Dawn Downey

The daily newspaper & local news source 24-7 on Bradenton.com The hometown newspaper of Manatee County since 1922. The Bradenton Herald has mirrored its community's growth -- from the tiny agricultural-and-fishing town of Bradenton to today's bustling, high-growth metropolitan area and sought-after tourist destination -- without losing its small-town charm. The Bradenton Herald competes with three other daily newspapers by offering the best local report available, from breaking news to education coverage and neighborly good news. The Herald has two daily zoned editions: the Lakewood Ranch Herald and the Bradenton Herald. Mission Statement We will be the region's leading media company, providing the best source of local news and information -- in print, online, electronically and mobile. Market Bradenton is the largest city and county seat of Manatee County, on the south side of Tampa Bay on Florida's West Coast. The Herald has prospered in Manatee County, which more than 300,000 people now call home and is among the fastest-growing areas in the United States. The Bradenton Herald has expanded its involvement in community activities to sponsor more than 300 events a year. Location Located on Florida's Southwest Coast, just south of Tampa Bay, Florida's Gulf Islands of Anna Maria and Longboat Key and the Greater Bradenton Area are bordered by the Gulf of Mexico and are easily accessible by automobile as well as two major international airports. As one of Florida's beautiful Suncoast communities, Manatee County offers a high quality of life for retirees and families. Bradenton has year-round sunshine, a warm tropical climate and water temperatures averaging in the 80s. Circulation Area Home delivery covers all of Manatee County, a portion of Hillsborough County and northern Sarasota County. The area is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico on the west and the Manatee/Hardee county line I-75 on the east.