Bradenton Herald

BRADENTON — Nuisance animal trapper Justin Matthews pleaded not guilty to charges he released a python into an East Manatee drainage and staged its capture in a hoax this summer. Full Story »

EAST MANATEE — Curving metal framework from a Steinway Grand piano has been turned on end and set in the front yard as a landscape sculpture. Full Story »

Born: Riverdale, Md. Full Story »

BRADENTON — Visitors to the library some day might be able to do some shopping at the mall after checking out their books. Full Story »

BRADENTON — Pick a coaching clinic, any coaching clinic. Full Story »

MANATEE — Every year the countdown is on for the Shirpack twins as they wait patiently for the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office’s annual “Flight to the North Pole” Christmas gift-giving event. Full Story »

MANATEE — Even in a daunting economy there are business superstars that light up the economy with their innovations and entrepreneurship. Full Story »

BRADENTON — With a push from U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor , the U.S. House approved a spending bill Thursday that includes $250,000 for a new community center next to Norma Lloyd Park. Full Story »

EAST MANATEE — Mike and Marie Marshall of Lakewood Ranch looked on proudly as their sons, Logan and Nate, helped host Braden River Middle School’s 10th Annual Empty Bowls Luncheon. Full Story »

We’ll be represented when Trinity Christian of Jacksonville and American Heritage of Delray Beach vie for tonight’s Class A state championship at the Citrus Bowl. Full Story »

MANATEE — A Manatee County Sheriff’s Office crime scene technician was reprimanded for taking four years to turn in a key piece of evidence in a robbery, according to a report released Thursday. Full Story »

MANATEE — The Manatee County Health Department will host an H1N1 flu vaccination clinic for children attending day care, day care staff and parents, household members and caregivers of children younger than 6 months from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Full Story »

MANATEE — Two fires were set less than an hour apart Thursday night to vacant structures in Bayshore Gardens, according to authorities. Full Story »

MANATEE — A new Web site is promising Manatee County nonprofit organizations “Xtreme visibility” to get their messages out to prospective donors and volunteers who can help make a difference in the community. Full Story »

MANATEE — If a victim’s bones are buried underground, the investigator needs to understand anthropology — the study of human origins. Full Story »

BRADENTON — Nancy Agustin-Pineda is 13, one of seven children being raised by a single mother and is an at-risk eighth-grader. Full Story »

MANATEE — The county should take further steps to discourage new telecommunications towers in residential areas, an advisory board said Thursday — just a week after the county rejected a controversial tower in River Club. Full Story »

MANATEE — An 18-year-old boy was questioned by investigators Wednesday night after he allegedly stabbed his mother’s live-in boyfriend with a steak knife, according to Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. Full Story »

MANATEE — A mother was arrested for not protecting her 3-year-old and 5-year-old from her abusive boyfriend, according to a Manatee County Sheriff’s Office report. Full Story »

BRADENTON — Arif Abdulla couldn’t believe the notice he received from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida this week. Full Story »

MANATEE — The fight against street gangs that may be moving south from Manatee into Sarasota is strengthening an anti-gang partnership between sheriff’s offices in the two counties. Full Story »

How local lawmakers voted Tuesday on train legislation: Full Story »

MANATEE — State transportation officials don’t anticipate dropping any planned projects in Manatee County through 2015 despite — and because of — the economy, according to a proposed work plan. Full Story »

LAKEWOOD RANCH — A local woman will not soon forget Tuesday’s fatal crash at State Road 70 and Post Boulevard that will result in a 2010 traffic light study for that intersection. Full Story »

BRADENTON — Despite the concerns of several neighbors, the City Council voted Wednesday to allow Bradenton Christian School to install stadium lights over its football field. Full Story »