🚂 THE FRONT PORCH
All aboard! We're officially deep into June, which means the heat is cranking up and the summer schedules are in full swing. But before we send you down a rabbit hole of Parrish escapades, let me tell you why being totally obsessed with this newsletter will turn your family into the Seaver family on Growing Pains.
We're cutting through the noise to bring you the absolute best of what our community has to offer. No fluff, just the good stuff. Grab your coffee, find a quiet spot on the porch, and let's dive in.
📰 COMMUNITY NEWS & THE PARRISH PULSE
Hurricane Prep: Manatee County Emergency Management hosting a public forum TONIGHT at Parrish Community High School at 6:30 PM.
Norma Kennedy Scholarship: The inaugural scholarship will be awarded tonight to a 2026 PCHS graduate.
Tonight at 6:30 p.m., the Parrish Civic Association and Parrish Area Business Alliance are holding a crucial community meeting at the Parrish Community High School Media Center. Manatee County Emergency Management will be there to talk hurricane preparedness, evacuation planning, and storm recovery. It's the kind of meeting you hope you never need the info from, but you'll be glad you went. Also, a huge congratulations to the first-ever recipient of the Norma Kennedy Scholarship, which will be awarded tonight!
🗓️ UPCOMING EVENTS & FAMILY ACTIVITIES
🐾10th Annual Adopt-A-Palooza
📅Date: Saturday, June 20, 2026 — 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
📍Location: Bradenton Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd, Palmetto, FL
🐕Details: Over 100 adoptable pets, raffles, silent auction, and pet vendors. Hosted by Humane Society of Manatee County.
Mark your calendars for June 20th! The 10th Annual Adopt-A-Palooza is taking over the Bradenton Convention Center. It's the largest one-day pet adoption and expo-style event in Manatee County. With over 100 adoptable pets from Manatee County Animal Welfare and local rescues, it's the perfect place to find your family's new best friend. Even if you aren't looking to adopt, there are raffles, silent auctions, and tons of pet-related vendors to check out. 🐕
🏛️Bishop Museum Free Admission Weekend
📅 Date: Saturday & Sunday, June 13–14, 2026
📍 Location: Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, Bradenton
🎟️ Details: Free admission for Manatee County residents, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Bradenton.
Free museum admission for the whole family this weekend — June 13 and 14. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature is opening its doors at no charge for Manatee County residents, courtesy of the Rotary Club of Bradenton. Science, nature, history, and astronomy exhibits all under one roof. It's a great rainy-day backup or a solid Saturday plan. 🦖
🏪 SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT & LOCAL HERO
🏛️ Organization: Parrish Civic Association & Parrish Area Business Alliance
What They Do: Connect residents and businesses, advocate for community interests, and host civic events.
Tonight: Hosting the Hurricane Preparedness Forum at PCHS Media Center, 6:30 PM.
This week, we're shining the spotlight on the organizations keeping our community connected and informed. The Parrish Civic Association and the Parrish Area Business Alliance are teaming up tonight to host a public forum on hurricane preparedness.🤝These are the folks working behind the scenes to make sure Parrish isn't just growing, but growing smart and staying safe. 📢If you own a local business or just care about the future of our town, these are the groups you want to be involved with.
🍽️ NEW & NOTEWORTHY RESTAURANTS
🥩Hickory Hollow Barbeque
📍Location: 4705 US Hwy 301 N, Ellenton, FL 34222
🍖Details: A local BBQ staple with a brand new menu — worth the short drive down 301.
Sometimes the best "new" spot is an old favorite that's shaking things up. Hickory Hollow Barbeque over in Ellenton just rolled out a brand new menu. If you haven't been in a while, it's time to make the short drive down 301. There's nothing quite like proper Southern BBQ to cap off a long summer day, and Hickory Hollow has been doing it right for years. Go see what's new on the smoker. 😋
💪 FAMILY WELLNESS
💦Parrish Community Park Splash Pad
📍 Location: 7550 Fort Hamer Rd, Parrish, FL 34219
💵 Cost: FREE!!
☀️ Hours: Open daily during the summer season
The heat is officially here, and the best way to beat it without driving to the beach is right in our backyard. The splash pad at Parrish Community Park is open and ready for action. It's completely free, incredibly close, and guaranteed to wear the kids out before nap time. Pack some sunscreen, grab a few towels, and let them run wild while you enjoy a few minutes of peace in the shade. 🌴
🐾 PET OF THE WEEK
🐶Name: Marlene
🏠Shelter: Manatee County Animal Welfare — Bishop Animal Shelter
📍 Location: 5718 21st Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34209 | (941) 742-5933
❤️Details: 12-year-old female, 41 lbs. Sweet senior dog recovering from surgery. Looking for a quiet, loving forever home.
Meet Marlene! At 12 years young and just 41 pounds, this sweet senior girl is looking for a cozy place to spend her golden years. She recently had surgery and just wants a quiet spot to rest, relax, and soak up some love. ❤She's got a gentle personality and is the perfect size for almost any home. If you have a soft spot for senior dogs, head over to the Bishop Animal Shelter and ask to meet Marlene today. She's been waiting long enough. 🏡
