News Briefs

+ Ron Thornton named team member of the year
Utilities crew member Ron Thornton was recognized as the Longboat Key Public Works Department Member of the Year at the Thursday, June 21, Longboat Key Town Commission regular workshop. Thornton has worked for the town for four-and-a-half years and previously worked for Manatee County.

Public Works Director Juan Florensa described Thornton as “one of those invisible guys,” whom you don’t see when your faucet turns on or your toilets flush. Thornton received a plaque on behalf of the commission.
Public Works employees choose one of their peers each year for the honor.

+ Police respond to three-vehicle crash
Longboat Key police responded to a three-vehicle crash that occurred at 10:39 a.m. Friday, June 22, in the 2600 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive. Police say that Michael Curry, 17, of Longboat Key, was driving a Chevrolet Blazer and struck a Ford E150, driven by Roderick Schwartz, 56, of Bradenton. The Ford then struck another Chevrolet Blazer driven by Kyra Coates, 32, of Bradenton. Each vehicle sustained damages ranging from $1,000 to $4,000.

Curry, who told police he was blowing his nose at the time of the crash, was cited for careless driving.

Meetings & Agendas
• Town Commission special meeting — 2 p.m. Friday, June 29
• Town Commission regular meeting — 7 p.m. Monday, July 2
• Code Enforcement Board meeting — 10 a.m. Monday, July 9