News Briefs

+ Toddler doing well after rattlesnake bite
A 3-year-old girl is in great condition after a pigmy rattlesnake bit her at Sunny Daze Preschool’s playground July 30.

Sarah Lawson was rushed across the street to Lakewood Ranch Urgent Care, at 9908 State Road 64 E., Bradenton, moments after being bitten by the snake.

Sarah’s mother, Shannon Rainwater, who works at The Barbarey Shoppe on Lakewood Ranch Main Street, arrived to the urgent care center just before Sarah was transported to All Children’s Hospital. Sarah received four doses of anti-venom medicine.

“The staff from the day care was calm and very professional,” she said. They kept her calm, and they helped keep me calm.”

The snake was in the preschool’s playground area, and Sarah tried to move the snake, Rainwater said. Preschool workers have since made efforts to prevent future incidents, adding netting around the fence and checking the playground daily for snakes, among other measures.

Rainwater said her daughter shows no long-term effects from the bite.

“My daughter is afraid of bugs and frogs; I never thought I’d talk to (her) about not trying to pick up a snake,” Rainwater said. “But apparently, she saw the snake and she told me she was going to move it. We’ve had several talks about what to do if we see another snake.”

+ Planning board recommends changes
The Manatee County Planning Commission, Thursday, Aug. 2, voted unanimously to recommend approval to changes to the Eagle Trace development.

Developers proposed an increase in the gross density of the subdivision, slated for a parcel of State Road 64, from 2.15 dwelling units per acre to 2.99 dwelling units per acre.

The increase represents plans to bring the number of residential units from 131 to 183. Developers also are seeking to realign interior roadways and eliminate one inter-neighborhood tie.

The proposal now goes to the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners for consideration and approval.

Correction:
Photos taken of Peace Presbyterian’s Vacation Bible School, which were published Aug. 2, were courtesy of Emily Miller.

Meetings & Agendas
• Manatee County Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting — 9 a.m. Aug. 21, at 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

• Lakewood Ranch Community Development Districts 2, 4 and 5 Public Budget Hearings — 8 a.m. Aug. 23, at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall, 8175 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Lakewood Ranch.

• Lakewood Ranch Community Development District 1 Meeting and Budget Hearing — 8:30 a.m. Aug. 23, at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall, 8175 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Lakewood Ranch.