1. You’re constantly disputing why your beaches are better.
You know the Bradenton Gulf Beaches are the best, hands down. Maybe it’s the soft sand, the consistently warm water, or the endless amount of cozy and cute shops and restaurants that surround them; but we all know a good beach day can’t end without a stop for ice cream at the Shake Pit.
2. If you wanted to be considered “cool” in middle school, you knew Main Street was the place to be.
Your mom dropped you off no matter how much you didn’t want anyone to see, and you met up with your friends to hang out and get Starbucks. You probably even had one of your awkward first dates there.
3. You know how intense a high school football rivalry can be.
Friday is game day. Black-outs/White-outs are a tradition. Student sections completely take over the stadium, and Student Government works hard to create events and t-shirts. Your school’s student section might have even made national news…
4. When you’re bored on the weekends because you constantly do the same things.
Movies? Seen it. Shopping? Too many times. And if there’s not a party going on somewhere, everyone knows Applebee’s 2 for $20 is where it’s at.
5. When someone from out of state asks where you’re from, you get the constant look of confusion.
Now you result to saying Sarasota or even Tampa, cities that people might actually know about.
6. You constantly find yourself caught in endless construction work.
Whoever planned the city of Bradenton must not have known how much it would grow. Between interstate expansions and other road blocks, you can always plan on adding an extra five minutes to your commute due to traffic.
7. You have to go out of your way to find any decent malls.
The closest mall (besides Desoto Square… but who really goes there?) is in Sarasota, but it’s well worth the trek. UTC = retail heaven. Let’s be real.
8. Sometimes you know someone else’s drama before they do.
Because it’s a small town, gossip is never ending. You know everyone’s business and they probably know yours too.
9. You always wonder about the “Friendly City” sign on the water tower.
From an outsiders point of view, Bradenton probably does look relatively friendly. But you know all the locals have always wondered where exactly that came from.
10. No matter how much you complain about wanting to leave, a small part of you will always want to go back. Because it’s your home.
