[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 100 (Thursday, July 27, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1365-E1366]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING BRADENTON, FL, AS A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE

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                            HON. DAN MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 27, 2000

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning to 
congratulate a city in my congressional district, Bradenton, FL. 
Bradenton has been recognized in the July 2000 issue of Money magazine 
as one of the best places to retire. Money quotes Bradenton as, ``a 
perfect Florida beach town for sun and sailing.'' I agree and believe 
it is much more than that.
  With 238 sunny days a year it is no surprise to me that this area 
made headlines. The coastal community with a population under 50,000 is 
located just south of Tampa Bay. Bradenton's 27 miles of beautiful, 
white and beaches provide the perfect environment for sailing, skiing, 
fishing and various outdoor activities.
  The criteria used by Money to evaluate nearly 500 communities 
included population, opportunities for educational advancement, outdoor 
activities, cultural amenities, quality of medical care, and accessible 
transportation. Factors that also influenced the ratings were cost of 
living, taxes, and home prices. Today's seniors live an active 
lifestyle, so each community was also evaluated on the various 
activities in the area.
  Bradenton offers an array of cultural attractions including the 
Golden Apple Dinner Theater and the Florida West Coast Symphony. The 
South Florida Museum and Bishop Planetarium is a unique complex that 
features cultural and historical exhibits and laser light shows. The 
ballet, the opera, art galleries, historical parks, and museums are all 
within the city limits. Retirees can stay busy at the various outdoor 
festivals throughout the year.
  Bradenton is home to the Pittsburgh Pirates spring training complex 
and is within an hour's

[[Page E1366]]

drive to three professional sports teams. Retirees can enjoy the areas 
24 nationally recognized golf courses, including Legacy Golf Course 
designed by Arnold Palmer.
  The warm weather and casual atmosphere truly make Bradenton a 
wonderful retirement community. I am honored that Bradenton received 
such outstanding recognition.
  It is not just the weather, infrastructure, healthcare system, and 
recreation opportunities that make Bradenton a nationally recognized 
place to retire; it is the great people who live there. The people of 
Bradenton are truly second to none and make everyone feel welcome. I 
know, I moved there over 40 years ago and am proud it to call it my 
home. Money magazine has further shown the country just how great my 
hometown is.

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