News Briefs

+ SCF Trustees will negotiate settlement
The State College of Florida Board of Trustees voted Oct. 23 to negotiate a settlement with embattled President Lars Hafner at a special meeting.

In doing so, they chose not to hold a vote of no confidence.

Carlos Beruff, board chairman, announced a motion to hire council from Krunkel, Miller and Hamnet, a Sarasota law firm, which will inform the trustees how they can handle Hafner’s employment status.

The law firm was slated to meet with Hafner’s attorney to decide the president’s fate by Oct. 30, after the East County Observer went to press.

The motions passed unanimously. Hafner has been accused of making poor financial decisions.
 
+ Buddy Basket program seeks hygiene items
Buddy Basket, an outreach program that helps veterans receive personal hygiene items, is holding a branch drive from Oct. 29 to Nov. 9.

BMO Harris Bank and the Jewish Family & Children’s Services of Sarasota County have partnered to prepare the baskets.

Items sought include paper towels, toilet paper, tissues, toothpaste, shampoo, soap and more.

The items can be dropped off at BMO Harris Bank locations in Bradenton, Palmetto, Ellenton and Sarasota.
 
+ Big Cat Habitat starts winter hours
Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary, a non-profit safe haven for large cats, bears and other needy animals, will change to its winter schedule Oct. 31. Hours will be from 12:30 to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

The group holds an animal demonstration daily at 1:30 p.m. Donations are $15 for adults and $7 for children 12 and under.

+ Farms re-opens
O’Brien Family Farms will re-open to the public Thursday, Nov. 1, for the season. The farm stand features hydroponically grown fruits and vegetables.
O’Brien Family Farms grows strawberries, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, squash, zucchini and more.

+ Correction
In an Oct. 25 article, it stated author Dick Vitale was an NBA referee. He is a commentator for ESPN.

Meetings & Agendas
• Manatee County Board of County Commissioners Board Land-use Meeting — 9 a.m. Nov. 1, at the Manatee County Administration Building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.
• Manatee County Planning Commission Meeting — 9 a.m. Nov. 8, at the Manatee County Administration Building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.