Live shrimp always works. Either under a popping float or rigged like a Carolina rig. Bad thing is every fish in the ocean eats shrimp! Squid is the best choice since it stays on the hook better. Dead shrimp is good as well.
I was just in Bradenton in March and I used dead shrimp in the canals and caught snapper, ladyfish, stingray and a few small snook. Soft plastics work well like mentioned above. I would say a quick conversation with a local tackle shop and you would be sent in the right direction. Man I wish I was going back down there soon! Good luck.