Happy Sunday, neighbors! Hope you stayed warm through this chilly week. Grab your coffee and let's get into what's happening around Parrish and North Manatee County.
📅 This Week's Events
🌿 Lakewood Ranch Farmers Market — Sunday, Feb 1
Waterside Place, Lakewood Ranch | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Free
Voted one of the top farmers markets in the country! Over 100 curated vendors offering farm-fresh produce, prepared foods, handcrafted goods, and specialty items. Live music, kids' activities, and 9:00 AM yoga in Waterside Park before the market opens.
📍 1561 Lakefront Dr, Lakewood Ranch
🍷 February Networking Happy Hour — Wednesday, Feb 4
Rocco's Italian Kitchen, Bradenton | 5:00 – 7:00 PM | Free for members, $10 for guests
The Discover Bradenton Business Network hosts their monthly networking happy hour with lite bites, beer and wine, door prizes, and a members' swag table. Great chance to meet local business owners and professionals in a relaxed setting.
📍 3561 53rd Avenue West, Bradenton
⚔️ Living History at De Soto National Memorial — Fri–Sun, Ongoing through April 18
De Soto National Memorial, Bradenton | Free
Step back 500 years as park rangers and volunteers bring Florida history to life with touch items, armor demonstrations, and historic weapons displays. Running every Friday through Sunday until April 18. A hidden gem right in our backyard.
📍 8300 De Soto Memorial Hwy, Bradenton
🥬 Bradenton Public Market — Saturday, Feb 7
Old Main Street, Downtown Bradenton | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Free
Local farmers, artisans, and chefs gather every Saturday through May. Fresh produce, local art, live music, and chef demos on one of Bradenton's most charming streets. A Saturday morning tradition worth the short drive.
📍 Old Main Street, Downtown Bradenton
🚂 Parrish Under the Stars — Saturday, Feb 7, 5:00 PM
Florida Railroad Museum, Parrish | Ticketed
The premier social event of the season is back! Start the evening with champagne as you board the train at the Florida Railroad Museum. Enjoy a train ride to the main event featuring live music, wine and craft beer tastings, savory hors d'oeuvres, and divine desserts. Raffle prizes too. Sponsored by the Manatee River Rotary Club with all proceeds supporting local charities.
📍 12210 83rd St E, Parrish
🎸 Bradenton Cigar Box Guitar Festival — Saturday, Feb 7, 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Motorworks Brewing, Bradenton | Check for ticket info
A full day of music at one of Bradenton's favorite breweries! The Cigar Box Guitar Festival features live performances including headliner Ghalia Volt, handmade instrument showcases, and craft brews. Doors open at 10 AM for what promises to be an all-day party.
📍 1014 9th Street West, Bradenton
😂 Beefs Comedy Night — Saturday, Feb 7, 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Beefs, Parrish | Check for ticket info
A night of live stand-up comedy right here in Parrish! Whether you're bringing friends or flying solo, this is a fun way to kick off the weekend with laughs and good vibes. Parrish's own comedy scene is growing — support local entertainment!
📍 8913 US-301 N, Parrish, FL 34219
📰 Good News
🐾 Manatee County Launches Interactive Lost Pet Database
Manatee County has partnered with 24-Hour Pet Connect to launch a new interactive mapping system that helps pet owners find their lost animals. When community members report lost or found pets, the information goes directly onto an interactive map showing exact locations, animal types, and even uploaded photos. Last year, Manatee County Animal Welfare returned almost 700 pets to their owners — and officials expect even higher numbers with this new tool. Access the database at mymanatee.org and search for "lost pets."
💰 Impact100 SRQ Awards $864,000 to Local Nonprofits
In a powerful display of collective philanthropy, more than 860 women gathered at Impact100 SRQ's Annual Celebration to award $864,000 in grants to eight local nonprofits across Sarasota and Manatee Counties. Each organization received $108,000 for projects spanning education, family services, health and wellness, and the environment. Local recipients include the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County (for ReadingPals early literacy programs) and Manatee Children's Services (for Healing Paws, a therapy program for child abuse survivors). Since 2018, Impact100 SRQ members have collectively funded over $4.1 million in grants.
🍩 Manatee County Fair Wraps Up with a Sweet Showdown
The 2026 Manatee County Fair closed out its run with some friendly competition: the Manatee County Sheriff's Office defeated North River Fire Department 18-16 in the annual Peachy's Baking Company Donut Eating Contest. Sergeant Mark Ferrier, Lieutenant Nelson Hernandez, and Deputy Juan Phillips powered through 18 donuts to claim bragging rights. Sheriff Rick Wells was on hand for the tradition that's become a beloved fair finale. Fair CEO Danny Alfonso said everything went well this year, with final attendance numbers coming soon.
💡 Good to Know
Water Restrictions Start February 8 — With drought conditions persisting across the Tampa Bay region, new water restrictions take effect February 8. It's a good time to check your irrigation schedule and make sure your sprinklers are running on approved days. Visit mymanatee.org for your area's watering schedule and tips for conserving water during the dry season.
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