Expect road closures and event traffic on February 16-17

Feb 9

Several events planned for Friday, February 16, and Saturday, February 17, are expected to draw extra traffic to the downtown and Riverwalk areas. The organizers of each event provided the information below.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16

The Rossi Park parking lot will close to the general public at 5 a.m. on Friday and remain closed through Saturday. Only those with VIP parking permits may utilize the parking lot. Additionally, due to the event set-up, only residents may access the parking area between the Riverdance condominiums and Riversong apartments.

The Gulf Islands ferry service will not be operating.

Budweiser Clydesdales' pre-Regatta appearance

The Budweiser Clydesdales will visit downtown Bradenton on Friday. There are several opportunities to take photos. The following times are approximate.

5:00 - 5:30 p.m.: Rossi Park. Parking will not be available in the Rossi Park parking lot.
5:45 – 6:00 p.m: Old Main Street and Barcarrota Ave./1st Ave. W. (entrance to Pier 22)
6:00 – 6:30 p.m.: 400 block of Old Main Street/12th St. W.

Bradenton Police officers will escort the Clydesdales. Traffic will briefly stop while the Clydesdales are traveling between the listed locations. There are no road closures.

Bradenton Area River Regatta Sky Elements lighted drone show

During the show, the Riverwalk will be closed in the launch and landed zone, directly behind the River Dance condominiums. Spectators will be diverted to 3rd Avenue W. during this time. A map of the restricted area is below.
The show is scheduled to begin at 7:15 p.m. The estimated duration is 15 minutes. A free concert by Sweet Fleet at the Riverwalk Pavillion Stage will follow the drone show.
The show will be visible on either side of the Manatee River. The recommended viewing area in Bradenton is along the Riverwalk, between Rossi Park and the observation tower.
No road closures are required.
Free parking is available at the City Centre Parking Facility at 3rd Ave. W. between 10th and 12th Streets.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17

The Bradenton Market is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Old Main Street.

The following roads will be closed beginning at 4 a.m. Roads will reopen after the Regatta races finish and clean-up is completed. (DOWNLOAD ROAD CLOSURE MAP)

Green Bridge will be closed to traffic but will remain open to pedestrians. Bikes and scooters are not allowed on the bridge. A free trolley will be accessible on either side of the bridge for travel between Palmetto and Bradenton from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
9th St. W. will be closed between Manatee Ave. and the Green Bridge.
12th St. W. (Old Main St.) will be closed between Manatee Ave. and 1st Ave. W./Barcarrota Blvd.
3rd Ave. W. will be open only for eastbound traffic between 9th St. W. and 1st St./US-41.

Free parking is available in parking garages and parking lots operated by the City of Bradenton.

Only those with VIP passes may use the Rossi Park/Riverwalk parking lot.

LECOM 5K (SEE ROUTE MAP)

The race begins at 8:30 a.m. All runners must be off of the Green Bridge by 9:30 a.m.
The race begins and ends at the intersection of 15th St. W. and 4th Ave. Runners will travel north to 1st Ave. W., east to 10th St. W., south to 3rd Ave. W., east to 9th St. W., and north across the Green Bridge. The turnaround point is on the Palmetto side of the bridge.
Per race organizers, participants should park in the Manatee County Public Parking Garage at the corner of Manatee Ave W & 10th St W.

9th Annual Bradenton Area River Regatta

The 9th annual event begins at 10 a.m., featuring Powerboat Super League and SST-45 Formula Lights racing, fly-board exhibitions, live music, vendors, family fun zones, and more. A schedule of events is available at bradentonarearegatta.com. (DOWNLOAD RIVERWALK TENT MAP)

As in previous years, the Bradenton Police Department is partnering with other local law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of participants and spectators on land and the Manatee River.
The U.S. Coast Guard mandates Manatee River restrictions for the Regatta. Boaters must adhere to the no-cross perimeter defined by red buoys in effect during boat races, water activities, and the drone show on Friday. Law enforcement will patrol the river to ensure compliance.
First-aid stations are on either side of the Manatee River.
Spectators may bring coolers, chairs, and blankets. Coolers are subject to search.
The Gulf Islands ferry service will not be operating.

Pittsburg Pirates Spring Training Kickoff Block Party