🚂 THE FRONT PORCH

All aboard! The sun is shining, the humidity is creeping up, and the kids are officially counting down the days until summer break. 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

  • New Traffic Light Active: The new traffic signal at Moccasin Wallow Road and 71st Avenue East is officially live.

  • Infrastructure Relief: This much-needed light is paving the way for major commercial development in northern Manatee County.

If you've driven down Moccasin Wallow Road lately, you know the struggle is real. But there's good news! The newly activated traffic signal at Robinson Gateway Drive and 71st Avenue East is finally bringing some relief to local commuters. It's a small step, but a big win for keeping traffic moving as our community grows.

🗓️ UPCOMING EVENTS & FAMILY ACTIVITIES

Adopt-a-Palooza

Saturday, May 31
📍 Manatee County Animal Services

Manatee Music Series

First Fridays at Parrish Community Park
🕕 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Memorial Day Picnic

Sunday, May 25
🕚 Gates Open at 11:00 AM

Get ready for some serious spring vibes! If you're looking to add a furry friend to the family, don't miss Adopt-A-Palooza this Saturday. And mark your calendars for the Manatee Music Series at Parrish Community Park—it's the perfect excuse to pack a cooler, grab the lawn chairs, and enjoy some free live music with the neighbors.

🏪 SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT & LOCAL HERO

💪 BODYBAR Pilates

• Location: 5131 Moccasin Wallow Rd, Palmetto, FL 34221

• What They Do: Specializing in high-intensity, low-impact Reformer Pilates workouts that help build strength, improve flexibility, and support overall wellness.

A new boutique fitness studio has joined the rapidly expanding Moccasin Wallow corridor. BODYBAR Pilates offers a modern, athletic twist to traditional Reformer Pilates. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just looking to build some core strength without straining your joints, they've got a class for you. It's great to see more health and wellness options popping up right in our backyard.

🍽️ NEW & NOTEWORTHY RESTAURANTS

🥞 The Breakfast Company

• Location: Gateway Commons Shopping Plaza, Parrish

• Details: Scratch-baked goods, specialty muffins, and brunch favorites.

Brunch lovers, rejoice! The Breakfast Company is officially coming to Parrish this month. Located in the Gateway Commons plaza, they'll be serving up all your morning favorites, from scratch-baked muffins to hearty breakfast plates. It's the perfect spot for a weekend family breakfast or a mid-week coffee run.

💪 FAMILY WELLNESS

1. Get Outside: Fort Hamer Park Trails

• Location: Fort Hamer Park, Parrish

• Details: 7.3-acre riverside park perfect for walking, fishing, and kayaking.

With the weather warming up, it's the perfect time to get the family moving outside. Fort Hamer Park offers some great, easy walking trails right along the Manatee River. It's a fantastic spot for a quick weekend hike, a family picnic, or even launching a kayak. Getting some fresh air and sunshine is one of the easiest ways to boost everyone's mood and keep the family healthy.

🐶 PET OF THE WEEK

Name: Sybee

Shelter: 📍Manatee County Animal Services

Details: Looking for a loving foster or forever home to escape kennel life.

Say hello to Sybee, our Pet of the Week! She's currently waiting for her forever family at Manatee County Animal Services. Sybee is looking for a loving home to help her escape the stress of kennel life. If you've got room in your heart and your home, head over and meet this sweet girl. Let's get her adopted!

👋 THE SEND-OFF

That's a wrap for this week's Express! Get out there, enjoy the sunshine, and make some memories with the family. Don't forget to treat the moms in your life like royalty this weekend.

Until next week — stay gritty, stay healthy, and keep Parrish strong.

-Greg

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