BRADENTON -- The three Bradenton mayoral can-didates will be the guestsof honor Thursday at a Manatee Tiger Bay Club luncheon, where they will present their platforms and answer questions from club members as to why they should be the city's top elected official.

The candidates are incumbent Wayne Poston, Ward 2 Councilwoman Marianne Barnebey, and University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee professor Richard O'Brien.

A Manatee Tiger Bay Club news release noted that the city is "currently experiencing a long awaited transformation," and that Old Main Street is "now an exciting destination."

Yet, there are other projects still waiting full realization, like the opening of the renovated Riverwalk, the restoration of the downtown hotel known as the "Pink Palace," and the opening of the Manatee Players Theatre.

"This is a critical city election because change is happening fast in Bradenton," said Judith Sedgeman, club president, in the news release. "City government will be challenged to adapt and respond, and stay in the forefront of planning a dynamic future."

For luncheon reservations or membership information, visit www.manateetigerbay.org, email manateetigerbay@aol.com or call 941-746-1151.

Elections are Nov. 6.

Bradenton residentsvoted in August's primary elections to eliminaterunoff elections. The can-didate who receives the most votes, not necessarily more than 51 percent of the votes, will be the elected mayor.