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. BMAG | 9
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. BMAG | 23
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.
02
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
05
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
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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.” BMAG | 33
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
BMAG | 61
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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