Bradenton

Bradenton is a city in Manatee County, Florida, United States. The city is part of the North Port–Sarasota–Bradenton metropolitan area, which had a 2018 estimated population of 821,573. It serves as the county seat of Manatee County and is located on the south side of the Tampa Bay Area.

History

Bradenton was established in 1842, with the town named after Dr. Joseph Braden, whose nearby fort-like house was a refuge for early settlers during Seminole Wars. The original town of Bradentown was incorporated in 1903. The city took the name of Bradenton in 1943.

Geography

Bradenton is located on US Route 41 between Tampa and Sarasota. The city is surrounded by waterways, both saltwater and freshwater. Along the Gulf of Mexico and into Tampa Bay are over 20 miles of Florida beaches, many of which are shaded by Australian pines.

Economy

Bradenton is home to several well-known businesses, including the headquarters of Tropicana Products and the operations base for Champs Sports. The city has a diverse economy with industries in tourism, retail, healthcare, and the service sector.

Education

Bradenton is served by the School District of Manatee County. It has several high schools including Manatee High School, Braden River High School, and Lakewood Ranch High School. Higher education is offered at State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota and New College of Florida.

Culture

Bradenton is known for its vibrant downtown area, which features an array of shops, restaurants, and historic buildings. The city is also home to the South Florida Museum, which includes a planetarium, aquarium, and history museum.

Sports

Bradenton is a top destination for baseball fans. It hosts the Pittsburgh Pirates for spring training at the LECOM Park. The city also has a minor league team, the Bradenton Marauders.

Transportation

Bradenton is served by the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport and the Manatee County Area Transit.

See Also

• List of cities in Florida
• Manatee County, Florida