News Briefs

+ Commission approves red-light camera use
Members of the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners are improving public safety by approving the installation of red-light cameras at busy intersections in unincorporated areas of the county.

The board approved the use of the cameras in 2009 but delayed installation and implementation. With the board’s approval Sept. 11, cameras at 53rd Avenue and 34th Street West and at 57th Avenue East and 15th Street East, in Bradenton, will go live Oct. 15. Local law enforcement and county officials will continue to evaluate the cameras’ use at other intersections, including the one at State Road 70 and Tara Boulevard.

Under the agreement, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office will review videos of violators and issue citations accordingly. The sheriff’s office will be reimbursed monthly for those services.

The county has agreed to pay $4,650 per month, for up to 12 camera systems, plus nearly the same amount for additional cameras supplied by Xerox State and Local Solutions.

+ Schools recognized for health improvements
Twenty-eight Manatee County elementary schools were awarded with the HealthierUS School Challenge Bronze Certification Sept. 10.

The challenge is a voluntary initiative sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and recognizes schools for improving food and beverage choices and teaching students about nutrition and exercise.

East County elementary schools receiving the honor are: Bashaw, Braden River, McNeal, Mills, Myakka City, Tara and Gene Witt.

Gold-level applications have been submitted for Gullett, Willis and Freedom elementary schools. Those applications are under review.

+ Partnership lends expertise to unemployed
Goodwill Manasota has partnered with SunTrust Bank to help job seekers in the community.

Starting Sept. 18, the organizations partnered to provide job interviewing and other career development training and guidance to individuals seeking employment.

Interviewing workshops will be held at Goodwill Job Connection offices throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties.

For information, visit ExperienceGoodwill.org or call 355-2721.

LECOM hosts Hospital Day
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine hosted its annual Hospital Day event Sept. 7, at Harvest United Methodist Church.

The day was a time for second-year medical students at LECOM to learn about clinical rotations, internships and residency options available at hospitals and wellness clinics nationwide.

More than 30 medical institutions participated in the event.

Students graduating from LECOM go on to osteopathic internships through the American Osteopathic Association’s intern match program or choose a medical specialty internship and residency program.

Meetings & Agendas
• Manatee County School Board Regular Meeting — 5:45 p.m. Sept. 24, at the School Board Administration Building, 215 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

• Manatee County Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting — 9 a.m. Sept. 25, at the Manatee County Administration Building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.