News Briefs

+ Tara Golf and Country Club missing $30,000
A Tara Golf and Country Club employee reported that someone stole more than $30,000 in country club funds that was uncovered after an operations audit was performed, according to a Jan. 15 Manatee County Sheriff’s Office report. The employee, Mary Burns, stated in the report she believes the former manager was responsible but she couldn’t provide documents showing any transactions were taken via any specific employee names.

The country club has since hired a new manager. Tara Golf and Country Club officials declined to comment. Manatee County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Dave Bristow said no arrests have been made and the case is still an ongoing investigation.

“We’re still in the process of following some leads,” Bristow said.

+ Photographers wanted to showcase county’s beauty
Is there an eye-catching view of nature you see on your daily commute home from work?

Then Manatee County wants to see it.

Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department is sponsoring a new local photography contest for veteran or amateur photographers to showcase the area’s natural beauty.

Through Feb. 28, participants can email images to Education and Volunteer Specialist Cary Catts at [email protected].

Photographers may send up to 10 photos in the three contest categories: landscape, wildlife and people.
Landscape photos must show habitats found within the county’s natural preserves. Wildlife photos should include a particular plant or animal found within local preserves and people shots should reflect individuals at a county preserve.

The department will select the best photos, which will be featured in a gallery presentation in April at the Valentine House, located at the Robinson Preserve. The photos will also be used on the county’s website and social media pages.

Some photos may also be considered for the county’s annual calendar.

Catts said the contest will be held annually.

“Local photographers constantly send in beautiful images of our parks and preserves,” Catts said. “We thought a photo contest would be a great way to display some of the best of the best.”

For more information on the contest, visit mymanatee.org/photocontest.

+ Ancient Gun Club shoots for local event
Local gun enthusiasts are ready to aim and fire for a cause.

Manatee County Government is hosting the second annual United Way Clay Shoot starting at 8:30 a.m. Feb. 7, at the Ancient Oaks Gun Club, 16800 S.R. 64. E., Lakewood Ranch.

Registration beings at 8 a.m. the day of the event, followed by a brief safety discussion and shooting at 9 a.m.

Meetings & agendas
Citizen’s Budget Advisory Committee (Strategic Plan) Survey Presentation — 7 p.m. Feb. 5, at Lakewood Ranch High School, 5500 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Bradenton

Manatee County Commissioners Land Use Meeting — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 5, at the County Administrative Center, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton

Manatee County Commissioners Work Session — 9 a.m. to noon Feb. 12, at the County Administrative Center, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton