News Briefs

+ Teen on scooter injured in crash
A Bradenton teenager was seriously injured in a crash last week at University Parkway and Whitfield Avenue.

A Florida High Patrol report states Robert Torez, 19, was taken to Blake Memorial Hospital around 10 p.m. Feb. 23, after the scooter he was riding was struck by a vehicle behind him.

A 2004 SUV driven by Christine Cassanelli, 47, of Sarasota, was driving behind Torez on University Parkway. Both were heading westbound in the right turn lane when Cassanelli’s vehicle struck the rear of the scooter. 

Torez was ejected onto the shoulder of University Parkway and the SUV continued westbound, coming to a final rest with the scooter underneath it, the report states.

Cassanelli sustained no injuries.

+ Miracle League celebrates field opening
Representatives of Sarasota County, Miracle League of Manasota and others celebrated the grand opening of a new baseball field designed for children with disabilities Feb. 25. The newly constructed field, for which the Baltimore Orioles and Pittsburgh Pirates each contributed $75,000, is located in Longwood Park at 6050 Longwood Park Blvd., Sarasota.

The field features a rubberized surface and other features to make playing baseball safe for children and adults who use walkers, wheelchairs or crutches. The field was built through a partnership between Sarasota County and the Miracle League of Manasota.

+ Expert panel discusses presidential leadership
A panel of experts shared their insights into presidential leadership and foreign affairs, what makes a presidential leader and other topics during a special Feb. 23.

The Manatee County School District hosted “Leadership Lessons Learned: United States Presidents,” at Braden River High School.

Topics covered included what type of leadership America desires and whether successful presidential leadership is inherently partisan.

Meetings & Agendas
• Manatee County Board of County Commissioners Land-Use Meeting — 9 a.m. Thursday, March 1, Manatee County Administrative Building’s first-floor commission chambers, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.
• Heritage Harbour South Community Development District Meeting — 3 p.m., Thursday, March 1, at the River Strand Country Club, 7155 Grand Estuary Trail, Bradenton
• Manatee County School Board Budget Workshop — 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 6, at 215 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton
• Manatee County Planning Commission Meeting — 9 a.m. Thursday, March 8, Manatee County Administrative Building’s first-floor commission chambers, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.