News Briefs

+ Police searchingfor crime spree suspect
Manatee County Sheriff’s Office investigators are searching for a suspect connected with a home invasion, false imprisonment, grand theft auto and arson case in Lakewood Ranch.

According to a sheriff’s office report, at about 5:30 p.m., July 17, a white male rang the doorbell to a home on Waters Edge Way. The suspect then forced his way inside the home and held the victim against his will.

The man then ransacked the residence for personal items to take. The suspect loaded the items inside the victim’s vehicle and ordered the victim into the vehicle. The suspect eventually released the victim on the side of the road at Lorraine Road and University Parkway.

The victim sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene.

The vehicle was later recovered at the plaza at Market Street and University Parkway. The vehicle had been set on fire.

This is ongoing investigation by the Criminal Investigation Division.

Anyone with information should call the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office at 747-3011 or Crime Stoppers at (866) 634-TIPS (8477).

+ Man found dead in Cascades community pool
Manatee County Sheriff’s Office deputies are investigating the death of a 34-year-old man in The Cascades, in the East County.

According to sheriff’s office reports, Paul Brzycki left his parents’ home at around 12:30 p.m., July 16. He told his parents he was going to go swimming in the community pool. Brzycki was found in the pool at around 2:30 p.m. Emergency personnel pronounced him dead on the scene.

The cause of death is unknown at this time, however, foul play is not suspected.

+ Manatee school district approves 2011-12 budget
The Manatee County School District finally has a 2011-2012 operational budget.

By a 3-2 vote, the Manatee County School Board on July 11 approved a budget that slashes $14.04 million. Those cuts include a 3% salary cut for teachers and 5% cut for employees with higher salaries.

The board also approved Superintendent Tim McGonegal’s reorganization plan, which eliminates or holds vacant nearly 30 positions and saves $1.8 million.

Board members Julie Aranibar and Karen Carpenter dissented.

+ Latin Chamber plans Quinceañera
The Lakewood Ranch-based Gulf Coast Latin Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Quinceañera celebration at 9 p.m., Aug. 4, at the Girl Scout Event and Conference Center, 4780 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota.

The Quinceañera is a traditional Hispanic celebration of life on the occasion of the 15th birthday. It is a community and family celebration full of tradition and meaning, when a young girl is symbolically escorted into womanhood by their family and the event is witnessed by their community.

The price for admission to this event is $20. Proceeds from the event will be used to help support the chamber’s foundation. For more about The Gulf Coast Latin Chamber of Commerce, visit www.LatinChamber.org or call 358-7065.

+ Technology students win firsts at nationals
Braden River High School’s Technology Student Association team won eight first-place trophies at the TSA’s national competition in Dallas.

The East County team competed with about 8,000 students from throughout the nation and earned firsts in CAAD, fashion design, chapter team, chapter team written exam, desktop publication, promotional graphics, film technology, and robotics.

Gilbert Burlew, the Braden River team’s adviser, was recognized at the competition as Florida Adviser of the Year.

The Sarasota Sunrise Rotary Club was a sponsor of the Braden River team’s trip to Dallas.