News Briefs

+ Port Manatee executive director arrested
Port Manatee Executive Director Carlos Buqueras was arrested Sept. 7, on a domestic battery charge.
The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office arrested Buqueras, 59, at his home in Parrish.

He was released from jail that day, after posting $500 bail.

The arrest report says Buqueras pushed, punched and dragged his wife.

It says an argument about household bills with his wife became physical.

The report says Buqueras’ wife took off her wedding ring and threw it in a pool at their home.

Buqueras then allegedly pushed his wife to the ground and started to punch her. He then dragged her into the house, the report says.

Buqueras is the third Port Manatee employee to be arrested in recent months.

Robert J. Armstrong, the port’s former chief financial officer and deputy executive director, was arrested in July and charged with 15 felonies, including dealing in stolen property, defrauding a pawnbroker and being an accessory to crimes his son allegedly committed.

Armstrong’s son, Robert Benton, who also worked at the port, was charged with 24 counts of burglary, defrauding a pawn shop and dealing in stolen property.

Buqueras took over the port in 2012, after David McDonald retired after 36 years as its leader.

+ Manatee County accepts applications for seats
Manatee County is accepting applications for two vacancies on its Planning Commission, a citizens advisory committee that makes recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners on land-use items.

The Planning Commission has seven members, which the Board of County Commissioners appoints.
Applicants must be registered voters in Manatee County. Experience in planning, engineering, environmental science and the development industry may be given extra consideration for appointment.
Applicants cannot be employed by the county or be a member of another land development-related advisory board serving Manatee County.

Planning commissioners receive a $60 stipend per meeting.

The Planning Commission meets at 9 a.m. the second Thursday of each month, at the Manatee County Administrative Building.

Applications are due Oct. 4 and may be found online at www.mymanatee.org/advisory_boards.

For more information, call Bobbi Roy at 748-4501, Ext. 6878 or email her at [email protected].

+ Cattlemen Road extension project recognized for quality
The recently completed project to extend North Cattlemen Road from Richardson to DeSoto roads was recognized at the annual convention of the Florida Transportation Builders Association Inc. (FTBA) in Orlando.

The two-year road-construction project, completed in May, won a 2013 FTBA Best in Construction Award in the Local Agency Program (LAP) category.

All of the following accepted the award: representatives of the county; the contractor, Prince Contracting LLC; and the company that provided construction, engineering and inspection (CEI) services, CDM Smith.
The $15.7 million road project was largely funded by a nearly $14 million LAP grant.

The 2.75-mile extension of North Cattlemen Road provides a new north-south alternative to Interstate 75 from University Parkway to Fruitville Road, connecting Sarasota and Manatee counties.

It also provides improved access to Nathan Benderson Park and its rowing facility, which will host the 2017 World Rowing Championships. 

The road improvements include four 12-foot-wide travel lanes, 4-foot-wide bicycle lanes and 10- to 15-foot-wide sidewalks along the west side of the roadway.

+ Ranch executive named to Leadership Florida class
John Annis, a nonprofit executive and Lakewood Ranch resident, has been selected to join the 32nd class of Leadership Florida.

Annis, who serves as vice president for community investment for the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, is one of 55 leaders in the state chosen to participate in an eight-month educational program that consists of a series of five sessions held in cities throughout the state. 

Leadership Florida provides leadership training to corporations, schools and government.

“I am excited about the opportunity to learn and share with such an amazing group of leaders,” Annis said. “I’ve been fortunate to work with many Leadership Florida alumni and know how committed they are to our great state. And I’m grateful to the leadership of the Community Foundation for its support of my participation in this venture.” 

In Annis’ current role at the Community Foundation, he leads the team responsible for grants, scholarships and nonprofit services, including The Giving Partner, an online resource that helps to connect donors to nonprofits and causes. 

“I congratulate my colleague, John Annis, on being selected from a competitive process for the Leadership Florida program,” said Community Foundation President and CEO Roxie Jerde, who is a member of the Executive Leadership Florida class of 2012. “Leading our community investment team, John has been at the forefront of developing and executing our community leadership and nonprofit strategy. He is compassionate and cares deeply about this community. He will be a wonderful representative for Sarasota County and our organization in Leadership Florida.”

Previously, Annis worked at the Collins Center for Public Policy as vice president of public policy. 

He also spent more than 24 years on active duty in the United States Marine Corps. 

His non-profit experience includes his recently completed term as board chairman of the United Way of Manatee County. 

Meetings & Agendas
• Manatee County Board of County Commissioners Planning Commission Meeting — 9 a.m. Sept. 12, at the Manatee County Government Administrative Center, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton
• Manatee County Board of County Commissioners Work Session — 9 a.m. Sept. 17, at the Manatee County Government Administrative Center, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton
• Manatee County Board of County Commissioners Budget Public Hearing — 9 a.m. Sept. 19, at the Manatee County Government Administrative Center, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton