News Briefs

+ LWR seeks volunteers for taskforce
A presentation of results generated from a study of public knowledge on retention ponds may result in community action.

The Lakewood Ranch Inter-District Authority is seeking Lakewood Ranch residents for a task force to educate area residents on the importance of stormwater retention ponds and best practices to keep them healthy.

Lakewood Ranch officials will host a meeting to gauge interest on creating such a group 5 p.m. Sept. 3 at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall.

If created, the team will generate educational materials and hold meetings for Ranch residents, in hopes of educating the community on fertilizer bans and other landscape cautions.

The idea to launch the community initiative stemmed from a presentation by Emily Ott and Paul Monaghan of the University of Florida held last month.

+ Everglades opens solar energy lab
After about six months of construction, Everglades University showcased the newest “green” additions to its East County campus — a solar energy teaching lab.

The school invited the public to tour the last project of the final phase of bringing various solar energy devices to the campus’s doorstep Aug. 21. The lab features two rows of seats for area students and the public to attend information sessions on types of solar energy equipment and the benefits of using renewable energy sources.

The campus also features two solar trees, two electric car-charging stations and one wind turbine.

Collectively, the devices cost about $500,000. The university used dollars from its reserve account as well as a $100,000 grant from Florida Power & Light Co. (FPL) to pay for the devices.

As early as the 2014-15 school year, the Sarasota school plans to utilize the new equipment as it partners with K-12 schools to educate youth on alternative energy options.

+ Animal Services welcomes new leader
Manatee County dug into its pocket of retired employees and pulled out a new leader for the Animal Services department.

Former Public Safety Director Bill Hutchison will assume the chief position at animal services, effective immediately.

County Administrator Ed Hunzeker made the announcement Aug. 20 and said he chose Hutchison for the position because of his “respected reputation in the animal community.”

Hutchison replaced Chris Weiskopf, who departed Aug. 20 after serving as the department’s chief for more than 10 years.

Hunzeker also announced Peyt Dewar, a code enforcement officer, will take over operational responsibilities at animal services.

He believes both leadership changes will help ensure the county stays on track to maintaining its No-Kill status.

+ Superintendent Mills announces surplus plans
After closing out the 2013-14 school year with a surplus of $14.3 million, Manatee Schools Superintendent Rick Mills crafted a list of priorities for spending the dollars.

Mills announced plans Aug. 26 to invest $5 million in school staffing and in instructional resources, along with a $1 million investment in safety and security for elementary schools and repaying the remaining balance of borrowed school internal funds.

Moving forward, Mills said the district will “maintain fiscal discipline and will align spending decisions with the strategic plan” he announced earlier this month.

LABOR DAY CLOSINGS
County offices and Lakewood Ranch Town Hall are closed in observance of Labor Day, Sept. 1. Trash, recycling and yard pickup will be delayed one day Tuesday through Saturday in unincorporated Manatee County.