News Briefs

+ Benderson tweaks mega-mall proposal
A revised site plan for Benderson Development’s proposed mega-mall project shows the new 1.4 million square foot retail center likely will be a standard mall with perimeter parking rather than the walkable lifestyle center originally proposed.

Plans submitted show three anchors, one at each end of a roughly 900-foot-long shopping center and one smaller anchor in the center. The mall will be two stories.

Company officials said anchor tenants should be announced before summer.

+ Manatee district puts land up for sale
Members of the Manatee County School Board voted April 9, to place four district-owned parcels as surplus up for sale.

The move could raise millions of dollars for the district, which continues to face budget reductions.
The district is in the process of hiring a local Realtor to handle marketing and selling the properties.

Properties being put up for sale include the site of a former Checkers restaurant and the district’s Parent Information Center, both on Manatee Avenue West, as well as the Instructional Materials Center on 26th Avenue West in Bradenton and a 1.6-acre site in Ellenton, on Leffingwell Avenue.

+ Business Alliance announces endorsements
The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance last week announced its endorsement of five more local political candidates.

The Alliance is endorsing Larry Bustle for the Manatee County Commission District 1 seat; John Chappie for the Manatee County Commission District 3 seat; and Betsy Benac for the for the Manatee County Commission District 7 seat.

Additionally, it is endorsing Robert Moates for the Manatee County School Board District 2 seat; and Linda Schaich for the School Board’s District 4 seat.

+ District 2 School Board race heats up
Palmetto High School teacher William Chaltis has filed to run for the Manatee County School Board District 2 seat.

Chaltis now is Lakewood Ranch High teacher Robert Moates’ first opponent for the seat that will be vacated this fall by School Board Chair Harry Kinnan.

Meetings & Agendas
• Manatee County Board of County Commissioners — 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 24, at 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.
• Manatee County School Board Meeting — 5:45 p.m. Monday, April 23, at 215 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.
• Manatee County School Board Budget Workshop — 4 p.m., Monday, April 30, at 215 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.
• Manatee County Board of County Commissioners Land-Use Meeting— 9 a.m. Thursday, May 3, at 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.