Manatee County Commission approves off-duty deputies in University Place

A trend that's that's gaining momentum in Community Development Districts throughout East County, another community may soon have more strict traffic enforcement.

University Place asked permission from the Manatee County Commission to start conversations with the Manatee County Sheriff's Office about the hire of off-duty deputies to monitor traffic inside the community.

Oct. 20, commissioners unanimously approved the potential interlocal agreement between the two parties.

The CDD would be fully responsible for paying the deputies, who would be monitoring the neighborhood during their time off.

"No taking existing officers off the roads," said Maureen Sikora, assistant attorney for the county.

At an upcoming meeting, the CDD will discuss the number of days per week, hours and pay for the deputies.

In other news, the commission approved for Manatee County Planning Commission Chairman Bill Conerly to remain in his seat, which is up for reelection.

The commission adopted a proclamation in honor of late School Board member Dr. Mary Cantrell.

Roger Mayfield, Public Works maintenance technician who worked primarily in East County, and Chief George Ellington, deputy chief of the East Manatee Fire Rescue District, both received recognition for their upcoming retirements.

Contact Amanda Sebastiano at [email protected].