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Tag: Julia Hazel

  • Manatee nonprofit helps veterans, families recover after 2024 hurricanes

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    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — A Manatee County nonprofit dedicated to assisting veterans and their families redirected its focus after last year’s hurricanes.

    What You Need To Know

    • Our Next Mission spent the last several months helping those families repair the homes they already lived in

    • The nonprofit was formed about six years ago

    • Peggy Brown, whose home was damaged by last year’s storms, had high praise for the nonprofit’s work

    Instead of renovating trailers and providing them to needy families, Our Next Mission spent the last several months helping those families repair the homes they already lived in.

    Peggy Brown was one of the many to have their home damaged.

    Her roof and floors were damaged by all three storms — Debby, Helene and Milton.

    “When they brought me home, it was, oh my God, devastating,” Brown said. “This was a mess. The roof was leaking more. I mean, half of it was gone. The carport part of it was gone,” she said.

    While Brown was able to fix her roof with the money she received from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), repairing everything else was going to be an expense that she couldn’t afford.

    “Like one Social Security check, and it’s very small. You have to pinch pennies to make it,” she said.

    That’s when Our Next Mission stepped in. While Brown purchased the materials, Our Next Mission provided free labor — repairing her floor, all of the kitchen cabinets and other areas of the trailer. She qualified for the assistance because her spouse was a military veteran.

    “He was such a loving person. I miss him, miss him a lot.””He would always come home and tell me how much he loved me,” she said, holding a photo in her hand.

    Our Next Mission was founded around six years ago. Its typical work consisted of renovating old trailers and then giving them to disabled and at-risk veterans.

    But after last year’s storms, the nonprofit decided to stop that work and redirect its volunteers to make repairs to the current homes of veterans and their families.

    “So over the last six or seven months after the storms, we replaced eight carports, two Florida rooms, helped people get two roofs put on their homes,” said Greg Kisela, President of Our Next Mission.

    Brown has lived in her trailer in Bradenton for more than 10 years, and said if she didn’t get help from the nonprofit, she would be homeless.

    “So good, them people are. They have done so much for me,” she said.

    It was a helping hand provided during a time of need.

    Our Next Mission does have one trailer available for a veteran who qualifies. The nonprofit anticipates finishing two more trailers before the end of the year.

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    Julia Hazel

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  • Manatee County to vote on purchasing Mixon Fruit Farm Property

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    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Manatee County commissioners will vote next week on the potential purchase of the Mixon Fruit Farms property in East Bradenton. While the farm closed nearly two years ago, its history might continue, according to one county commissioner who already has a vision of what the property could be.

    What You Need To Know

    • Manatee County might purchase Mixon Fruit Farms

    • Commissioner Amanda Ballard said there would be plans to create a library and community center, with the hope of hosting more community events

    • Commissioners are expected to vote on whether they will purchase the land or not on July 29 which marks 2 years since the farm closed its doors in Bradenton

    For decades, Mixon Fruit Farms was rooted in the Manatee County community. While their doors closed two years ago, their legacy in local farming may live on.

    “Can I get an orange swirl ice cream, please?” a customer asked.

    It’s a sweet treat for some — but for Janet Mixon, this is bittersweet.

    “We love it, and mostly the stories. This place was a memory maker for people,” she said.

    She’s inside the Mixon family’s food truck, which they started operating after they closed Mixon Fruit Farms in Bradenton in the summer of 2023.

    “We tried to make it have everything that everybody loves about Mixons,” she said.

    Now, the food truck is a way for locals like Alyssa Gay to experience a little nostalgia and still get a taste of the farm.

    “Yep, tastes like my childhood. This is what I remember doing on a weekly basis,” she said.

    Soon, the community may enjoy this site once more — but in a new way. Manatee County will vote next week on purchasing the property.

    “They want most of the equipment that left here,” Janet Mixon said.

    Commissioner Amanda Ballard said there would be plans to create a library and community center, with the hope of hosting more community events. But the farmland would stay as is — to be used as an educational tool for the next generation.

    “It kind of lets you know that you really did make memories, and the fact that they could do something with that here — making the library and continuing to have weddings and events,” she said.

    The day county commissioners will vote — next Tuesday — also marks exactly two years since the farm closed.

    Ballard said, “I am hopeful that my fellow commissioners will see the value in preserving this special piece of land for public use.”

    Mixon Fruit Farms has been part of Bradenton since 1939, but Janet believes the new vision for the future of the land will lead to new memories for the community — and for her.

    “I’m excited to see what it does,” she said.

    Janet hopes to see her family’s legacy continue for years to come.

    Ballard also mentions they are looking at possible partnerships with local universities for student internship projects.

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    Julia Hazel

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  • Manatee farm reacts to 17 percent tariff on most imports of Mexican tomatoes

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    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Local farmers say they feel supported after a recent Department of Commerce decision that places a 17 percent tariff on tomatoes from Mexico.

    West Coast Tomato says the future of tomato farming is bright. After decades of struggling to compete with lower tomato prices from Mexican farmers, the recent decision has made it a new day for American growers.

    What You Need To Know

    • Earlier this month, tomato farmers got a lifeline. The Department of Commerce announced tariffs of 17 percent on tomatoes from Mexico

    • West Coast Tomato sells its product across the eastern United States and Canada. And with this new tariff in place, its president sees a bright future

    Bob Spencer and his crew are getting ready for tomato planting season on his 2,000-acre farm.

    “He’s out there pulling some pitches to get it ready for laying the plastic that we’re seeing has been laid,” he said.

    Spencer is the president of West Coast Tomato. The farm has been in business in Manatee County since the 1950s. But over the years, things have changed.

    “It’s been a difficult time period for farmers in the fresh produce industry in the United States because of Mexico,” he said.

    Spencer said hundreds of family farms went out of business, and it has been a difficult road for West Coast Tomato trying to compete with the price of tomatoes from Mexico — but it managed to survive.

    Earlier this month, though, tomato farmers got a lifeline. The Department of Commerce announced tariffs of 17 percent on tomatoes from Mexico.

    “We’ve got a chance to succeed. You know, we’re never going to compete with Mexico, where there’s cheap labor and a lack of regulation,” he said.

    Spencer says West Coast Tomato sells its product across the eastern United States and Canada. And with this new tariff in place, he sees a bright future.

    “I think there will be an opportunity for growth — grow more acres and supply our country with good American produce,” he said.

    Already, he said, the Department of Commerce’s decision has made a difference.

    “I’ve heard from fellow farmers around the country — who are harvesting now in Tennessee and Alabama — that the markets have improved, and it’s the same way in California. So that’s good news for the American farmer,” he said.

    Potentially putting farmers like Spencer on a pathway to greater success.

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    Julia Hazel

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  • Manatee canal and drainage debris removal expected to be complete next month

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    PALMETTO, Fla. —  Manatee County crews are hard at work to finish the last of the debris removal work orders, and say all the canal and drainage system debris removal jobs are expected to be completed by next month.

    County officials say they started with more than 700 jobs on the list, and now it is down to just a few dozen.

    What You Need To Know

    • Manatee County crews are hard at work to finish the last of the county’s debris removal work orders

    • With initially more than 700 jobs on the list, they’re down to just under 80 left to complete

    • County officials say they anticipate being completed with all canal debris removal work by the middle of next month

    Michael Vickers knows it takes more than heavy lifting and heavy machinery to get the job done.

    A member of the Manatee County stormwater maintenance team, he said getting things done requires teamwork.

    “Our hand communications and communication skills is what we use to be able to let the operator know, ‘Hey, you may need to swing around or you might be better to come this way,’” he said. “Our biggest thing is we try to do it as safe as possible.”

    Vickers has been doing this job for the county for about four years, but said the work is second nature to him.

    “This is a part of the Florida life,” he said. “I grew up on a farm cutting trees down, and it’s what I’m passionate about the most. I know what I’m doing, and I’m good at it.”

    On this day, the crew was clearing fallen trees and removing other debris from an area of Palmetto west of U.S. 41 to prevent upstream flooding during a storm.

    “A lot of people think that we worry about the amount of water that comes through here,” Vickers said. “What we actually worry about is the flow at which it leaves. So being able to clear out anything that can grab, hold and create blockages is what our biggest concern is.”

    Next month will mark a year since the county began its canal and drainage debris clearing process.

    They started with big jobs like Gamble Creek and Braden River.

    With initially about 700 jobs on the list, they’re down to just under 80 left to complete.

    “We are in a lot better shape this year right now than we were last — you know, even six months ago,” Vickers said. “The systems that we’ve got, most of the majors have been cleaned out at this point, and most of the minor canals have been cleaned. And we are ready for the storm season.”

    As a 17th-generation Floridian, Vickers said he understands the storm season well, and knows what needs to be done to stay ahead of any storm.

    “I love doing this,” he said.

    County officials say they expect all canal debris removal work to be done by the middle of next month.

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    Julia Hazel

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  • The Cortez Stone Crab Fishing Festival cancelling this year; businesses react

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    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Typically, Florida’s festival scene is vibrant with options.

    But this year, some local festivals are having to make a tough decision as hurricane recovery continues.

    What You Need To Know

    • On a Facebook post, the Cortez Stone Crab & Music Festival states: “After much thoughtful consideration, we have made the difficult decision not to host the Cortez Stone Crab Festival this year. The aftermath of last year’s hurricanes brought significant challenges to our beloved historic village.”

    • Local vendors rely on the Stone Crab Fishing Festival as it brings in needed revenue
    • Last year’s hurricanes left the business without power for days, costing them thousands of dollars

    • In the same Facebook post, the Cortez Stone Crab & Fishing Festival says they are planning a mini stone crab celebration this fall

    The Cortez Stone Crab & Music Festival announced on its Facebook page that this year’s festival is being cancelled.

    That affects not only festival-goers but also the vendors who serve them.

    Vendors relied heavily on the Cortez Stone Crab Festival every year as it brings in needed revenue.

    But with the festival cancelled, businesses that were already still trying to recover from last year’s storms now find themselves taking another hit.

    For Travis Roy, baking is his business. He co-owns Breezy Bakery in Cortez.

    Last year’s hurricanes left the business without power for days, costing them thousands of dollars.

    “That was money we were never able to recoup,” he said.

    It was a huge loss because of food going bad and a dip in sales from being closed.

    They also saw fewer customers after the storms.

    “And even with the loans, it’s still a loan and we still have to pay that back. So, we are still fighting and struggling,” he said.

    That’s why Roy relies on local events and festivals to ramp up business and income.

    So when he heard the Cortez Stone Crab & Music Festival was being cancelled this year, he says it was disappointing.

    “It helps out. It allows us to live, really. We’re definitely not the most high-volume place, but it definitely gives us a more relaxing month when it comes to the bills and keeping the place going and running,” he said.

    On a Facebook post, the Cortez Stone Crab & Music Festival states:

    “After much thoughtful consideration, we have made the difficult decision not to host the Cortez Stone Crab Festival this year. The aftermath of last year’s hurricanes brought significant challenges to our beloved historic village.”

    But they go on to post about a plan for a mini stone crab celebration this fall.

    “It’s something we love doing, and we love being a part of it,” Roy said.

    So whenever the festival returns, he’ll be there.

    He says that for him, community support goes a long way.

    Last year’s Cortez Stone Crab & Music Festival was also cancelled because of the hurricanes.

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    Julia Hazel

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  • BPD invests in new devices to detect card skimmers

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    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — The Bradenton Police Department is ramping up its efforts to stop scamming in the area, specifically credit and debit card scammers.

    Recently, the department received a grant from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to buy new credit card skimming detection devices.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Bradenton Police Department is ramping up its efforts to stop scamming in the area, specifically credit and debit card scammers



    • Recently, the department received a grant from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to buy new credit card skimming detection devices



    • They also suggest that you regularly check your bank statements and register for alerts from your financial institutions to quickly detect and report fraud



    Bradenton Police Detective Michael Carpenter is tracking down credit card skimmers using new credit card skimming detection devices they received, thanks to a grant from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

    “You insert it with a credit card, go. As soon as you get a green light, there’s no skimming device detected. If you had a red light, a skimming device detected, we would continue our investigation,” Carpenter said.

    He said criminals install skimming devices on ATMs, gas pumps, and other payment systems to steal people’s credit and debit card information.

    Carpenter says they investigate a lot of credit card fraud.

    “So far, we’ve done probably 50 different gas stations, ATMs, et cetera. We found one on the first day. We aren’t able to determine if it had information on it, what information it had on it, or who put it there. But we were able to deter anybody else from becoming a victim,” he said.

    He says solving this type of crime can be challenging.

    “We notify the business, but we can’t determine who put it there until we get fingerprints and DNA from the inside of the device,” he said.

    BPD said detectives go out periodically to check payment systems.

    All officers will have access to these devices and will use them if they notice anything suspicious.

    “It gives people peace of mind that the devices they’re using are safer devices,” he said.

    It’s another way for the police department to detect scamming and protect residents from a financial crime.

    The Bradenton Police Department says to avoid becoming a victim, use payment tools like Apple Pay or Google Pay, which encrypt payment data.

    They also suggest checking your bank statements regularly and registering for alerts from your financial institutions so fraud can be detected and reported quickly.

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  • Manatee County seeks public input on future Cortez Marina boat ramp

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    BRADENTON, Fla. — Manatee County officials want to hear from residents on plans for the future Cortez boat ramp.

    What You Need To Know

    • Manatee County leaders are looking to build a marina where the Seafood Shack once stood, just north of the Cortez Bridge

    • The first open house hearing will be July 24 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Bridge Church in Bradenton

    • A public input form concerning the plans can be found here

    Leaders are looking to build a marina where the Seafood Shack once stood, just north of the Cortez Bridge.

    County officials say the new amenity could increase the number of boat trailer parking spaces by up to 25%.

    Kathe Fannon has been a charter captain for more than 20 years with Captain Kathe and First Mate Pup-Pup Charters —but she has been a Cortezian for even longer.

    “In Cortez — my grandfather, my dad, me, and my daughter, and now I have my granddaughter,” she said.

    She said she has seen a lot of things change the look of the old fishing village over the years — most recently with the tearing down of both Annie’s Bait & Tackle and the Seafood Shack.

    “I don’t know why they tore that down,” Fannon said. “That is a piece of Old Florida.”

    The county has new plans for the property.

    Leaders are looking to transform it into Cortez Marina, which will include a “vibrant public boat-launch and waterfront destination.”

    “Yeah, absolutely,” Fannon said. “You put a boat ramp near us, we’re going to use it.”

    But she has some hesitations.

    “Of what it’s going to look like and what it’s going to do to Cortez,” she said. “It’s just going to — it’s going to just change the entire outlook, you know, of Cortez.”

    That is why she is answering Manatee County’s call for public input on the proposal through the survey leaders sent out this week.

    “Yes, they want you to pick what facilities and what activities you would like to see apply to this boat ramp — public events, food trucks, parking,” Fannon said.

    Leaders say once they gather all the input from residents, they will move into the design process, which could happen as early as next year.

    And construction could get underway two to three years from now.

    “This is very interesting,” Fannon said. “I’m sure there’s going to be a lot of people reading this and looking at it, shaking their heads.”

    But one thing she cares most about is keeping the feel and history of the Cortez fishing village.

    “It’s a part of my life,” she said. “It’s so attached to my heart.”

    She is hoping as changes are implemented, county leaders work to preserve the “Old Florida” feel of the area.

    The first open house hearing will be July 24 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Bridge Church in Bradenton. A public input form concerning the plans can be found here.

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  • Gulf Islands Ferry to expand to more stops

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    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Eighteen months after first launching the Gulf Islands Ferry, the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau is saying it has been such a success that plans to expand are coming soon.

    Passengers say avoiding beach traffic is one of the key benefits of the service.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau says they will be expanding their service — adding three stops to its route in the future.

    • Planning is underway for stops at Coquina Beach, Cortez Marina, and Palmetto near the Estuary Park.

    • Ridership on the Gulf Islands Ferry is increasing. Data from the Visitors Bureau shows 29,000 riders this year — already surpassing last year’s 28,000 passengers.

    No new stops for the Gulf Islands Ferry are expected to be added before Thanksgiving — but they are coming.

    And for the locals who regularly use this as a transportation alternative, they say more stops mean more incentive to ride.

    Melissa Wilson has always lived near the water. But more recently, she has been riding on it.

    “I get on it by myself sometimes. I just get on and ride it,” she said.

    From the open water to the animals you see, Wilson said there is a lot to enjoy.

    She takes the ferry every week.

    On this day, she departed from downtown Bradenton. Forty-five minutes later, she’ll arrive at Bridge Street Pier.

    “Oh, I love it,” she said. “It’s great.”

    She has been a ferry passenger since it first launched last January.

    “On the Anna Maria City Pier, they had karaoke every Saturday night. And so I would take it, get off the boat, sing karaoke, hop on the boat and go back. I didn’t have to worry about traffic,” she said.

    The overall mission of this service was to reduce traffic by giving tourists and residents a different method of transportation — and it’s working.

    According to the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, in 2024 there were about 13,000 fewer cars on the road. And by the end of this year, they anticipate that number to grow by more than 50 percent, with around 20,000 fewer cars on the road.

    “I’ve sat in season back in the day for an hour, hour and a half with my gas running and people cutting me off and being rude,” she said.

    And while right now there are only two stops, there will be more.

    The Visitors Bureau says they will be expanding its service, adding three stops to its route in the future.

    Planning is underway for stops at Coquina Beach, Cortez Marina, and Palmetto near the Estuary Park.

    “From the people I’ve talked to about the Cortez one, they’re super excited because they live in Cortez. It’s also easier if you live here to get to Bradenton,” she said.

    And ridership on the ferry is increasing. Data from the Visitors Bureau shows 29,000 riders this year, already surpassing last year’s 28,000 passengers.

    “I hope people get out and ride. It’s refreshing,” she said.

    It’s a new perspective on traveling to Manatee County’s prime destinations — and with more stops in the future, Wilson knows the view can only get better from here.

    The Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau says the Coquina Beach stop will be open by Thanksgiving. Stops in Palmetto and Anna Maria City Pier are expected to be ready in 2026.

    The Gulf Islands Ferry currently operates Wednesdays through Sundays.

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    Julia Hazel

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  • Private music academy in Bradenton thrives amid arts funding cuts

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    BRADENTON, Fla. — Last year, Gov. Ron DeSantis made huge cuts to Florida’s arts funding, leading many public school districts to place uncertainty on many programs.

    As a result, one music academy in Manatee County says they’re seeing a spike in enrollment as parents sought options.

    • Last year, Gov. Ron DeSantis made huge cuts to Florida’s arts funding

    • With some school districts seeing a decrease in funding for arts programs, Premier Music Academy owner Whitney Lopez says she’s seeing an increase in students seeking private and group lessons

    • She says they’ve seen a 51% increase in enrollment between 2022 and 2025, which led to them expanding and opening a second location recently

    • Public arts and culture funding did see some reversals in Florida’s budget for 2025-26, as the state restored millions of dollars in grants

    “We had people driving from North Manatee, from South Manatee,” Premier Music Academy owner Whitney Lopez said. “I do believe that it has to do with the school systems slashing funding for the arts.”

    She says they’ve seen a 51% increase in enrollment between 2022 and 2025. That led to them expanding and opening a second location recently.

    “The funding being so low for the arts — we’re ready for the boom,” she said.

    Lily Woodruff, a student at the academy, has been attending for six years and plans to continue.

    She found her talent at a young age. Now at 14 years old, Lily plays six instruments. She says she’s refined her skills over the years, and that her musical passion is driven by faith.

    “I love playing piano. Because it gives me an opportunity to just, like, do what I want and just to, like, glorify God through music,” she said. “I want to get better so I can be a worship singer.”

    She says the arts are a critical part of her life and supports keeping them in education. Lily will be a freshman in high school this fall where she hopes to learn more about music.

    Public arts and culture funding did see some reversals in Florida’s budget for 2025-26, as the state restored millions of dollars in grants.

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  • Manatee nonprofit raises money to help Texas flood victims

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    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — There are several ways to help victims in Texas, including by going through local nonprofits who are passing along aid.

    A Manatee County resident is on a mission to provide support to families and first responders in the flood-affected communities.

    What You Need To Know

    • There are several ways to help victims in Texas, including by going through local nonprofits who are passing along aid

    • A Manatee County resident is on a mission to provide support to families and first responders in Texas

    • More Information:  The Blessing Bags Project 
    • How to help victims of Texas floods

    Betsy Plante, who created The Blessing Bags Project, says each day is a blessing. For her, the biggest blessing is helping others.

    “God put that passion in my heart to really look out for other people, that nobody else wants to care for, so that’s how it all got started,” she said.

    She co-started her nonprofit 15 years ago.

    “We provide basic critical needs to the homeless and less fortunate. We do a lot of other things. I help women and men in recovery, people getting out of prison,” she said.

    And she’s supported the community over the years, including raising more than $150,000 after last year’s hurricanes.

    Recently, she’s continued helping by serving food. But her support goes beyond Manatee County. Earlier this week, Plante started a fundraiser to help Texas flood victims.

    “I was heartbroken. I think I was numb,” she said.

    It’s linked to her Facebook and her nonprofit’s website, where people can click on the donate button. She says the money goes directly to Mercy Chefs, a faith-based nonprofit.

    “They use that money to provide supplies and food,” she said. “And the thing with Mercy Chefs is they’re going to feed the people. They’re going to feed the families and everything, but they take care of first responders.”

    She says collecting money is a faster way of helping than collecting supplies.

    So far, she’s raised more than $5,000.

    “And we are going to keep on going,” she said.

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  • State grants $1.2M towards rebuilding Anna Maria City Pier

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    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — It will cost millions of dollars, but city officials say it’s worth it to restore what they call an island icon after Hurricane Milton destroyed Anna Maria City Pier.

    Last week, the state budget allocated $1.2 million in funding toward rebuilding the entire pier.

     What You Need To Know

    • Officials say the state budget allocated $1.2 million in funding toward rebuilding the entire Anna Maria City Pier

    • The mayor of Anna Maria says officials are working with FEMA and the county to seek extra funding

    • The mayor explains that the goal reopening date for Anna Maria Pier is late fall 2026

    Officials say the pier could cost up to $9 million to repair. That might seem like a lot, but many islanders — including the ones who used to work here — say it’s worth it to bring a piece of the island back.

    But officials say just last week the city learned it will receive $1.2 million from the state that will go toward rebuilding the pier. That will only cover some of the overall cost, though.

    Anna Maria City Mayor Mark Short told Spectrum Bay News 9 the most costly part is rebuilding the infrastructure and walkway.

    The mayor says the city is still finishing up the demolition process, but that it’s important to reopen the pier because “the pier is iconic. It’s one of the most visited places in all of Manatee County,” he said.

    The mayor of Anna Maria says officials are working with FEMA and the county to seek extra funding. The goal reopening date for Anna Maria City Pier is late fall 2026.

    An island local’s reaction

    Destiny Brown works as a cashier at Anna Maria General Store for the summer.

    She’s been forced to make ends meet. She used to work as a cashier and social media manager at City Pier Grill, a restaurant on Anna Maria City Pier. Last October, Hurricane Milton destroyed the pier — and the job she held full time for five years was gone, leaving her searching.

    “There was an open house for Manatee County, the school district, and I went there and got a teacher aide position pretty shortly after. So that’s what I started doing. And now I’m going to be an English teacher at King Middle,” she said.

    But before the school district hired her, life was a little rocky.

    “It was very important to me. I worked there every day,” she said. “I immediately applied for government help. That’s why I started looking for a job immediately. We were really worried.”

    And so are many others who loved Anna Maria City Pier.

    It could cost between $6 and $9 million to repair the entire pier, including the restaurant — an investment Brown says is worth it.

    “It’s just a local legend back, basically. So that’s going to be awesome seeing everyone back to fishing in the area,” she said.

    Rebuilding isn’t simple — but a symbol like the city pier being restored would bring hope to Brown and her island community.

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  • Chop Shop in Bradenton investing in new changes for hurricane season

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    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — A family business in Manatee County is investing in new equipment that they say will make them more prepared for storms.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Chop Shop suffered thousands of dollars worth of damage from Hurricane Milton

    • Now, the family is buying generators and updating their preparations for this year’s storm season

    • Owner Susan Higbee was worried she would have to close the shop after high winds from Milton left their mark

    The financial impact of Hurricane Milton reached well into six figures, and The Chop Shop faced a long road to recovery.

    Susan Higbee says she treats her customers there like family.

    Higbee is the owner of the butcher shop and grocery store in Bradenton. It has been in her family since 1971, and she has spent a lot of time there.

    “I mean in the store since I was 13,” she said.

    Higbee took on the ownership role after her brother passed away in 2019. The future of the business is personal to her.

    “Everything, everything. It’s my family’s legacy,” she explained.

    But she was worried she would have to close the shop after high winds from Hurricane Milton left their mark.

    “It was so devastating,” she said.

    There was significant damage to the roof and A/C units. Their sign was impacted, too. The damage led to water intrusion, but the most expensive loss was actually the meat that couldn’t be saved because the power was out.

    “Just product, probably $175,000 at least. At least that’s just product. Not counting the building, not counting the sign, not counting anything else,” she said.

    That’s why she is buying new generators and had workers install a gas line this week, so in the future they will avoid losing both customers and product.

    “We lost power for several days. We lost pretty much all of our inventory. The little bit that we could sell and that we gave away. Employees lost a lot of pay because we weren’t open,” she said.

    Highbee wants to be prepared for future storms.

    Because she knows as long as she has her family and her customers, The Chop Shop’s legacy in Bradenton will live on.

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  • Bay area bee farmers react to honeybee decline this year

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    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — While the nationwide honeybee population reached a record high three years ago, scientists are concerned in 2025.

    What You Need To Know

    • A study by Washington State University predicted a 60-70% loss in the honeybee population

    • Locally, the bee population has dealt with its own set of challenges — most notably last year’s storms and a dry spring

    • Allison Davis and her husband, Matthew, founded Noble Nectar in 2016 and say the road to recovery has been challenging

    A study by Washington State University predicted a 60-70% loss in population due to issues like nutrition deficiencies, mite infestations, and viral diseases.

    Locally, the bee population has dealt with its own set of challenges — most notably last year’s storms and a dry spring.

    Allison Davis and her husband, Matthew, founded Noble Nectar in 2016.

    “It’s amazing. I wouldn’t want to do anything else. We get to work outside, we get to work with nature. It’s kind of calming,” Allison said.

    But after last year’s hurricanes, half of their bee hives were under water. All the bees in those hives died.

    Allison says the road to recovery has been challenging.

    “Hurricanes come through, they wipe out all the resources, like food supply for the bees. It changes a lot. So it takes a while to build back up,” she said.

    But the losses didn’t end there. Allison said there were other environmental conditions this year that led to a reduction in their bee population.

    She says they have lost more bees than in any previous year.

    “I think for us, it’s mostly been changes in the overall weather patterns and the seasons this year. We had a really dry spring,” she said.

    Typical losses over the last decade have been only 40 to 50%, according to the WSU study.

    Allison says the increase might be because of mites.

    “There are two new viruses that mites, which are a pest that invades hives, carry. These viruses end up infecting the hives, essentially killing them off,” she said.

    She says while her beehives aren’t suffering from mites right now, she is worried about it.

    “It’s not something that we’re immune to, that’s for sure. I know that a lot of the big commercial beekeepers are finding that it’s more of a problem for them at this point,” she said.

    Noble Nectar also does bee removal jobs, but co-owner Matthew Davis said that volume of activity has been affected, too.

    “And I feel like this year the amount of those calls has really declined,” he said. I think that has a lot to do with the two hurricanes that came through. And then there were some massive losses over the wintertime from starvation.”

    For now, Allison says they’ll have to continue to monitor their hives for any problems.

    “If there’s a decline in bees, that also means there’s going to be a decline in food that can be produced, because honeybees pollinate about 80% of the world’s crops,” she said.

    Allison and Matthew understand the significance of honeybees, and they are doing their part to make sure their population can thrive.

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    Julia Hazel

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  • Manatee Agricultural Museum’s ‘Dairy Days of Manatee County’

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    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — In a time where change happens fast and new technology is evolving around us, a museum in Palmetto is holding on to moments in time — hoping more people can experience the joys of the history that surrounds them in Manatee County.

    What You Need To Know

    • One of the exhibits at the Manatee County Agricultural Museum is called “Dairy Days of Manatee County”

    • It traces the history of dairy farms in the area and shows innovations that have changed the industry in the last century

    • It’s open Tuesday through Friday, as well as the first and third Saturdays of each month, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

    History is always around us.

    But Diane Ingram likes to live in history.

    “I think it’s important to know where you came from,” she said.

    And she likes to educate the younger generations.

    “One of the things that is my most favorite things is doing activities and programming for kids,” Ingram said.

    She is the supervisor at the Manatee County Agricultural Museum in Palmetto.

    She has worked there for 23 years since it opened its doors in 2002.

    Ingram is always thinking of ways to engage families in learning.

    “This is helping the kids learn what chickens like to eat. And chickens love worms,” she said.

    The museum is a family-centered experience, offering artifacts and history about agriculture, farming and ranching.

    One of their exhibits is called “Dairy Days of Manatee County.” It traces the history of dairy farms in the area and shows innovations that have changed the industry in the last century.

    “At one point in time, in the 1950s, there were over 30 dairies at one time. Over time, there have been over 60, and most folks don’t know that. Today, there’s only three dairies here in Manatee County, and they’re all owned by the same family,” she explained.

    A lot has changed in the agriculture industry over the years.

    “The agriculture today in Manatee County, other than tourism, is still the largest industry. But each year, it gets smaller and smaller. Land is being sold for development. Land is being sold because farmers and ranchers don’t have children to leave it to,” she said.

    Ingram says the museum’s programs are expanding, and as more families participate, the importance of sharing the history grows.

    “So if we lose that heritage, people who live here now or who come to live here are not going to understand the history of the area,” she said.

    “It’s great for families and kids,” she said.

    As Ingram creates new ways for visitors to learn, she ensures that the history of agriculture in Manatee County will continue.

    The museum offers summer educational programs for kids.

    It’s open Tuesday through Friday, as well as the first and third Saturdays of each month, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

    Staff said that the Manatee County Agricultural Museum is part of the historical resources department of the Manatee Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller.

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    Julia Hazel

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  • Manatee companies invest in building new affordable workforce housing complex

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    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — A new workforce housing project aims to help the affordable housing crisis in Manatee County.

    One Stop Housing is partnering with 12 local companies to build the complex and said that the county has agreed to a $5 million loan that will help with construction costs.

    What You Need To Know

    • One Stop Housing said it will take about three years until Forest Cove is complete
    • S&B Metal Products said it will have seven units available for their employees when the complex is ready

    Creating something from a vision is a skill Neil Sipes has polished.

    He has been a press brake operator at S&B Metal Products in Bradenton for five years and has worked in the industry for more than a decade. Part of his job includes putting pieces of metal together to make a final product.

    “I like the projects that we do. They’re very creative. I have a lot of creative freedom,” he said.

    But when he first moved to Florida, one thing stood out.

    “It is an expensive area,” he explained.

    A dozen companies in Manatee County are investing in a workforce housing complex called Forest Cove that will be built in Bradenton. There will be two five-story buildings with 156 units. Mark Vengroff, the CEO of One Stop Housing, says it’s a way to provide workers with affordable housing and help companies retain employees.

    “A lot of times, a lot of these companies that we’ve been hearing is that they finally find the right candidate. They fly them over (for) the interview, they love the company, they love the job. But then they drive around, they realize, ‘I can’t afford anything on that salary,’” he said.

    One Stop Housing data shows 40% of Sarasota and Manatee County residents are cost burdened, meaning 30% of their total annual salary is spent on housing. The rental rates at Forest Cove would range from just under $1,000 for a studio to nearly $1,700 for a two-bedroom apartment. Sipes is hoping to live in a one-bedroom unit so he can save money.

    “For a year or two years until I can get a down payment on a house,” he said.

    Sipes, like so many, is fighting the rising cost of living. But now his company is fighting too, helping its employees battle the housing crisis.

    One Stop Housing said it will take about three years until Forest Cove is complete. S&B Metal Products said it will have seven units available for their employees when the complex is ready.

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    Julia Hazel

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  • Holmes Beach approves new ordinance for holes in its beaches

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    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Manatee County beach sweepers say they have recently had to fill holes that were several feet deep, some as large as the big machinery they operate.

    What You Need To Know

    • Manatee County has its own ordinance regarding rules with its beaches

    • Mayor Judy Titsworth created a similar ordinance

    • Holmes Beach leaders approved an ordinance that prohibits the use of metal shovels and holes deeper than one foot. Mark Taylor believes it will help

    While the county has its own ordinance with rules regarding digging at the beach, the city of Holmes Beach has also approved its own ordinance prohibiting the use of metal shovels and limiting holes to a depth of one foot.

    It is good news for Mark Taylor.

    “We do the best we can to keep it clean and safe,” he said.

    His job title is beach rake operator for Manatee County seven days a week.

    “Filling in this hole,” he explained.

    Recently he has seen more holes at Manatee County’s beaches. He says he fills hundreds of holes a day.

    “It gets a little bit worse every year, only because more people are using the beach now than ever before. We don’t really have a slow season nowadays. It might be no bigger than a number three wash tub. Or it might be as big as my tractor,” he said.

    And his tractor is pretty big. Here are some pictures of holes Taylor took last weekend.

    Photo from City of Holmes Beach

    Taylor believes the ordinance will help.

    “They’re dangerous,” he said.

    A danger he knows about too well. And he treats filling holes seriously.

    “A couple of years ago, I found a sign in a hole, a homemade sign, and it said, my wife is in Blake Hospital with serious injuries because of this hole,” he explained.

    Holmes Beach officials say it’s not just about safety concerns for people. The holes were also trapping sea turtles. Taylor believes this new ordinance will help.

    “It’s a step in the right direction, I really do. I’ve been pushing for it for a long time,” he said.

    Taylor says it’s a step in the right direction to keep Manatee County’s beaches, wildlife and people safe.

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    Julia Hazel

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  • Manatee resident’s business booming after starting it because of 2024 hurricanes

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    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — A new dock and boat lift repair business is booming on Anna Maria Island. The business owner says his work is helping to fill a void the community needed during storm recovery last year.

    What You Need To Know

    • After starting operations in January, James Taylor’s business, Taylor Marine LLC, is now booked weeks out for important cleanup work

    • He says the business addresses both pre- and post-storm concerns — including storm prep services, custom dock construction and dock repair

    • Taylor says almost every dock and boat lift on Anna Maria Island was damaged by Milton. He says each repair job takes one week to complete


    After starting operations in January, it is now booked weeks out for important cleanup work.

    Working on the water feels natural for James Taylor.

    But now the Manatee County native’s career path has a new meaning — he has put his name on it.

    “I’ve been a dock master at a marina here in Cortez for about 15 years,” Taylor says. “And after the storms, we also sustained some damage. And all the local companies were just swamped. So that kind of resulted in me building my own barge and dock building business.”

    On this day, Taylor and his crew with Taylor Marine LLC are removing a boat lift that was destroyed by Hurricane Milton. He says the business addresses both pre- and post-storm concerns — including storm prep services, custom dock construction and dock repair.

    “We’ve been nonstop since we started, since post-storms. Yeah, we’ve been going every day,” he says.

    Almost every dock and boat lift on Anna Maria Island was damaged by Milton, Taylor says, and each repair job takes one week to complete.

    “It’s awesome. We certainly enjoy helping people and trying to restore where I grew up, my home, back to its full potential,” he says.

    Rebuilding structures like boat lifts is helping Taylor build his brand while supporting the community ahead of future storms.

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    Julia Hazel

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  • Myakka rancher prepares for hurricane season

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    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Manatee County rancher Jim Strickland says Hurricane Milton brought 6 to 8-foot waves to his property, which is more than 20 miles from the Gulf.

    What You Need To Know

    • Jim Strickland and his family own two ranches in Myakka City
    • He has been repairing damages from last year’s hurricanes 

    • After Hurricane Milton, 600 trees fell on his property and dikes that separate bodies of water eroded from high waves 

    He says rebuilding from the damage has been slow.

    This is a call that Strickland has mastered over the years.

    “I’ve raised about 12 generations of these cows,” he said.

    Strickland and his family own two ranches in Myakka City, including a 1,300-acre one called “Lost Girl Prairie.”

    It may look nice now, but after last year’s hurricanes, he says the property had significant damage — including about 600 downed trees.

    “My engineers tell me that we had 6 to 8-foot waves blowing across the water, because we’ve got about 600 acres here of lakes,” he explained.

    The strong waves from Hurricane Milton eroded the dikes on his property — barriers that separate bodies of water, crucial for his ranch.

    “So now we’re fixing the dikes as fast as we can. It’s hurricane season, but it has taken a year to get the appropriate permits, to get the bids, to get the company to do the work here,” he said.

    Jim Strickland and his family own two ranches in Myakka City. (Spectrum News)

    The work started a couple of weeks ago. Strickland received a federal grant to help rebuild. Part of the money went to hiring a crew to make repairs. They have already fixed three miles of dikes.

    “We are coming through patching it up with a little extra dirt to make it thicker,” said Seven Smith, a heavy machinery operator working for Strickland.

    There’s only one mile left to repair. One can tell where the patches were made by the white color of the clay-dirt mixture.

    Strickland says these repairs are essential.

    “When you have an emergency, like a hurricane that knocks out dikes that could possibly affect other people around here, that could help flood them out — which would not be of help.”

    Strickland’s ranches are his livelihood. Those repairs were necessary, but the work he’s doing is also protecting the community around him.

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    Julia Hazel

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  • Sarasota company that sells drug detection wipes is expanding globally

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    SARASOTA, Fla. — One Sarasota business is expanding its product and going global. Its goal is to help in the fight against explosives and drugs.

    What You Need To Know

    • A team of chemists at Trace Eye-D in Sarasota invented wipes that can detect explosives and drugs like cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine

    • Barry Gorski, director of research and development for Trace Eye-D, said a color change on the wipe can identify the drugs and explosives

    •  CEO Chris Baden said since launching the wipes in early 2023, they are being used by police, military, and forensics worldwide, along with law enforcement locally


    If there’s one thing Barry Gorski knows about, it’s inventing new products.

    “Then we are going to add the analyte to it,” he said.

    He’s a chemist and the director of research and development for Trace Eye-D in Sarasota.

    He and his team invented wipes that can detect explosives and drugs like cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine.

    Trace Eye-D CEO Chris Baden said the wipes are by police, military, and forensics worldwide, along with law enforcement locally. (Spectrum News/Julia Hazel)

    He said you’ll know it when you see the color change on the wipe.

    “It will give you an instantaneous response,” Gorski said.

    Gorski said the wipes save time and are safer than other traditional ways of testing for drugs.

    “And the kits that they use now, where you have to break an ampule and shake it, and you literally have to pick the substance up and put it into a pouch — that’s pretty dangerous,” he said.

    It’s a process that’s taken time to develop.

    “Oh, a number of years now,” Gorski said. “Perfecting everything we started. Like I said, we started off with explosives, and then the drug thing became bigger and bigger.”

    So much so that now they’re selling their product across the world.

    Chris Baden is the CEO. He said since launching the wipes in early 2023, sales have grown by 500%.

    The wipes are being utilized by police, military, and forensics worldwide, along with law enforcement locally.

    “Now, we’ve developed a net dealer/reseller network of over 40 distributors, ranging from Norway, Finland, the United States, Colombia. We’re all over the map. But we have some really strong representation here in the U.S. now,” Baden said.

    As Gorski and his team continue to work, the company continues to expand.

    He says it’s rewarding knowing they’re providing a tool to potentially help the community stay safe.

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    Julia Hazel

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  • New Roof, New Hope: Nonprofit helps Bay area families prepare for storm season

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    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Rebuilding Together Greater Florida is helping Bay area residents make their homes more secure for storm season. The nonprofit is partnering with local roofing companies to install roofs that are specifically designed to withstand the force of a storm.

    What You Need To Know

    • The nonprofit says it has completed work on dozens of homes in Manatee County
    • The work throughout the Bay area is ongoing

    One Sarasota couple discussed the impact of getting a new roof.

    “I love it, I love it,” said Johnnie Cantrell.

    The smile on Cantrell’s face said more than words can describe.

    “They’re doing a good job — I love it,” he said. He’s talking about the crews working on their new roof — something the couple, who has owned their home for 25 years, didn’t think was going to happen.

    “It’s just a wonderful thing. And I just thank them, and I thank God for all the blessings and stuff, because not everybody can afford it, you know,” said his wife, Sheila Cantrell.

    Rebuilding Together Greater Florida partnered with Red Ladder Roofing Company to install fortified roofs for residents — including the elderly, disabled and low-income households.

    Rebuilding Together Greater Florida Interim Board President Anthony Baldo explained, “They are proven to reduce storm damage and help families shelter in place.”

    The organization says it has completed work on dozens of homes in Manatee County, and its work throughout the Bay area is ongoing.

    “Our community is vulnerable, right? Like, we have a lot of homes that need help. And these types of projects are ones where we can be proactive,” Baldo said.

    The Cantrells said they had needed their roof repaired for years — but became desperate after Hurricane Milton damaged it.

    “That we’re going to be safer and that we won’t have any major damage to our ceilings and the roof and everything — now that it’s coming together,” Sheila Cantrell said.

    The cost to repair their roof was more than $16,000 — a hefty price the family couldn’t afford, but one that was completely covered by Rebuilding Together Greater Florida.

    “I’m on disability. In my check, I can barely afford a Coke,” Johnnie Cantrell said.

    With a new roof strengthening the Cantrells’ home and helping them feel more secure, they’re hopeful the charity’s work will continue — giving others the chance to be better prepared for storm season, too.

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    Julia Hazel

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