PHOTOS: Hindu wedding procession passes through downtown Bradenton

When I arrived in downtown Bradenton today around 10:15 the last thing I expected to see was horse-drawn carriage, a van blaring music and a large group dressed in colorful attire.

Turns out I had walked right into the arrival of the groom's party in the form of a formal procession, a pre-party of sorts, if Wikipedia is right, for a traditional Hindu wedding.

I was told the groom was Suketu Pathak and that grew up in Sarasota but lives in Cincinnati, Ohio.

TONIGHT: Cork's Cigar Bar throwing reopening bash on Old Main St. in Bradenton

A significant player in the downtown Bradenton nightlife scene just announced a move that has been in the works for months.

"Cork's Cigar Bar will be open at 5 p.m. today!" reads the Facebook message posted by bartender Meagan Miller about two hours ago. "Come on in and see our new beautiful building (across street from old)."

A call to her father, Cork Miller, confirmed the relocation of his family's establishment from 425 Old Main St. to 424 Old Main St.

"The downstairs bar is all ready to go," he said. "But the upstairs won't be open yet."

A grand opening is planned for the near future to coincide with completion of second story lounge.

As for tonight, RJ Howson (guitar/vocals), Devin Neel (drums/vocals) and Gerry Neel (bass) will be hosting an open, blues-based jam starting at 9:30 p.m.

Trivia with Pennijo Beaucamp starts at 7:30pm

I first broke the news about Cork's changing locations in March and reported about it again, among other Old Main St. developments, in June.

UPDATED JULY 18: Neighbors need to make peace with Tarpon Pointe Grill & Tiki Bar in downtown Bradenton

UPDATED JULY 18: Before I walked over to Tarpon Pointe Grill & Tiki Bar Sunday around 6 p.m. Sunday (July 17) for another fun, relaxing evening, I received an email from Scott Tibbetts, owner of the land that houses Tarpon Pointe and neighboring Manatee Landings Marina. I then received an email from his investment partner Bruce Bottorff. I noticed the valet parking has already been implemented:

We are working on several issues that are synonymous with the rapid growth of the business. A few of them are:

1.  Parking

2.  Crowd Control

We have located two additional parking alternatives - the medical business complex just to the east of the Manatee Memorial hospital and the auto parts store at the corner of Manatee Avenue and 7th street.  We have purchased shuttle carts to expedite bringing people on and taking people off of the property.  We have also brought in a professional valet service that started Saturday evening.  Both of these free services will enable us to better control the crowds and improve on the parking situation for our neighbors.

We expect to have in excess of 100 employees within the next few weeks.

Original post:

Pic I took July 13 from the deck of Tarpon Pointe Grill & Tiki Bar.

I've had two enjoyable experiences at the newly opened Tarpon Pointe Grill & Tiki Bar, which sits along the Manatee River in downtown Bradenton. It's about a 20-25 minute walk from my place in Point Pleasant. I'll probably stroll by later today for a most tasty Tarpon Pointe Rita and quality music courtesy of the Venturas, which perform 6 to 10 p.m.

From my column running today:

Tarpon Pointe Grill & Tiki Bar should be a boon for downtown Bradenton.

The new destination spot features two tiki bars, tables for outdoor dining, an upstairs deck providing gorgeous views of the river and downtown, as well as sand volleyball courts and places to play the popular lawn game cornhole.

Its success could pave the way for Manatee River finally being dotted with bistros, cafes, upscale eateries and even boutiques....

So what could possibly be controversial about a family-friendly business occupying a beautiful piece of land formerly sullied by an abandoned house structure?

Music.

Continue reading my latest Buzz Worthy column "Make peace with Tarpon Pointe."

Click for info on Tarpon Pointe Grill & Tiki Bar.

Click for info on the Venturas.