Is Bradenton a dull place to live? We’re missing lots of opportunities

As long time residents and retirees in Manatee County we have enjoyed the few city events such as the DeSoto parade and the Regatta on the Manatee River (which has limited viewing). Bradenton is a wonderful place to live as we are no longer a “trailer city.” We remember when people had signs stating that they lived on 59th Street as it was a narrow, unfit road.

But we have had no parades for July 4, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, the Christmas season, or even Thanksgiving.

Are the city streets too bad for parades to be held? We know band members of the high schools like to march in parades. Why do Palmetto, Sarasota and Anna Maria Island have parades and Bradenton does not?

Bradenton has many facilities for enjoyment other than the libraries. Why isn’t more information given to the public about the museum and the planetarium? Our planetarium is equal to any other worldwide planetarium. The South Florida Museum has many items of interest and informative classes.

Don’t forget the DeSoto National Memorial, which is a national park.

This story was originally published August 5, 2017 at 2:21 PM with the headline "Is Bradenton a dull place to live? We’re missing lots of opportunities."