The Tampa Bay Beacons is thrilled to now be covering Manatee County, as we are launching free monthly newspapers in Palmetto and Ellenton, Bradenton, and Parrish.
Before I detail what you’ll find in our newspapers and on our website, let me introduce you to who we are and what we do.
The Beacons is a chain of free newspapers that has been covering Pinellas, Pasco and Hernando counties for decades. In the past several years, we have also expanded into Hillsborough County.
Our mission is simple: To inform residents of our communities about news that matters to them. While international and national stories might make for the biggest headlines in other outlets, we believe it’s the news closest to home that has the biggest impact on our daily lives.
We believe in local first and are committed to doing so for the 300,000-plus readers who receive our papers each week.
We cover local government, businesses, public safety, festivals, concerts, school activities, chamber of commerce events, parades and art shows.
We write stories about outstanding volunteers, fundraisers, church events, people with interesting hobbies, students recognized for their outstanding achievements, or local residents who accomplish extraordinary feats.
So, why are we now entering Manatee County?
In short, the answer is pretty simple: there’s a lot happening here — a lot.
Cities and many areas of the county are booming, which means rapid development that comes with new businesses, schools and residents.
The entire county is evolving, and we feel helping residents stay informed is paramount to a community’s health.
So we’re eager to dive in and spread the word about ... YOU!
So, if you’ve got news to share, send it our way.
• Is your business having a grand opening? We want to know about it.
• Did your grandmother just turn 100 and still sings karaoke on the weekends? Tell us more.
• Do you have a fundraiser coming up? We’ll spread the word.
• Did an alligator show up on your doorstep? Send us a picture.
• Do you have concerns about something happening in your community? Let us hear about it.
We also want to hear from area civic clubs. Over the years we have printed thousands of pictures of check presentations and fundraising efforts undertaken by nonprofit organizations.
Send any news tips, announcements or photos to cgeorge@tbnweekly.com or clane@tbnweekly.com.
We are fortunate to have some stellar employees leading the way for us in Manatee.
Staff writer Cindy Lane (clane@TBNweekly.com) and Advertising Account Executive Caryn Hodge (chodge@LaunchPointStrategy.com) bring decades of experience to their roles.
Not only do they excel at what they do, but they live in and care about the communities they cover and represent.
The newspapers will be delivered monthly to select neighborhoods the second through fourth Wednesdays of each month.
But for those of you who like to keep up with their communities online, we also have a website (TampaBayBeacons.com) and social media pages where you can find community news from your area and beyond.
We are also offering a weekly email newsletter where you can keep up to date on what’s happening in your area and around the county each week.
If you’d like to sign up, please visit tampabaybeacons.com/newsletter.
If you would like to send us an article or photo, please submit it at least one week in advance. Of course, the earlier the better.
We can’t wait to hear from you and become a valued member of your community.
Chris George is executive editor of the Tampa Bay Beacons. He can be reached at cgeorge@TBNweekly.com.