2026 is off to a strong start in Manatee County. This week brings outdoor adventures, community service opportunities, and some genuinely good news worth celebrating. Here's what's happening…

The Florida Railroad Museum is running its Willow Express every weekend — a 1.5-hour round-trip through rural Florida. Departures at 11 AM and 2 PM, Saturdays and Sundays. Perfect for families or anyone who wants to slow down and enjoy the scenery.

Where: 12210 83rd Street East, Parrish More info & tickets →

Sunday afternoons mean polo. Gates open at 10 AM, matches start at 1 PM. The winter season runs through April 12, so you've got plenty of chances to catch a game.

More info →

Tuesday, January 6 | 5:30-7:00 PM

Manatee County's EcoEvents team is hosting a Sunset Shutter Stroll — a guided photography walk through Neal Preserve during golden hour. Bring your camera (phone counts). Free to attend.

More info →

Thursday, January 8 | 9:00-11:00 AM

Want to give back? Join the volunteer planting session at Robinson Preserve. All supplies provided. Just show up ready to dig.

More info →

Friday, January 9 | 4:00-8:00 PM

The new infrared fitness studio in Bradenton is celebrating its grand opening. Stop by to check out the space.

More info →

Friday-Sunday, January 9-11 | Robarts Arena, Sarasota Fairgrounds

Thinking about home projects this year? Local contractors, designers, and vendors will be on hand all weekend.

Tickets & info →

Saturday, January 10 | 9:30 AM-12:00 PM

Learn about local wildlife and ecosystems on a guided walk through Moody Branch Wildlife Area. Free, family-friendly.

More info →

Sunday, January 11 | 8:00-11:00 AM

Help keep our coastline clean. Supplies provided. Great way to start the weekend and meet fellow community members.

More info →

Manatee County broke ground on a new veterans campus north of Palmetto at 5215 Buckeye Road. The county donated 24 acres and $4 million to kick off the project, which will provide services and support for local veterans. This has been a long time coming.

The Manatee Community Foundation opened applications for 2026-2027 scholarships on January 1. Last year, they awarded nearly $265,000 to 96 local students. If you know a student who could use the support, point them to manateecf.org/scholarships. Deadline is March 1.

Manatee County announced that the Lena Road landfill will soon convert methane gas into usable energy. They're calling it "waste to worth." It's a smart move for sustainability — and a reminder that good ideas can come from unexpected places.

At the Walmart on Cortez Road, shoppers sprang into action when an elderly man collapsed in the freezer aisle. He wasn't breathing when they reached him, but quick thinking from fellow customers helped revive him before EMS arrived. That's community.
See the story →

January 15-25 | Manatee County Fairgrounds, Palmetto

The fair is almost here. Mark your calendar for opening night — January 15, 5-10 PM — when admission is FREE, sponsored by Palmetto Build and Detwiler's Farm Market.

New this year: Battle of the Beats Drumline Competition featuring local middle and high school drumlines.

Regular admission: Adults $10, Kids 6-12 $6, Military $6, Under 5 free.

Full schedule & tickets →

Looking to get involved? Two opportunities:

Both are free. Just show up.

That's the good news for this week. See you out there.

— Good News Parrish

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