News Briefs

+ June 18 special election early voting continues
Early voting for the June 18 special election continues through Saturday, June 15.

Early voting takes place from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays, and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, at the Supervisor of Elections office, 600 301 Blvd. W., Suite 118, Bradenton.

The ballot features two items: A vote on a half-percent sales tax increase to fund indigent health care and a vote to allow the Manatee Board of County Commissioners to give new or expanding businesses ad valorem tax exemptions.

+ County considers Lakewood Ranch public transit route
Manatee County transit officials discussed a possible bus route to Lakewood Ranch at a board workshop June 10.

Transit Division Manager William Steele said service to Lakewood Ranch could start in late 2015.
One option, Steele said, would be to realign existing routes.

The existing bus supply would be able to serve any new or altered route, he said.

Transit officials will present a route recommendation and approximate cost to the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners at an undetermined date.

If commissioners approve the plan, the Florida Department of Transportation would pay 50% of the cost for the first three years.

Meetings & Agendas
• Manatee County Planning Commission Meeting — 9 a.m. June 13, at 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton
• Manatee County Board of County Commissioners Budget Session: Capital Improvement Plan — 9 a.m. June 13, at 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton
• Manatee County Board of County Commissioners Meeting — 9 a.m. June 18, at 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton
 Manatee County Board of County Commissioners Budget Public Hearing — 6 p.m. June 20, at 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton