Bradenton, County seat in western Florida, United States
Bradenton is a county seat on the southern bank of the Manatee River near Tampa Bay in western Florida. The city sits on flat coastal land about six feet (two meters) above sea level and spreads across both sides of the river.
Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto reached this area in 1539 during his expedition through the southeastern part of North America. The present town took shape in 1842 and received its name from Dr. Joseph Braden, who founded one of the first settlements here.
The Village of the Arts neighborhood draws working artists who open their studios to visitors and display their work in converted homes. The South Florida Museum houses a planetarium and an aquarium where manatees live in rehabilitation pools.
The city sits in Manatee County and forms a shared metropolitan area with North Port and Sarasota, offering well-connected services. Schools, recreation centers, and public facilities are spread throughout the town and neighboring communities.
The Pittsburgh Pirates hold their spring training in town and use McKechnie Field, one of the oldest active baseball stadiums in Florida. During training weeks, fans travel from different states to watch the team up close.
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