News Briefs

+ County closing Jiggs boat ramp for upgrades
Manatee County will close the Jiggs Landing park and boat ramp starting Jan. 19.

A project to repair the boat launch and expand the boat dock at the park will take up to six months.

The ramp repair will correct erosion issues undermining the launch ramp. The boat dock expansion will include a floating section to ensure boaters can access the docks at various water levels.

The park’s parking lot will be resurfaced with concrete to better treat stormwater runoff.

Jiggs Landing is located at 6106 63rd St. E., Bradenton, near Tara Elementary School.

During the closure, boaters seeking freshwater access may use the launch at Lake Manatee State Park, 20007 S.R. 64 E., Bradenton or other county boat ramps.

For more information, visit mymanatee.org.

+ Memorial service for Dan Nolan set for Friday
A memorial service for former Manatee County School District Superintendent Dan Dolan, who died Jan. 9 at age 76 after a long battle with cancer, is set for Friday.

Nolan started at the district as a teacher at Southeast High School in the 1960s. He retired in 1998 as superintendent and was hired back to be the superintendent from 2000 to 2003. Nolan worked to rebuild trust and a district that had poor labor relations and low employee morale. He’s also credited with creating a 15-year sales tax for schools.

Dan Nolan Middle School in East County is named after the former superintendent.

A memorial service is planned from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Friday at Shannon Funeral Home Westview Chapel, 5610 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to an animal rescue or adoption agency of your choice, Meals on Wheels or Dan Nolan Middle School, through the Dan Nolan Memorial Fund, 6615 Greenbrook Blvd., Bradenton, FL 34202.

+ Peace Presbyterian seeksto expand its footprint
Peace Presbyterian Church is in expansion mode.

The Manatee County Commission approved plans Jan. 8 for the church to construct a new 18,800-square-foot, 400-seat sanctuary at its property at 12705 S. R. 64 E., Bradenton.

The 22-acre site, located about 1,000 feet west of GreyHawk Bouelvard, will have 169 parking spaces assocated with the sanctuary, according to the site plan.

Peace purchased the property and received approvals for a general development plan for it in November 2013. The plans approved Jan. 8 included updates.

Meetings & agendas
Manatee County Commissioners Work Session — 9 a.m. to noon and 1:30 to 5 p.m. Jan. 20, at the County Administrative Center, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton

Manatee County Commissioners Board Meeting — 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 27, at the County Administrative Center, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton