Happy Valentine's weekend 🥰♥️, Parrish!
Whether you spent yesterday with your sweetheart, your kiddos, or your couch (no judgment — we love a good couch date), we hope it was a sweet one. Now let's kick off the week with some good news. Here's what's making us smile this week.
🎉 Happening Around Town
Bradenton Area River Regatta — Mark your calendar for the big one. The 11th annual Regatta takes over the Manatee River on Friday, Feb 20 and Saturday, Feb 21. This year makes history with the first-ever IHRA-sanctioned Formula One Powerboat racing. Friday night features live music and a drone-and-fireworks show over the river at 7 PM. Saturday brings racing, fly-board exhibitions, stunt dogs (yes, stunt dogs), vendors, and the Publix Free Family Fun Zone. Free trolley service runs between Palmetto and Bradenton all day. The whole thing is FREE.
Murder Mystery Dinner Show — Florida Railroad Museum — Right here in Parrish on Saturday, Feb 21. Solve a mystery while riding the rails at our own Florida Railroad Museum. Part of the museum's popular special event series running through early March. Check the website for times and tickets.
The Florida Man Games — The third annual Florida Man Games lands in Bradenton on Saturday, Feb 21 at Cleetus McFarland's Freedom Factory. Think "evading arrest" obstacle courses, grocery-aisle brawls, and Florida-style sumo cage matches. Gates at 9 AM, games at 11:30 AM. Tickets start at $40. It's exactly as wild as it sounds.
St. Barbara Greek Festival — 42nd Annual Glendi — Three days of gyros, souvlaki, live Greek music by ELLADA, folk dancing, and guided tours of beautiful Byzantine-style architecture. Feb 20–22 in Sarasota. Admission is just $5 for the whole weekend, and parking is free. Don't miss the grand raffle drawing for a 2026 Mercedes-Benz (or $35K cash!) on Sunday at 5:30 PM.
Stride to Thrive: 5K & 1 Mile Walk — Lace up on Saturday, Feb 28 at 8 AM in Lakewood Ranch. This family-friendly fundraiser benefits Suncoast STARS Community's Work & Enrichment Program for adults with developmental disabilities. A great cause and a great morning out.
Safety Jam 2026 — Also on Feb 28 at State College of Florida in Bradenton. Kids can climb on real trucks and equipment, meet local heroes, and learn about health and safety through hands-on activities. Plus live music and food trucks. Free!
📰 Good News Roundup
Bradenton's Christian Harrison Wins Australian Open Doubles Title — Long-time Bradenton resident Christian Harrison just won his first Grand Slam title, teaming up with Neal Skupski to take the men's doubles crown at the 2026 Australian Open. After 14 years and eight surgeries, Harrison and Skupski lost only one set across six victories in Melbourne. He hit a career-high world No. 11 doubles ranking on February 2. We're so proud of you, Christian!
First Biblical Baptist Church of Palmetto Reopens Its Doors — More than a year after Hurricane Milton left the church with extensive damage, First Biblical Baptist at 802 23rd Street East in Palmetto is back. The congregation celebrated the reopening as a major milestone in a long road to recovery. What a testament to the resilience of this community.
Spirit of Manatee 2026 Honorees Announced — The Manatee Community Foundation has named five incredible honorees for this year's celebration: Ron Allen, Ashley Brown, Mary Glass, Barbara Jennings (Mary E. Parker Lifetime Spirit Award), and Zoe Lander (Young Spirit Award). The 20th annual awards luncheon is March 25 at the Palmetto Marriott. Congratulations to all!
West Manatee Fire & Rescue Sweeps State Awards — Three members of West Manatee Fire and Rescue earned statewide honors from the Florida Fire Chiefs Association: Josh Atkins (Fire Inspector of the Year), Rodney Pawlowski (Fire Marshall of the Year), and Deputy Chief Jay Johnson (Executive of the Year). Three awards for one department — that's pretty incredible.
Park Ranger Clayton McCurry Honored at Duette Preserve — Clayton McCurry was recognized at the County Commission meeting for his outstanding work, positive attitude, and dedication to habitat conservation and restoration at Duette Preserve. Charlie Hunsicker and the Natural Resources team called him an inspiration. Well-deserved, Clayton!
Five Manatee County Students Named National Merit Semifinalists — Kevin Chen (Braden River HS), Richard May (Manatee HS), Benjamin Barr (Palmetto HS), Pearson L. Walters (St. Stephen's Episcopal), and Sarah Weis (SCF Collegiate) have been named semifinalists in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program — placing them among the top one percent of high school seniors in the entire country. What a group!
New County Facilities Coming to Lakewood Ranch — Three major projects are moving forward this year: a new Athletics and Aquatics Center, a Manatee County Sheriff's Office substation, and the second-floor buildout of the Lakewood Ranch Library. More great resources coming to our growing east county corridor.
New Retail & Medical Plaza Taking Shape Near Parrish — The building shell is complete for a new retail and medical plaza near Moccasin Wallow Road and I-75. Oklahoma City-based developer Ashton Gray is now shifting to interior work. More services coming right to our backyard!
💌 Know someone who could use a little good news? Forward this their way or share it on Facebook — the more the merrier! Every time you share, another Parrish neighbor gets to start their week with a smile.
That's a wrap for this week, Parrish. Between powerboat racing on the Manatee River, Grand Slam titles, and stunt dogs (still not over it), we've got a lot to look forward to. Stay warm if those cold fronts keep sneaking through, and we'll see you next week with more good stuff.
Stay Good. Neighbors, Good News Parrish 💛
