City of Bradenton, Florida - Government

If you felt shaking this afternoon, you're not alone.

A magnitude 6.1 earthquake was recorded approximately 65 miles northwest of Cuba. While some residents reported feeling the effects in our area, there are currently no tsunami threats to the U.S.

The City will continue to monitor information from the appropriate agencies.

Update: Shaking has been felt across much of Florida in the aftermath of the 6.1 magnitude quake just west of Cuba.

*NO* tsunami threat is expected from the earthquake.

This Fourth of July, Bradenton is going bigger than ever as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with the largest fireworks celebration in Bradenton’s history!

Join us on Saturday, July 4, 2026, for a citywide celebration along the Manatee River, featuring live music, food trucks, vendors, family fun, VIP experiences and a huge fireworks display over the water.

📍 Bradenton Riverwalk at Rossi Park & Old Main Street
🎶 Riverwalk Events: 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM
🎤 Live Music: Twinkle + Rock Soul Radio
🎶 Old Main Street Events: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
🎤 Live Music: Luna and the Warriors

Bring the family, invite your friends and celebrate Independence Day with our community as we come together for a historic night on the Manatee River.

Event details: https://www.facebook.com/share/18zAa9VNrr/

Welcome home, Barry. 🏡

A Bradenton home full of memory and meaning is whole again.

Barry is a longtime Bradenton resident who inherited his home from his late mother. Over the years, storm damage took a serious toll — a failing roof let water in during heavy rains, leading to extensive damage and mold that eventually made the house unsafe to live in. But Barry never gave up on it. The home held his family's history, and he was determined to save it.

After reaching out to the City of Bradenton for help, Barry was connected with Manatee County Habitat for Humanity's Storm Safe Home Renewal Program. Through the program, Habitat undertook a major rehabilitation of the home, rebuilding much of the structure while preserving its original footprint and the family legacy within it.

Today, we celebrated Barry's Home Dedication, and Mayor Gene Brown had the honor of presenting Barry the keys to his renewed home. 🔑

Thank you to the City Councilmembers who attended and took part in this project: Marianne Barnebey, Kemp Schuessler, Lisa Gonzalez Moore, and Pam Coachman.

When neighbors, nonprofits, and city leaders pull in the same direction, families like Barry's get to stay rooted in the place they call home. Welcome home, Barry. We're so glad you're back. 💙

That signal on SR 64 isn't an ordinary traffic light. When the City of Bradenton built the new Fire Station 2 at 2233 Manatee Avenue East, it worked in coordination with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to add an emergency signal system at the site.

Its purpose: to give responding crews a clear, safe path out of the station the moment a call comes in — helping shorten response times on one of the city's busiest corridors, without disrupting everyday traffic for drivers.

"Our new station is designed to improve response times, support firefighter health and safety, and accommodate future growth," said Fire Chief Tim Geer.
A small piece of infrastructure, working quietly to get help to you faster.

This week, we're recognizing the people who quietly keep Bradenton safe, healthy, and livable. 👏

Mayor Gene Brown has proclaimed June 1–5, 2026, as Code Enforcement Officers' Appreciation Week in the City of Bradenton.

Our code enforcement officers work behind the scenes every day—enforcing building, zoning, housing, animal control, fire safety, and environmental codes that protect our neighborhoods and save lives. Their work often goes unnoticed, even after a problem is solved. But the safer streets, cleaner properties, and stronger communities they help build are felt by all of us.

Join us in showing some appreciation for the people working to make Bradenton a better place to call home.

🌧️🌿 Summer Fertilizer Restrictions Begin June 1

Like many Florida communities, Manatee County limits the use of fertilizers containing nitrogen and phosphorus during the summer rainy season.

From June 1 through September 30, fertilizers containing nitrogen or phosphorus may not be applied to lawns and landscapes.

Why it matters: During heavy rainfall, excess nutrients can wash into storm drains and flow into our rivers, bays and local waterways. These nutrients may contribute to water quality problems.

These seasonal restrictions help protect our water resources during the months when rain is most common.

Learn more about fertilizer restrictions and ways to help protect local waterways:

🌐 Manatee County Fertilizer Ordinance:
https://library.municode.com/fl/manatee_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIIMACOCOOR_CH2-14ENRE_ARTIVLAMAFERE

🌐 City of Bradenton Stormwater:
https://cityofbradenton.com/stormwater

🌐 UF/IFAS Fertilizer FAQ:
https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/AE534

A fresh coat of paint was the finishing touch on something much bigger.

City leaders, Bradenton Police Officers, Bradenton Firefighters, and volunteers joined Manatee County Habitat for Humanity this morning to help complete a home revitalized through Habitat’s housing program, with significant funding by the City’s Community Development Block Grant Program.

Mayor Gene Brown, Vice Mayor Jayne Kocher, Councilwoman Marianne Barnebey, Councilwoman Pam Coachman, Councilman Kemp Schuessler, Fire Chief Tim Geer, Assistant Police Chief Brian Thiers, and members of the Bradenton Police and Fire Departments showed up to help with today’s work.

This is what community looks like.

Bradenton Police Department City of Bradenton Fire Department

🌴⚾ Weekend Roundup: Baseball, Market & City Services!

There’s plenty happening around Bradenton this weekend.

⚾ Bradenton Marauders at LECOM Park
Under the Sea vibes take over the ballpark this Friday, May 29! The first 500 fans will receive a beach towel, and pups are welcome for postgame dogs run the bases. Come back Saturday, May 30, for a postgame concert featuring One Night Rodeo.
🎟️ Tickets: https://atmilb.com/3yjHbwR

🛍️ Bradenton Public Market — Final Market of the Season
Join us Saturday, May 30, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Old Main Street for the final Bradenton Public Market of the season. Shop fresh flowers, local honey, produce, baked goods, handcrafted gifts and more.

Be sure to stop by the City booth while you’re there! The City’s FOG Program will be collecting used cooking oil and sharing tips to help keep fats, oils and grease out of our pipes.

Residents can also learn more about the Private Sewer Lateral Pilot Program, including designated pilot program areas and eligibility.

🌳 Plus, Keep Manatee Beautiful will be giving away free trees while supplies last.

📱 Don’t forget MyBradenton 311
Report non-emergency Public Works & Utilities requests, upload photos and track updates anytime at:
cityofbradenton.com/mybradenton311

🍳 Final Market of the Season — May 30!

The City of Bradenton’s FOG Program will be at the final market of the season on May 30, and residents are invited to stop by the City booth to learn more about protecting our pipes.

Our FOG Specialist will be collecting used cooking oil and sharing simple tips to help keep fats, oils, and grease out of our wastewater system. It may seem like a small step, but proper disposal helps prevent backups, reduce costly maintenance, and protect our infrastructure.

Bring your used cooking oil, ask questions, and help us keep Bradenton’s pipes and waterways clean.

Trash it. Don’t flush it.
📍 Stop by the City booth
📅 May 30 — Final Market of the Season

This morning, City of Bradenton Solid Waste employees identified a fire within a collection load while servicing a route near 6th Street East and 2nd Avenue East.

The driver immediately contacted 911, and the load was safely emptied in an area to allow City of Bradenton Fire Department personnel to extinguish the fire. Thanks to the quick actions of our Solid Waste team and the rapid response of firefighters, the fire was safely extinguished within minutes and no injuries were reported.

While the cause of the fire has not been determined, today’s incident serves as a reminder that certain items should never be placed in household garbage cans. Residents are encouraged to follow proper disposal guidelines for batteries, chemicals, paints, and other household hazardous materials, which can pose safety risks during collection and disposal.