Bradenton Florida Information

Bradenton is one of central west Florida's oldest cities. It was named for Joseph Braden, an early settler who grew sugar cane and operated a sugar mill. The county's largest city and the county seat, Bradenton is also its center of commerce, government, health and social services, and much of the area's cultural life. Increasingly cosmopolitan in character, the city retains its small-town charm. A number of new residential sections complement older established neighborhoods in both urban and suburban settings.

The Bradenton area represents natural Florida because it has not suffered many of the negative effects of Florida's booming growth. The best example of the area's unspoiled nature is the broad sweeps of white sand beaches unmarred by high rise condominiums or hotels. The beaches feature the Gulf of Mexico's emerald waters bordered by tall, shady Australian Pines.