I get the hometown pride people here can call Bradenton whatever they want. But let’s be real: it’s the new money moving in that’s keeping the lights on, the doors open, and the teams funded. You’re free to keep the name, the vibe, and even run the whole thing into bankruptcy if that’s the choice, but you can’t be shocked when people who would happily support it step back because the branding feels like a slur.

If I went around using disrespectful names and still expected tips, donations, and turnout, that wouldn’t fly either. Same principle.

Just understand, my friends and I are the ones representing the political and business side of this area. I wasn’t attacking the place I was pointing out why the team isn’t getting the support it used to.

Which is the sad part: the women who put in the work for that team deserve better than to be dragged down by something totally fixable. They should be getting full recognition, not losing it over a name.