WORDS: Shannon Evans
MAIN PHOTO: Katelyn Disbro
Hope. A small word with life-changing power—and it’s what Tim Pedon has dedicated his life to sharing. As a Program Specialist at Volunteers of America (VOA) Florida, Tim helps others discover the hope that turned his life around.
In the mid-1990s, Tim walked a road of significant mental health challenges. Feeling unmoored and in need of stability, he turned to VOA, which helped …
WORDS & PHOTOS: Wendy Dewhurst
As I reached out to family, friends, and colleagues for a quote about Eleni Sokos for this article, it became clear very quickly that she is well respected and loved in our community, and the passion in the quotes I received left me feeling like I couldn’t have said it better myself.
It was a gorgeous day on St. Armands Circle when I sat down …
WORDS: Shannon Evans
PHOTOS: Wendy Dewhurst
Think about your life: every success you’ve celebrated, every hurdle you’ve overcome. Chances are, you only got there because someone helped you—a teacher, mentor, parent, or friend. For hundreds of students across Florida, Take Stock in Children provides that same critical support. This life-changing program offers scholarships to students facing economic hardships and matches them with mentors who encourage, guide, and inspire them to …
WORDS: Shannon Evans
PHOTOS: Katelyn Disbro
At just 10 months old, Liam’s world looks a little different from other babies in his child care group. While his peers babble, interact, crawl, and scoot, Liam tends to sit and watch quietly from a distance, taking in his surroundings with gentle curiosity. His caregivers have observed that he thrives in one-on-one interactions, but they wonder if providing extra support could help him …
WORDS: Shannon Evans
PHOTOS: Katelyn Disbro
February 1st was no ordinary Saturday for Manatee County’s early childhood educators. The Manatee Conference on Young Children (MCYC), with its 300 attendees, transformed Manatee Technical College into a bustling hub with an inspirational keynote speech, breakout sessions, vendor booths, raffles, giveaways, and dancing.
Yes, you read that right. Dancing. (Keep reading.)
Sold out for its third consecutive year and hosted by the Early …
WORDS: Shannon Evans
PHOTOS: Wendy Dewhurst
Under bright gym lights, a team forms a perfect circle, arms outstretched like spokes in a wheel. The coach crouches low. “Your effort matters more than the scoreboard,” she says, locking eyes with each player. “Play hard, play fair, and have fun.”
With a resounding cheer, the huddle breaks, and the players take their positions. The whistle cuts through the buzz of the crowd, …
WORDS: Shannon Evans
MAIN PHOTO: City of Bradenton
Once you’ve lived in Florida long enough, you likely don’t bother with daily weather updates. From May to November, it’s hot, with those predictable 4 p.m. thunderstorms rolling through. From November to April, it’s less hot, and, if we’re lucky, we might get a day or two we call “chilly.” It’s predictable. There’s usually no need to scrutinize the forecast.
The exception, …
WORDS: Shannon Evans
PHOTOS: Wendy Dewhurst
Margaret J. Wheatley once said, “There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about.” In the heart of Manatee County, the Bradenton Kiwanis Club has harnessed this power for change, weaving a legacy of care and connection for over a century. And among all the causes this service club cares about, children and families rank high.
The word …
WORDS & PHOTOS: Wendy Dewhurst
When I sat down to chat with Maribeth Phillips, President and CEO of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee (MOW), she was in the midst of handling their Stuff The Bus event, providing meals and supplies for our community after two back-to-back devastating hurricanes, prepping (and promoting on The Suncoast View television show) for their annual fundraiser Empty Bowls in Lakewood Ranch, gathering wrapping paper …
WORDS: Shannon Evans
PHOTOS: Wendy Dewhurst
Who says the most exciting plays happen on the field? Tampa Bay Buccaneer #95 C.J. Brewer traded the playbook for a storybook as he promoted literacy at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature.
On September 10th, downtown Bradenton’s Bishop Museum buzzed with excitement as the Bucs defensive lineman stepped into the spotlight, reading Mary the Manatee by Suzanne Tate to an eager group …
WORDS: Shannon Evans
In a lively preschool classroom, excited children gather around a tub of water. Four-year-old Jackson grips a shiny metal spoon.
“What do you think, friends—will it sink or float?” the teacher asks as Jackson carefully drops the spoon into the water. It plummets to the bottom with a soft thud, and the class erupts in chatter. Next, Jackson picks up a bright rubber duck. He holds his …
WORDS: Shannon Evans
PHOTOS: Wendy Dewhurst
For nearly five decades, the Manatee Area Youth Soccer Organization (MAYSO) has been more than just a soccer program—it’s been a community where kids thrive. Founded in 1976, MAYSO serves boys and girls across Manatee County, prioritizing fun, teamwork, and character development. Whether through recreational leagues or competitive teams, the organization believes every child deserves a chance to play the world’s favorite sport. MAYSO …
WORDS & PHOTOS: Wendy Dewhurst
The Honorable Shirley Groover Bryant, Mayor of Palmetto, has called the city home her entire life. As the youngest of six, Mayor Shirley, as most locals call her, spent much of her childhood helping in the family business, Groover’s Grocery, and now has her office near to the home where she was born and raised.
She graduated from Palmetto High School and Manatee Community College …
WORDS & PHOTOS: Robyn Bell
My name is Robyn Bell, and this year, I had the honor of being selected for the Dr. Art Engelhard Student Exchange Program. This program, offered through the Hernando De Soto Historical Society, allows local students to visit Bradenton’s sister city of Barcarrota, Spain, and learn firsthand about the history that unites us while being fully immersed in the Spanish culture.
During my time abroad, …
WORDS: Shannon Evans
In the Outpatient Pediatric Therapy clinic of Manatee Memorial Hospital (MMH), you’ll see children at play. Board games and puzzles, climbing frames and swings—the kids are in their element. But they’re also hard at work.
“Therapy is play, because that’s how children learn,” says Director Elizabeth “Liz” Brown, M.S., CCC-SLP. “It’s their job. Adults come to work and type on a computer; kids go to work and …
