes alive that they will return Last year was so different. We weren’t sure if there

to see the Bucs play in person yet this season was

was even going to be a season. But, with the

not looking so great. That remained to be the

Lightning and the Rays playing, there was hope

case through the first two home games for the

for an NFL season. The question remained, will

Buccaneers. That would soon change. Starting

there be fans?

week four, the team announced they would have a soft opening. This was made possible following

The Bucs made some big moves in the offseason.

the executive order signed by Governor Ron

The biggest was acquiring 7-time Super Bowl

DeSantis which moved Florida into the last phase

champ,

of the state’s reopening plan.

and

43-year-old,

Tom

Brady.

The

Bucs also launched brand-new jerseys for the upcoming season. The excitement was building,

This was a great sign for the organization. People

the engagement was there. Then came the bad

were eager to get back to live sports and show

news.

their support for the Bucs. “We have such a passionate fan base,” said Atul Khosla.

Brian Ford, Chief Operating Officer said, “When we heard preseason was being canceled, that

With fans set to return to Raymond James

was tough.” The Bucs front office was tasked

Stadium, the number one concern was safety,

with coming up with unique ways to keep fan

but also engagement. “Engagement was our

engagement high. This meant spending hours

main focus. We asked what changes do we need

on end thinking of different ideas. Late nights

to implement? What were league and CDC

on Zoom were part of the job description during

protocols? We needed to adapt and be able to

this time. With the launch of their new jerseys,

think outside the box.” said Brian Ford. But, what

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did that mean for fans that couldn’t go to the game or didn’t feel safe seeing how it was limited capacity? “Having the fans be excited and engaged whether they were in person or at their house was something we brought up every week,” said Brain Ford.

The Bucs staff wanted to know firsthand the experience the fans would be getting when coming to the stadium. That meant they did a complete walkthrough. That started with the parking, the tickets and the way food and beverages were distributed. Atul Khosla said, “We can come up

The Bucs were then tasked with executing a

with all these ideas that look and sound good

Super Bowl. One that was going to be much

on paper. Until you actually go through it and

different than any other in history. The Bucs staff

have a chance to feel what the fans would feel,

took this as a great opportunity. Brian Ford said,

it is completely different. Once we did that and

“The world was watching. We were able to show

felt the fans would enjoy and be comfortable

that we have a great Manatee area and were able

with this process, we then executed it.”

to put on such a great Super Bowl. There was no spike and the league was monitoring everything.

“We have gone completely digital, with parking and tickets, we are a cashless stadium. I don’t see us going back. Some things have become more efficient actually through all of this,” ~Atul Khosla

It’s something we are extremely proud of.”

So, one may be thinking, how will this season be different? What can we expect at the stadium?

“We have gone completely digital, with parking and tickets, we are a cashless stadium. I don’t see us going back. Some things have become more efficient actually through all of this,” said Atul Khosla.

One thing remains the same, fan engagement.

The team continues to come up with fun and unique experiences for your time at Raymond James Stadium. Brian Ford said, “We want to provide an experience that exceeds your expectations and that is what we are going to continue to do.”

The excitement is starting right now as the Bucs have begun rookie mini-camp. Beginning Thursday,

September

7

against

the

Dallas

Cowboys, however, will be a completely different story.

Photos provided by the Buccaneers SOURCES: All quotes were pulled from the Manatee Chamber Headliners Event: Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Our Super Bowl Champions!

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