Bradenton Patch Week in Review

We had a pretty eventful Week 2 here at Bradenton Patch, so let's get right to it:

On Sunday, we had a cool story from a that featured Syesha Mercado, Bradenton's own American Idol finalist. We also brought you some photos from the downtown and a story and images from the .

On Monday, Bradenton Patch unveiled a new weekly feature that will tell you who's got the . Nonprofit columnist JoAnne Klement explained how Bradenton Country Club members are this holiday season. We were also live on the scene when for a few hours because of an accident just before rush hour, and we told you the minute it re-opened.

On Tuesday, we told you how Manatee County is on "pill mills," and we had an update on a that will spare some local elementary students a one-hour bus commute because of zoning.

On Wednesday, sports correspondent Chad Brockhoff recapped the boys basketball tilt, and Tim McCann highlighted former NFL Pro Bowler Henry Lawrence's involvement in a for the kids of Gregory Estates. We also told you how a county plan to and has angered some residents, and we reported on a local infant's .

On Thursday, we had a story on an despite opposition from its future neighbors. Patch also reported on Palmetto High's new , the first of its kind in the county. And our showed you where to go for a delicious soul food Sunday.

On Friday, Patch featured , a remarkable student who's knitting caps for kids with cancer. We also had a story and photos from the Bradenton Police Department's with local kids. And we had a video that captured one Bradenton woman's .

And on Saturday, we debuted our new feature that will put local anglers in the spotlight (send photos of your catch and your contact info to nick.walter22@yahoo.com). We also brought you a cool list of some places that will be open for business this Christmas.