Some good stuff about Bradenton (Sarasota, Palmetto: best cities, salon, lofts)

[gypsychic]

I decided that since Bradenton is like the poor forgotten stepchild of this beautiful area, I would start posting some positive info about it, maybe a lot of people who even live in the area don't know some of this.

Anyway, here is a great article from the Boston Globe of all places, it's mainly about Village of the Arts, but talks about some of the great changes coming to downtown in the next 5 years:

Revitalized Bradenton brims with artistic flair - The Boston Globe

Here is a link to Village of the Arts page:

Village of the Arts - Bradenton, Florida

Bradenton was in the top 10 best cities for working artists to live (#5) by Art Calendar Magazine:

Art Calendar | 10 Great Towns for Working Artists by Kim Hall (http://www.artcalendar.com/article.asp?ID=70 - broken link)

And last, from the city website, crime has gone down consistently since 2003, despite the perception to the contrary:

http://www.cityofbradenton.com/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC={36FA2AFD-C482-45BA-9331-88716146939C}

Just trying to show "The Friendly City" a little love!

[ColorJoy]

Thank you Gypsychic, I have been feeling around for an intuitive compass as to where to find my last and permanent home. I had Sarasota in mind because I listened to someone who told me Bradenton had a lot of prostitutes and crackheads hanging around the downtown area. Because of your posting, I have read things which encourage me to search for my home in the Bradenton. I put off being an artist all my life and now I want to buy a"lite" and "brite" home conducive to my creative expression and to live in a community which shares the passion would be an added blessing. Thanks again and blessings ahead in 2010!

[Dreamy46]

Today's article on the arts district:

Village finds way to greet visitors | HeraldTribune.com | Sarasota Florida | Southwest Florida's Information Leader

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by Dreamy46

Today's article on the arts district:

Village finds way to greet visitors | HeraldTribune.com | Sarasota Florida | Southwest Florida's Information Leader

That's a nice article! I'd read another blurb about this center opening the other day, but this article is much better, thanks for posting it, Dreamy!

ColorJoy - Like almost anyplace I have ever lived or visited, there is good and bad. Yes, Bradenton has some problems, but it doesn't seem any worse there than anywhere else I've been. And this Village of the arts has done a HUGE amount for the area that it is located in. It is growing by leaps and bounds, and I just love the vibe there! As an artist, I think you will, too!

For anyone interested, here is a link to a pdf file which shows a grand vision for what the Downtown Development Authority would like to achieve for Bradenton in the future. Keeping in mind of course that this might not all happen, and with this economy what does happen will probably go slowly, but hey any improvement is improvement I always say!

http://bradenton.govoffice.com/vertical/Sites/%7B2D1C3C91-86C5-4ACC-86B6-6CFA76381D46%7D/uploads/%7B9B889A4A-96BA-4CC0-8913-FF4F5F4AC00B%7D.PDF (broken link)

Good luck to you!

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by unocentavo

I lived in Arcadia in the end of the eightys. Moved back to the north for family. I have missed it ever since. I used to go to Bradenton and Sarasota every weekend to play. Now I live in the midwest in north Oklahoma and its ok because of family but I want to one day move to Florida again. I really like it around Sarasota and all the beaches ect. I used to go to the laser light show at bishop and see the manatee. It really has a lot to offer.

Yes, the Bishop Planetarium is wonderful. I haven't been to a show there in awhile, thanks for reminding me of this gem!

[Skunk Workz]

Originally Posted by gypsychic

That's a nice article! I'd read another blurb about this center opening the other day, but this article is much better, thanks for posting it, Dreamy!

ColorJoy - Like almost anyplace I have ever lived or visited, there is good and bad. Yes, Bradenton has some problems, but it doesn't seem any worse there than anywhere else I've been. And this Village of the arts has done a HUGE amount for the area that it is located in. It is growing by leaps and bounds, and I just love the vibe there! As an artist, I think you will, too!

For anyone interested, here is a link to a pdf file which shows a grand vision for what the Downtown Development Authority would like to achieve for Bradenton in the future. Keeping in mind of course that this might not all happen, and with this economy what does happen will probably go slowly, but hey any improvement is improvement I always say!

http://bradenton.govoffice.com/vertical/Sites/%7B2D1C3C91-86C5-4ACC-86B6-6CFA76381D46%7D/uploads/%7B9B889A4A-96BA-4CC0-8913-FF4F5F4AC00B%7D.PDF (broken link)

Good luck to you!

I do agree that Bradenton isn't nearly as bad as some would have you believe. I've lived in Bradenton and Palmetto for ~15 years now, and never felt that my family's life was in danger, or seen any gangs hanging around. There are bad areas, but that's anywhere.

That being said, The Village of the Arts is in one of those neighborhoods. The village isn't horrible during art walk (I think they have the cops come out and round up the crack whores, drug dealers, and the bums) but the rest of the month it's not the greatest place to be.

My parents have a gallery there, and they go on and on about how cleaned up the area is, but I noticed that they have both started carrying mace on their key chains over the last couple of years!

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by Skunk Workz

I do agree that Bradenton isn't nearly as bad as some would have you believe. I've lived in Bradenton and Palmetto for ~15 years now, and never felt that my family's life was in danger, or seen any gangs hanging around. There are bad areas, but that's anywhere.

That being said, The Village of the Arts is in one of those neighborhoods. The village isn't horrible during art walk (I think they have the cops come out and round up the crack whores, drug dealers, and the bums) but the rest of the month it's not the greatest place to be.

My parents have a gallery there, and they go on and on about how cleaned up the area is, but I noticed that they have both started carrying mace on their key chains over the last couple of years!

That is true about that area, the surrounds are run-down. However, according to police, the perception of the area is that people believe it is worse than it actually is for crime. Another thing also, is I expect that neighborhood to start coming up even more real soon, since it is so near McKechnie Field, where there will be a lot of activity due to the new minor league team coming in. Skunk Workz, have you heard any more about the new artist lofts that were supposed to be built on 14th St. across from Chandlers? I read about that several months ago, but haven't heard anything since. It sounded like a nice project that could really kick-start that area.

[eightiesfan]

This is interesting. Are there any other areas that have this kind of artistic vibe to them in the area or in Florida for that matter? Definitely on my list of places to check out.

[jaggerriggs]

What are the main differences between Sarasota and Bradenton? What are the differences in the schools? I am still going to open a salon when we get moved and settled. Which place is better for that? My husband is a Respiratory Therapist so it doesn't matter to him.

[Ladywithafan]

Very nice article re: Village of the Arts in SRQ's January edition. I'll have to check it out once weather gets warmer.