BRADENTON, Fla. — Manatee Heritage Days, supported and organized by the Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller’s Department of Historical Resources, is being held March 1 – 31, 2019 with a full schedule of events to mark its 40-year anniversary and celebrate the community’s past countywide.
Manatee County’s historical organizations are coming together to create events during the month. Historical sites and organizations throughout the county will celebrate the community’s heritage by providing opportunities for area residents and visitors to experience the past through re-enactments, special exhibits, lectures, classes, walking tours, open houses, parades and family programming.
Originally a week in length, Manatee Heritage Days grew to nine days, and in 1995, it expanded into a month-long event. Through these events at local historical sites, participants will experience the pioneer lifestyle and learn how Manatee County has grown and developed.
Participating organizations include the Anna Maria Island Historical Society, Around the Bend Nature Tours, DeSoto National Memorial, Florida Maritime Museum, The Folk School at the Florida Maritime Museum, Gamble Plantation State Historic Site, Manatee County Agricultural Museum, Manatee County Historical Commission, Manatee County Historical Society, Manatee County Historical Records Library, Manatee County Library System, Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources, Manatee Genealogical Society, Myakka City Historical Society, Palmetto Historical Commission, Parrish Arts Council, Parrish Civic Association, Realize Bradenton, Reflections of Manatee and United Daughters of the Confederacy.
Below is a full schedule of events. Most are free; however, some require a reservation or admission fee. For general information on the Manatee Heritage Days, call 941-741-4070. For specific information about an event, call the number listed on the event schedule.
Month-Long Events
DeSoto National Memorial’s Living History program at Camp Uzita reveals Spanish and Native American life in 16th century Florida. This unique experience covers the 1539 expedition of Hernando DeSoto. The free event takes place Thursdays-Sundays at 8300 De Soto Memorial Hwy in Bradenton, and demonstrations in historic clothing and armor are at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. For information, call 941-792-0458 or visit www.nps.gov/deso.
Marvelous Manatee: A History of Tourism in Manatee County Exhibit celebrates the changes that tourism has brought to Manatee County from the early 1900s to the present. The free event is held in the Eaton Historical Room in the Manatee County Central Library at 1301 Barcarrota Blvd. in Bradenton. The hours are Mondays from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Tuesdays from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Wednesdays from noon – 8 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. For information, call 941-748-5555 ext. 6317 or visit www.mymanatee.org/library.
Recurring Events
Fridays on March 8, 15, 22 and 29
Music in the Park
Come enjoy local music while watching the sunset over the Manatee River during this free concert. Bring a blanket or chair to sit on. Food and beverages will be available for purchase, and proceeds benefit Realize Bradenton. The outdoor concerts are held at the Riverwalk Mosaic Amphitheater at 606 3rd Ave. W. in Bradenton from 6 — 8 p.m. For information, visit www.realizebradenton.com or call 941-621-6471.
Saturdays on March 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30
Historic Valentine Open House
Visit this 19th century house turned visitor’s center to learn about the history of the Palma Sola area and see photographs of the historic Palmetto home on its river journey to the current location in Robinson Preserve. Explore natural history exhibits regarding the local flora and fauna and even catch a peek from our live tower camera. This free event is held at the Robinson Preserve at 1704 99th St. N.W. in Bradenton from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. For more information, call 941-742-5923 ext. 6035.
Saturdays from October through the end of May
Downtown Bradenton Farmers Market
The Bradenton Farmers Market is a place where the community meets each week to enjoy fresh produce, local art, upbeat music, demonstrations by local chefs and family activities. Parking is free on the weekends and dogs on leashes are always welcome. On March 16, the event expands to include mainly art with local artists and craftspeople selling their handmade goods. This free event is held on Historic Main Street at 12th St. W. in Bradenton from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. For more information, call 941-621-6471 or visit www.bradentonfarmersmarket.com.
Jiggs Landing Open House
The historic Jiggs Landing Fish Camp cabin, a replica of cabins built by Jiggs Metcalf in the 1940s, will be open for visits. Docents from the Old Braden River Historical Society will talk about the history of Jiggs Landing, the Braden River and Evers Reservoir. This free event will be held at 6101 63rd St. E. in Bradenton from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. For more information, call 941-920-0884, email sakana@infionline.netor visit the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/OBRHS/.
Daily Events
Friday, March 1
Coastal Climate Walk: Florida’s First People
Explore the local effects of climate change and discover actions for the protection of our coastal resources on this coastal climate walk. The walk is short and offers time to interpret the natural and cultural history that surrounds you. Wear walking shoes and dress for the weather. The cost is $25 per person and registration is required. This event will be held at Emerson Point Preserve at 5801 17th St. W. in Palmetto from 9:30 a.m. – noon. To register, visit www.AroundBend.com or call 941-794-8773.
Saturday, March 2
Anna Maria Island Historical Society Annual Heritage Day Festival
This annual event gives visitors an opportunity to watch local craftsmen demonstrating arts and crafts as practiced by early island settlers. A settlers market will also be set up with local produce, herbs and settler’s bread baked by local volunteers and a collectibles tent with items for sale. Belle Haven Cottage, the museum, and the surrounding native plant garden will be open for tours. Music, food and games are also part of this annual event. This free event is held at the Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum and Historical Park at 402 Pine Ave. in Anna Maria from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. For more information, call 941-778-0492.
ArtSlam!
Artslam! is a celebration of youth and creativity. Watch as dozens of student teams take art out of the classroom and on to the streets. Engage in the creative process, experience temporary public art and celebrate the creative youth in Manatee County. This free event is held at Historic Main Street at 12th St. W. in Bradenton from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. For more information, call 941-621-6471 or visit www.realizebradenton.com.
Cast Net Making and Throwing Workshop
Join Jim Hattaway for a hands-on cast net making demonstration. Afterwards, Nathan Meschelle, a local fisherman, will teach students how to properly hold, load, deploy and retrieve a cast net. The cost is $38 and pre-registration is required. This event will be held at The Folk School at the Florida Maritime Museum at 4415 119th St. W. in Cortez from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. To register or if you have any questions, visit FloridaMaritimeMuseum.org/the-folk-school, call 941-708-6120 or email FMMInfo@manateeclerk.org.
Parrish Heritage Days Parade and Festival with Annual Chili Cook Off
Featuring rides, games, food and live music, the Parrish Heritage Days Festival runs from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. on the grounds of the Florida Railroad Museum at 12210 83rd St. E. in Parrish. The family-friendly event is $10 ($8 in advance) and children 12 and under are free. The parade will run through Parrish, starting at the big field just south of the Parrish United Methodist Church off 121st Avenue and will end at the Florida Railroad Museum. To enter a team in the annual chili cook off, visit www.parrishchili.com.
Sunday, March 3
Gamble Plantation Historic State Park Annual Open House
From 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., travel back to the old south with this annual open house. Featuring lifestyle demonstrations of that time period, ladies of the United Daughters of the Confederacy will be wearing costumes reminiscent of the era of the 1840-70’s. The 4th Florida Volunteer Infantry will also be dressed in military uniforms re-enacting a Confederate encampment. Music, crafts and more await attendees. This event is free and will be held at 3708 Patten Ave. in Ellenton. For more information, call 941-723-4536.
Benefit for the Myakka 1914 Schoolhouse
This annual benefit will feature a dress performance of the Herrmann’s Royal Lipizzaner Stallions and Taste of Myakka with local crafts, demonstrations and historical exhibits. The event will take place at 32755 Singletary Road in Myakka City. Stadium seating is available or bring your own chair for seating around the arena. This event is $20 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-12 and tickets are only available for purchase the day of the event. The event starts at 4 p.m. and parking is free. For more information, email myakkacityschool1914@yahoo.com or call the Myakka City Historical Society at 941-322-1304 or 941-322-1035.
Monday, March 4
Manatee Settlement Walking Tour
This walking tour will be a leisurely two- hour to three-hour walk through the hammock-covered streets of east Bradenton. Visit the original home sites of pioneers and learn about the early settlers who made Manatee their home in the 1840-1860s. Come early and read the interpretive signs placed there. Handicap facilities are on site. The event will be held at 1302 2nd Ave. E. off 14th Street from 3 – 6 p.m. This event is free, but donations to the nonprofit are greatly appreciated and benefit the educational programs of Reflections of Manatee. For more information, call 941-746-2035.
Tuesday, March 5
Painting With A Fish
Would you like to learn how to Gyotaku? Join Kelly Hunt at The Folk School at the Florida Maritime Museum at 4415 119th St. W. in Cortez from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. This unique class includes art instruction, supplies and your own creative fish print. This event requires a $38 class fee, and you can register online at FloridaMaritimeMuseum.org/the-folk-school. For more information, call 941-708-6120 or email FMMInfo@manateeclerk.org.
Wednesday, March 6
Memoir Writing
This class is for students who are just starting their memoir, finishing or anywhere in between. From 10 – 11:30 a.m., David Rice offers his most skillful advice on memoir writing at The Folk School at the Florida Maritime Museum at 4415 119th St. W. in Cortez. This event requires a $23 class fee, and you can register online at FloridaMaritimeMuseum.org/the-folk-school. For more information, call 941-708-6120 or email FMMInfo@manateeclerk.org.
Walking Tour of Fogartyville
This two-hour walking tour in Lewis Park will be narrated by local historians and will highlight some of the historic homes and historic sites in the town once called Fogartyville. This free event takes place at 3100 block of 1st Ave. W. in Bradenton at 10 a.m. Wear comfortable shoes.For more information, call the Manatee County Historical Records Library at 941-741-4070.
Thursday, March 7
Pine Cone Quilting Series
In this three-part class, students will learn the basic elements of design and color, practice hand sewing and develop a deeper appreciation for hand-sewn full-size quilts. No sewing experience needed, and a $108 class fee applies. The class will continue on Thursday, March 14 and 21. You can register online at FloridaMaritimeMuseum.org/the-folk-school. For more information, call 941-708-6120 or email FMMInfo@manateeclerk.org.
Friday, March 8
Coastal Climate Walk- Sea Level Rise
Discover actions for protection of our coastal resources at Ken Thompson Park at 1700 Ken Thompson Parkway in Sarasota. From 9:30 a.m. – noon, explore local effects of climate change with this short walk, which is designed to allow for time to interpret the natural and cultural history. Wear walking shoes and dress for the weather. The event costs $25 per person and registration is required. To register, visit www.AroundBend.com or call 941-794-8773.
Fireside Fables
Join us at the Rye Preserve at 905 Rye Wilderness Trail in Parrish from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.in celebration of Manatee Heritage Days. As the sun sets on Rye Preserve, we’ll roast marshmallows and discuss the life lessons hidden within traditional folklore including Native American legends and pioneer fables. This free program is suitable for all ages. Please bring a camp chair if you have one. For more information, contact sarah.denison@mymanatee.org or call 941-742-5923 ext. 6044.
Saturday, March 9
Palmetto Heritage Festival
From 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., the Palmetto Historical Park & the Manatee County Agricultural Museum at 515 10th Ave. W. in Palmetto will host an open house. During the event, the Heritage Station Post Office will be open for business and a special one-day cancellation will be affixed to all outgoing mail from the office. Activities for the festival will include east and west art exhibition, music, food, heritage craft demonstrations, multigenerational activities and building tours. There is no admission fee for the event, but there is a charge for the chicken and yellow rice luncheon to be held at the Woman’s Club of Palmetto from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. For more information, call 941-723-4991 or 941-721-2034.
So You Want To Build A Boat
Join us at The Folk School at the Florida Maritime Museum at 4415 119th St. W. in Cortez from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. for a lecture-style class. Charles Caniff will help students get started in building a boat, and students will learn the best types of wood, tools and more. This event requires a $10 class fee. Register online at FloridaMaritimeMuseum.org/the-folk-school. For more information, call 941-708-6120 or email FMMInfo@manateeclerk.org.
Manatee Village Historical Park Guided Walking Tours
From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., enjoy guided tours of the Manatee Village Historical Park at 1404 Manatee Ave. E. in Bradenton. This tour will focus on the history of the buildings, their uses and their unique architectural features. This free tour will last approximately 45 minutes and will involve standing and walking. Reservations are required. For more information, visit www.manateevillage.org/events or call 941-749-7165.
Music on the Porch
In celebration of the Cortez Grand Ole Opry and the rich musical heritage of Cortez, the Florida Maritime Museum at 4415 119th St. W. in Cortez hosts monthly Music on the Porch events from 2 – 4 p.m. Join local musicians as they partake in a jam session on the Burton Store porch. This event is free. For more information, call 941-708-6120 or email FMMInfo@manateeclerk.org.
Tuesday, March 12
Pasta Making
From 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., learn how to make pasta from scratch from JoAnn Mancuso at the Folk School at the Florida Maritime Museum at 4415 119th St. W. in Cortez. You can take your creations home to share or eat them as you go! There is a $38 class fee. Register online at FloridaMaritimeMuseum.org/the-folk-school. For more information, call 941-708-6120 or email FMMInfo@manateeclerk.org.
Wednesday, March 13
Walking Tour of Downtown Bradenton
This free, two-hour walk leaves from the Manatee County Historical Records Library at 10 a.m. and will highlight historic buildings along Main Street, as well as the Manatee County Courthouse. Wear comfortable shoes. For more information, call the Manatee County Historical Records Library at 941-741-4070.
Coil Pottery
Do you enjoy getting muddy and being crafty? Slip into an afternoon of clay creations at the Emerson Point Preserve at 5801 17th St. W. in Palmetto from 2 – 4 p.m. You will use the coil pot and slab technique to create beautiful lanterns. Explore different lantern styles, the history of ceramics and create your very own, one-of-a-kind functional art. This program is suitable for adults ages 16 and up. The event has a $20 class fee, and registration is required. To register, contact coral.bass@mymanatee.org or call 941-742-5923 ex. 6034.
Thursday, March 14
Florida Fossils
From 10 a.m. – noon, learn about Florida’s natural history through a variety of fossils found in Manatee County at the Rye Preserve at 905 Rye Wilderness Trail in Parrish. Participants will also take a guided nature walk through the preserve. This free program is suitable for participants 16 and older. Register by calling 941-742-5923 ext. 6036 or emailing elena.burke@mymanatee.org.
Thursday, March 14
Fishing for our Future Fundraiser: Dinner and Author Talk with Jack Davis Benefiting the Friends of the Florida Maritime Museum
From 6 – 8:30 p.m., join Jack E. Davis at the Seafood Shack at 4110 127th St W. in Cortez for his lively historical view of the Gulf of Mexico, drawn from his Pulitzer Prize-winning book “The Gulf: The Making of an American Sea”. He will discuss how coastal residents have organized around nature and how the Gulf nature has been a force in human events. Enjoy a themed evening with the Florida Maritime Museum focused on fishing villages throughout Florida while overlooking Sarasota Bay. Tickets start at $45. All tickets include dinner and dessert, author talk, book signing and exclusive access to a silent auction. A cash bar will also be available. All profits from this fundraiser, up to $34,000, will be matched by a grant from the Manatee County Tourist Development Council. Visit www.FloridaMaritimeMuseum.org to purchase tickets.
Friday, March 15
Coastal Climate Walk- Coastal Resilience
From 9:30 a.m. – noon, explore local effects of climate change and discover actions for protection of our coastal resources. This short walk at the Perico Preserve at 11700 Manatee Ave. W. in Bradenton is designed to offer time to interpret the natural and cultural history. Wear walking shoes and dress for the weather. This event is $25 per person, and registration is required at www.AroundBend.com or call 941-794-8773.
Knot Tying
From 10 a.m. – noon, join the Folk School at the Florida Maritime Museum at 4415 119th St. W. in Cortez for a knot-tying workshop. This workshop will provide students with the knowledge of how to construct 7-8 basic knots, along with knot names and their function that apply to everyday life. This event requires an $8 class fee. Register at FloridaMaritimeMuseum.org/the-folk-school. For information, call 941-708-6120 or email FMMInfo@manateeclerk.org.
Saturday, March 16
Manatee Genealogical Society
Don’t miss the winter seminar from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Manatee Technical College at 6305 SR-70 E. in Bradenton. The featured speaker is Dr. Thomas W. Jones, an award-winning writer, board-certified genealogist, editor of the National Genealogical Society Quarterly, recipient of honors from genealogical organizations and author of the textbook Mastering Genealogical Proof and Mastering Genealogical Documentation. Dr. Jones will present four sessions during this all-day event. The seminar includes complimentary continental breakfast and refreshments, pre-paid lunches, door prizes and Q&A with Dr. Jones on genealogical issues. The fee is $45 for members and $55 for non-members. Full details of the seminar, schedule and registration information are available at https://mgsfl.org/or by email at info@mgsfl.org.
Blacksmithing Survival Knife
Join Leslie Tharp and jump into the world of blacksmithing and learn basic hammering techniques while forging your own 3.5-inch to 4-inch blade. Once the knife has been shaped out, we will go through the heat-treating process to ensure it will hold an edge. This event will be held at the Folk School at the Florida Maritime Museum at 4415 119th St. W. in Cortez from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. This event requires a $187 class fee. Register online at FloridaMaritimeMuseum.org/the-folk-school. For information, call 941-708-6120 or email FMMInfo@manateeclerk.org.
Pioneer Chef: Historical Cooking Techniques
Florida’s pioneers spent their days hunting, fishing and foraging. Explore the ingredients and cooking techniques of Florida’s early settlers. Learn how these pioneers prepared and preserved their food with hands-on demonstrations and tasty treats. Chef Aedan will share a variety of pioneer recipes and teach you how to cook over an open campfire. The event will take place at the Rye Preserve at 905 Rye Wilderness Trail in Parrish from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Meet at the pavilion. This free program suitable for all ages and registration is required. Please register by emailing Aedan.stockdale@mymanatee.org.
Meet & Greet Local Historical Fiction Author
Hear author Peggy Donoho, fifth generation Manatee County resident, discuss her great-great-grandparents, Miguel and Frederica Guerrero, an important family in the history of Terra Ceia Island. This event will take place at 10 a.m. in the Palmetto Historical Park at 515 10th Ave. W. in Palmetto. For information, email palmettohistoricalpark@manateeclerk.com or call 941-723-4991.
Tuesday, March 19
Salt Scrub
Students will learn the many benefits of sea salt while making salt scrub, bath bombs and more to take home! The event requires a $38 class fee and will take place at the Folk School at the Florida Maritime Museum at 4415 119th St. W. in Cortez from 10 a.m. – noon. Register online at FloridaMaritimeMuseum.org/the-folk-school. For more information, call 941-708-6120 or email FMMInfo@manateeclerk.org.
Wednesday, March 20
Memoir Writing
This is a class for students who are just starting their memoir, finishing or anywhere in between. David Rice offers his most skillful advice on memoir writing. This event requires a $23 class fee and will take place at the Folk School at the Florida Maritime Museum at 4415 119th St. W. in Cortez from 10 -11:30 a.m. Register online at FloridaMaritimeMuseum.org/the-folk-school. For more information, call 941-708-6120 or email FMMInfo@manateeclerk.org.
Manatee County Historical Society Annual Picnic
Bring your own lunch basket or call 941-447-2154 to request a box lunch. The cost for a box lunch is $10, and you do not have to be a member of the society to attend. The location for the event is TBD and will run from 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Thursday, March 21
Rye Cemetery Preservation and Beautification
Volunteer to spruce up the Rye Pioneer Trail and historic burial grounds by removing litter and invasive plants. After, you will clean the gravestones with a special solution to help them shine. This free program is suitable for participants who are age 6 and older. The event will be at the Rye Preserve at 905 Rye Wilderness Trail in Parrish from 8:30 -11 a.m.Meet by the pavilion. Register by calling 941-742-5923 ext. 6035 or emailing michelle.leahy@mymanatee.org.
Tour of A.P. Bell Fish House
Join A.P. Bell, the owner, and Karen Bell, fourth-generation Cortezian, for a behind-the-scenes tour of the fish house. Discover how the fish are caught, what happens to them once they are brought back and the day-to-day operations. This event requires a$18 class fee and will be held at the Folk School at the Florida Maritime Museum at 4415 119th St. W. in Cortez from 11 a.m. – noon. Register online at FloridaMaritimeMuseum.org/the-folk-school. For more information, call 941-708-6120 or email FMMInfo@manateeclerk.org.
Friday, March 22
Coastal Climate Walk: Early Restoration Efforts
Discover actions for protection of the coastal resources and explore local effects of climate change. Please wear walking shoes and dress for the weather on this short walk, which is designed for time to interpret the natural and cultural history. The cost of the event is $25 per person. The event will be held at Leffis Key at 2350 Gulf Drive S. in Bradenton Beach from 9:30 a.m. – noon. Registration is required at www.AroundBend.com or call 941-794-8773.
Painting With A Fish
Would you like to learn how to Gyotaku? Join Kelly Hunt at The Folk School at the Florida Maritime Museum at 4415 119th St. W. in Cortez from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. for a fun, modern spin on Gyotaku. This unique class includes art instruction, supplies and your own creative fish print. This event requires a $38 class fee, and you can register online at FloridaMaritimeMuseum.org/the-folk-school. For more information, call 941-708-6120 or email FMMInfo@manateeclerk.org.
Saturday, March 23
Coffee With the Staff
Stop by for an open discussion on the importance of preserving and sharing Florida’s fishing and maritime heritage with The Florida Maritime Museum’s staff. Enjoy good conversation and a cup of coffee. This event is free and no registration is required. The Florida Maritime Museum is located at 4415 119th St. W. in Cortez, and the event will take place from 9 – 11 a.m. For more information, call 941-708-6120 or email FMMInfo@manateeclerk.org.
Five Centuries of Florida History
Discover a unique timeline event that covers 500 years of Florida history. Over 30 re-enactors from all over Florida will portray men and women from the time of the conquistadors to present day. This free event will take place at the Desoto National Memorial at 8300 DeSoto Memorial Highway in Bradenton from 1o a.m. – 3 p.m. To learn more, call 941-792-0458 or visit www.nps.gov/desoor on Facebook at DeSoto National Memorial.
Families Flock Together: Fantastic Fossils
Participants and their families will discover the prehistoric animals of Florida through hands-on activities and games. This free program is suitable for all ages. This event will be at Emerson Point Preserve at 5801 17th St. W. in Palmetto from 1 – 3 p.m. Meet at the Ranger’s station. Register by calling 941-742-5923 ext. 6036 or emailing elena.burke@mymanatee.org.
Guided Walking Tour of the 1850 Manatee Burying Ground
Tour the 1850 Manatee Burying Grounds that will highlight the history of Manatee County and those interred at the cemetery. The tour will be approximately 45 minutes and will start at the Gazebo in Manatee Village’s courtyard and continue across the street to the cemetery. The tour will involve a significant amount of walking and standing. This event is free, but reservations are required. The tour will be at the Manatee Village Historical Park at 1404 Manatee Ave. E. in Bradenton at 2:30 p.m. Register online at www.manateevillage.org/events or call 941-749-7165.
Round Robin
Similar to Music on the Porch, we have expanded to include an open-air acoustic jam session that will be held round-robin style on the Burton Store porch. This event is free and will be at the Florida Maritime Museum, located at 4415 119th Street W. in Cortez from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. For more information, call 941-708-6120 or email FMMInfo@manateeclerk.org.
Reception at the Theodosia Curry Museum House
Join members and volunteers of Reflections of Manatee at a reception dedicated to the Angola’s Freedom Seekers and Florida’s Underground Railroad exhibit funded by the Florida Humanities Council. See the visual displays dedicated to the Florida Underground Railroad and the Angola community as documented through archaeological research at the Manatee Mineral Spring. The event is free, but donations are greatly appreciated. The event will take place at 1305 4th Ave. E. in Bradenton from 5 – 7 p.m. For more information, call 941-746-2035 or 941-504-7130.
Monday, March 25
DeSoto Ranchero Fishing Clinic
Free clinic that teaches visitors from ages 7 and up about fishing along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Learn about fishing from the time of the Spanish Rancho to present day. This free event will be held at the Desoto National Memorial at 8300 DeSoto Memorial Highway in Bradenton from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. To learn more, call 941-792-0458 or visit www.nps.gov/desoor on Facebook at DeSoto National Memorial.
Tuesday, March 26
Dyeing with Plant-Based Dyes
JoAnn Mancuso discusses the process of creating dyes from plants and teaches students different dyeing techniques. This event requires a $38 class fee and will be at the Folk School at the Florida Maritime Museum at 4415 119th St. W. in Cortez from 10 a.m. – noon. Register online at FloridaMaritimeMuseum.org/the-folk-school. For more information, call 941-708-6120 or email FMMInfo@manateeclerk.org.
Historic House Tour
Participate in a guided tour of the Alkire home on the Palmetto riverfront. Built in 1899 by Julius Lamb, Palmetto’s founder, it was later purchased in the 1920s by John Pope Harllee of the “tomato Harllees”. Beautifully restored by the current homeowners, their gracious tour allows you to get a look inside one of Palmetto’s most beautiful historic homes. Navigating the stairways is necessary to see the entire home. Wear comfortable shoes. This free event will be held at 1112 Riverside Drive in Palmetto at 2 p.m. Reservations are required, and there are only 30 spaces available. First come, first served.Parking instructions will be provided when you make a reservation. Reservations can be made on Eventbrite at https://tinyurl.com/phpaghistorichouse.
Wednesday, March 27
Edible Plant Walk
Julie Miller, Florida Master Gardener, will walk students around the Florida Maritime Museum property and discuss edible plants. This event requires a $20 class fee. This walk will be held at the Folk School at the Florida Maritime Museum at 4415 119th St. W. in Cortez from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Register online at FloridaMaritimeMuseum.org/the-folk-school. For more information, call 941-708-6120 or email FMMInfo@manateeclerk.org.
Walking Tour of Palmetto
This two-hour walk will highlight some of the historic buildings along the riverfront in Palmetto and includes a tour of the Palmetto Riverfront Bed and Breakfast. The Palmetto Riverfront Bed and Breakfast was a Sears and Roebuck house, built by town founder’s son, J.A. Lamb. Wear comfortable shoes to this free event, but reservations are required. Only 30 spaces are available. First come, first served. This event will be held at the Palmetto Historical Park at 10th Ave. and 6th St. W. in Palmetto at 2 p.m. Register online at https://tinyurl.com/palmettowalkingtour.
Ag at Night
Cultivate your knowledge of the work that goes into growing fruits and veggies in Manatee County. Learn more about produce crate labels and even design your own! Trick your taste buds with a Florida Orange Juice blind taste test and much more. Ag at Night is a unique experience for adults 18 and older only. This new, four-part programming series focuses on fun topics related to agriculture – historically and today. Guests will experience hands-on activities, food and drink tastings, demonstrations and more! Tickets are $8 for members, $10 in advance or $15 at the door. Pre-registration is recommended as tickets are limited. Tickets must be purchased for each date of the series. The event will run from 7 – 9 p.m. For more information, contact the Manatee County Agricultural Museum via email at agriculturalmuseum@manateeclerk.com or call 941-721-2034. Tickets can be purchased online at https://tinyurl.com/AGfruitsveggies.
Thursday, March 28
DeSoto Ranchero Fishing Clinic
This free clinic teaches visitors from ages 7 and up about fishing along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Learn about fishing from the time of the Spanish Rancho to present day. This event will be held at the Desoto National Memorial at 8300 DeSoto Memorial Highway in Bradenton from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. For more information, call 941-792-0458 or visit www.nps.gov/desoor Facebook at DeSoto National Memorial.
Painting Cortez: Cortez Net Camp
Celebrate the commercial fishing village of Cortez through art! Join the Folk School at Florida Maritime Museum in an offsite journey to the dock down by the A.P. Bell Fish House to paint the historic net camp. This event requires a $38 class fee and will be held at the Folk School at the Florida Maritime Museum at 4415 119th St. W. in Cortez from 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Register online at FloridaMaritimeMuseum.org/the-folk-school. For more information, call 941-708-6120 or email FMMInfo@manateeclerk.org.
Friday, March 29
Coastal Climate Walk: Mangrove Mitigation
Discover actions for protection of the coastal resources and explore local effects of climate change. Please wear walking shoes and dress for the weather on this short walk, which is designed for time to interpret the natural and cultural history. The event will be held at the Robinson Preserve at 1704 99th St. N.W. in Bradenton from 9:30 a.m. – noon. The cost is $25 per person and registration is required. Register at www.AroundBend.com or call 941-794-8773.
Saturday, March 30
Underground Railroad Display and Educational Program
Join Reflections of Manatee for an educational event of speakers focusing on the Underground Railroad in Florida. Meet staff of the National Park Service’s division of the Underground Railroad Network to Freedom and hear the exciting news of Florida’s newest listing in Manatee County-Bradenton. Displays created for the program will highlight this history. The event is free, but donations are greatly appreciated. This program will be held at Reflections of Manatee at 1305 4th Ave. E. in Bradenton from 10 a.m. – noon. For more information, call 941-746-2035 or 941-504-7130.
Cooking Demonstration: Seafood 101
Something smells fishy, but it won’t be your cooking! Join Chef Warren for dozens of hints, tips and tricks on how to prepare seafood. Attendees will sample the entrée at the end of class. This event requires a $17 class fee and will be held at the Folk School at the Florida Maritime Museum at 4415 119th Street W. in Cortez from 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Register online at FloridaMaritimeMuseum.org/the-folk-school. For more information, call 941-708-6120 or email FMMInfo@manateeclerk.org.
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About the Manatee County Clerk of the Court
The Florida Constitution established the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller as a public trustee, independently elected to protect public funds and public records while executing the functions of Clerk of the Circuit Court, County Comptroller, Treasurer and Auditor, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners and County Recorder.The Clerk oversees a staff of more than 275 people, responsible for performing nearly 1,000 constitutional or statutory functions or duties, representing the broadest and most diverse mantle of responsibility of any locally elected official. The citizens of Manatee County elect the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller to a four-year term. Currently, Angelina M. Colonneso serves as the Clerk of the Court. For more information, call 941-749-1800 or visit www.ManateeClerk.com.