‘The Friendly City”

Located just south of the Tampa Bay area in Manatee County, Bradenton is a fabulous place to explore our art and historical attractions, have fun in the sun enjoying the beach and all types of water and boat adventures, plus we are a golfer’s paradise! Simply put, whether you’re a resident or visitor, young or old, you’re sure to find Bradenton is the place to be.

History

The area that would become Bradenton was first explored in 1539 by Spanish Explorer Hernando De Soto, who began his search for the legendary El Dorado at Shaw’s Point. The original town of Bradentown was incorporated on May 19, 1903. The city took the name of Dr. Joseph Braden, whose nearby fort-like house was a refuge for early settlers during Seminole Indian attacks. The current city of Bradenton was formed in 1943, when the Florida legislature merged the cities of Manatee (incorporated in 1888) and Bradentown. [From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bradenton,_Florida]

Today

Bradenton’s McKechnie Field has been the spring training home of the Pittsburgh Pirates since 1969. It’s also the home of the Bradenton Marauders, Advanced-A minor league affiliate of the Pirates.

Tropicana Products is one of the world’s largest producers and marketers of orange juice. Although Tropicana’s corporate headquarters were relocated to Chicago when PepsiCo consolidated their beverage business after the acquisition of Gatorade, their juice production still remains in Bradenton. Champs Sports, a nationwide sports-apparel chain, is headquartered in Bradenton, as is department store chain Bealls.