The ol’ ballpark on Ninth Street West will come back to life Nov. 5 for the Boots vs. Badges Charity Softball Game between Bradenton’s Fire Department and Police Department at LECOM Park.
Hosted by the Pittsburgh Pirates and Bradenton Marauders, the game brings the city’s firefighters and cops together for a benevolent fun time.
“We work side by side with BPD every day to serve the Bradenton community, but this time we'll be on opposite sides of the field,” said Fire Chief Tim Geer. “We're looking forward to some friendly competition, raising money for a good cause and maybe earning a few bragging rights along the way.”
Bradenton Police Chief Josh Cramer said, “We’re proud to be part of it and look forward to a great event.”
Tickets are $10 and
gates open at 6 p.m.
For more information, call 941-747-3031, visit BradentonMarauders.com, or email MaraudersInfo@pirates.com.
· Say it ain’t so! Shea Giltner hit the Big 4-0!
· Bravo to Tess and Souhad Chawi on their 37th anniversary as owners and instructors of Sarabay Dance Club.
· A bow to Winnie Schroeder and Dr. Cornelius Turalba, who were recognized for years of leadership and service to Caring Friends Cancer Support Group at Blake Hospital. It was founded in 1986 by Blake oncology nurses Pamela Dewalt and Dorothy Laster to provide friendship and encouragement to cancer patients and their families.
· And a bow to Fernanda Lima, Prine Elementary ESOL teacher and ABC7 Chalkboard Champion.
· Carolyn Keller, treasurer for the Manatee High Alumni Association, said nearly $3,000 was raised for the Eddie Shannon Legacy Football Scholarship during the silent auction at the 2026 Athletic Hall of Honor celebration.
· Shawna Kerley is 39. Again.
· Props to Kalyssa Kuhling, a compassionate, skilled and dedicated ICU Nurse and Lakewood Ranch Medical Center’s latest DAISY Award winner.
· Senior Enforcement Bureau Executive Coordinator Jill Winters is the Manatee County Sheriff Office Employee of the Month for September. She showed exceptional dedication, professionalism and compassion coordinating the Celebration of Life for a recently deceased deputy, ensuring the event appropriately honored their life, service and sacrifice.
· Alan Bellitera is 48. Sheesh, a kid.
· Vickie Warner, Senior Planning and Zoning Technician with Manatee County’s Development Services Department, is October Team Member of the Month.
· John Cosby is now Bradenton Beach Public Works Director after serving as interim. He’s also the town’s former police chief.
· Registration deadline for Junior Miss Manatee County Fair candidates is next Sunday for girls 13-16. Visit manateecountyfair.com. Julianna Wells is the reigning title holder.
· And yours truly turns 77 years young today. Yo!
Vin’s People runs Sundays. Email Vin Mannix at vinspeople@gmail.com. Or call 941-962-5944.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Bradenton police and fire meet for charity softball game at LECOM Park
