Hello Florida Fly,
I definitely have Bradenton in my blood. Never lived there as I was born in Tampa and now reside in Land O' Lakes just to the north of Tampa.
But, my great great great grandfather Thomas Mann was the first white settler/homesteader (along with his sons ... the wife died) on Longboat Key in 1891.
Most all my aunts/uncles, great-aunts/great-uncles, great-grandmothers/great grand-fathers, etc, etc, on my mother's side lived in or around Bradenton.
My mother grew up just a short few blocks south of the Manatee river there in Bradenton. Somewhere on 9th street or 9th ave ... I forget. Just east of Highway 41 (the old Hwy 41 bridge) near the Tropicana plant.
Lots of memories.
Nice to meet you.
Gil
"Only the half-mad are wholly alive." ~~ Edward Abbey