News Briefs

+ Manatee County library system honored
The Florida Library Association announced last week the Manatee County Library System has been awarded honors in innovation and youth services, and is one of only two library systems in the state to receive two FLA awards; Manatee County took home the Library Innovation Award and the Betty Davis Youth Services Award. 

The innovation award recognizes a library’s creativity in programming.

The youth award recognizes a library’s creative youth programs that promote reading, literacy or library use.
“The entire library staff is overjoyed with the recognition,” said Ava Ehde, Manatee County Library services manager. “We’re trying to reach out to the community in new ways while continuing to offer all of the traditional resources and services.”

+ Sarasota gets public feedback on 2050 plan
Sarasota County government is soliciting public feedback regarding potential changes to the county’s 2050 plan for development.

Members of the public spoke with county planners about nearly 40 possible changes to the plan, which was enacted in 2002 to encourage compact, walkable communities east of I-75, when the county hosted open house meetings March 13 and March 20, at Twin Lakes Park.

Meetings & Agendas
• Manatee County School Board Meeting — 5:45 p.m. March 25, at 215 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton
• Manatee County Board of County Commissioners Meeting — 9 a.m. March 26, at 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton