Bradenton Herald week in review

Manatee County explains seasonal water odor concerns

Manatee County residents may notice an unusual smell or taste in their drinking water this spring, but county staff say it is a normal, seasonal occurrence. Laboratory analyst James Javaruski explained that naturally occurring seasonal algal blooms can produce taste and odor compounds as temperatures rise, noting it happens every year, though some years are more noticeable than others. Lake Manatee supplies about two-thirds of the county’s drinking water and is one source where these blooms and bacteria appear naturally. The episodes can occur two or three times per year and last up to four weeks. To address the issue, the county can add powdered activated carbon during treatment. Residents are also advised to use pitcher or showerhead carbon filters and to chill water before drinking. Those with further questions can contact Manatee County’s 3-1-1 hotline.

Reported by Carter Weinhofer, published June 1

Florida lawmakers scale back DeSantis property tax plan

Florida lawmakers moved to significantly limit Gov. Ron DeSantis’ property tax proposal on Monday, voting to exempt school funding and essential local services from the measure. House and Senate committees decided homeowners would still pay property taxes supporting schools, and clarified that offices like clerks of court and elections supervisors would remain funded. Sen. Jay Trumbull stated he could not support removing billions from public education. Lawmakers also stripped language about a state trust fund, which critics said was misleading since no such fund exists in the amendment. The revised proposal would raise the homestead exemption from $50,000 to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028. Fire chiefs, city managers and anti-tax group Florida TaxWatch all voiced opposition, warning of cuts to public safety and services.

Reported by Lawrence Mower, published June 2

FHP faces criticism after Bradenton cyclist’s death

The Florida Highway Patrol is under scrutiny after nearly two weeks passed without charges or citations following the fatal crash that killed cyclist Craig Prather, 48, in Bradenton. Authorities say a 24-year-old Sarasota man driving a BMW entered a designated bike lane along 53rd Avenue West near 66th Street West around 4:25 a.m. on May 16 and struck Prather, who died at the scene. Fellow cyclist Richard Traugott publicly questioned why no enforcement action had been announced, noting that FHP troopers had already stated the vehicle left the roadway. FHP spokesperson Kenneth Watson confirmed a DUI investigation was conducted the night of the crash and said the Traffic Homicide Unit continues to gather evidence. Watson noted that fatal crashes do not always result in criminal charges, even when fault is determined, but said the responsible party would receive “the justice that we can get as a law enforcement agency.” Sarasota and Manatee counties ranked among the deadliest in the nation for cyclists, according to a 2024 analysis.

Reported by Michael Moore Jr., published May 29

Coquina Beach lot floods despite $6M drainage fix

The south end of Coquina Beach’s parking lot temporarily closed after heavy rainfall overwhelmed its drainage system, raising questions about a $6 million infrastructure overhaul completed in 2020. Manatee County announced the closure May 28 morning via social media, though the lot reopened later that afternoon. Before the upgrades, the area regularly experienced flooding of 6 to 18 inches during heavy rain events. Former Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore once described the old lot as “a lake every time it rains.” The 2020 project replaced the dirt lot with pervious concrete designed to allow water to drain through the surface. County spokesperson Ogden Clark noted that while heavy downpours can still cause temporary flooding, the duration of standing water has been substantially reduced compared to pre-improvement conditions. Wednesday night’s storm delivered roughly 2.5 inches of rain in under an hour, with 24-hour totals reaching 3.2 to 3.4 inches.

Reported by Carter Weinhofer, published May 29

Driver clocked at 73 mph in Bradenton school zone

A driver was caught traveling at highway speed near a Bradenton school during the 2025-26 school year, according to data released by the Bradenton Police Department. The driver was recorded going 73 mph southbound on 59th Street West near Moody Elementary School and Sugg Middle School in a 40 mph zone — the highest speed recorded by the city’s school zone camera program this school year, police say. In another extreme case, a driver was clocked at 69 mph outside Sea Breeze Elementary School in a 25 mph zone. The program issued 15,866 speeding violations between Aug. 11 and Thursday morning, with more than 3,300 citations issued to drivers who failed to respond. Cameras monitor 10 campuses during enforcement hours, and drivers going more than 10 mph over the limit receive a $100 violation notice. The cameras will not operate during summer break.

Reported by Michael Moore Jr., published May 30

Manatee County craft breweries face closures and changes

Several local craft beer spots have recently closed or changed hands in the Bradenton area. Good Liquid Brewing Company shut down its downtown Bradenton taproom and restaurant in September after just six months, though its Lakewood Ranch and Parrish locations remain open. Big Top Brewing closed its Lakewood Ranch location in October, and Magnanimous Brewing previously vacated its Bradenton taproom, which Sun Lab Brewing now occupies. Motorworks Brewing, the oldest and largest in Bradenton, was named in a $1.9 million foreclosure lawsuit, though owners say they are resolving debt issues and plan to remain open. These closures reflect a broader national trend, with the Brewers Association reporting that brewery closings are outpacing openings and craft beer sales have trended downward over the last two years. Despite this, more than a half-dozen breweries continue to serve Manatee County.

Reported by Ryan Ballogg, published June 2

This story was originally published June 4, 2026 at 1:05 PM with the headline "Bradenton Herald week in review."