News Briefs

The word at UTC: Microsoft to open
The Mall at University Town Center is one of four additional locations Microsoft plans to add to its collection of 111 stores in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

Microsoft representatives haven’t disclosed an opening day for the software and electronics retailer’s first Manatee County location. 

The 2,095-square-foot retail space will employ 30 people.

The closest Microsoft store is currently located at International Plaza in Tampa. The East County store will be one of eight Florida locations.

Microsoft offers Windows 8.1, Tablets, Windows Phones and Xbox One systems, along with other products. The store will also have staff members available who specialize in troubleshooting and answering technical questions.

Visit YourObserver.com for updates about The Mall at University Town Center.

Students have science smarts
East County middle school students have been doing their science homework. Of the 17 Manatee County students who secured first place recently at the 2015 Lockheed Martin Manatee Regional Science and Engineering Fair, eight students are from East County middle schools — Carlos E. Haile, R. Dan Nolan and Braden River middle schools.

Regional winners include: Haile Middle students Simone Lang, Reed Blankenship, Zachary Vanschoor, Griffin Hudson, Caleb Phillips and Hannah Arduini; Haileigh Norris, of Braden River; and Nolan Middle student Cassandra Atzrodt.

Braden River High School student Naima David also won first place for the high school division.
The winners will represent East County at the 60th annual State Science and Engineering Fair, which will take place March 31 through April 2, in Lakeland.

Library closes for makeover
Downtown Bradenton’s longstanding library is getting a facelift.

The Central Library will be closed for three months for renovations.

Renovations include making aisles between rows of bookshelves more accessible, upgrading the alarm system and rearranging the placement of book genres.

While the library is closed, a temporary computer lab is open to the public, located at 305 15th St. W., Bradenton.

Correction
A former manager of The Preserve Golf Club is believed to have stolen more than $30,000 in club funds.

A Manatee County Sheriff’s Office report issued Jan. 15 incorrectly listed the Tara Golf and Country Club.

The Preserve Golf Club, located at 7310 Tara Preserve Lane, has since hired a new manager.