News Briefs

+ East County resident appointed to state board
Gov. Rick Scott announced the appointments of Dr. Ada G. Armas and John A. Colon, and the reappointment of John R. Padget to the State Board of Education.

Colon, 61, an East County resident from University Park, is a senior vice president and investment officer with Wells Fargo Advisors. He was the chairman of the Sarasota Housing Committee for two years and currently serves as vice chairman. Colon is also a member of the Florida Black Business Investment Board.

Colon succeeds Akshay M. Desai and is appointed for a term, which began Feb. 7 and will end Dec. 31, 2014.

Armas, 53, of Coral Gables, is a physician with MCCI Medical Group. Armas succeeds Roberto Martinez and is appointed for a term, which began Feb. 7 and ends Dec. 31, 2016.

Padget, 75, of Key West, is a private investor. He is reappointed for a term, which began Feb. 7 and ends Dec. 31, 2016.

The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

+ Manatee Commission last to vote on rowing bid
The Manatee Tourist Development Council approved Feb. 11 a plan to bid for the 2017 World Rowing Championships.

Manatee and Sarasota counties are partnering with Benderson Development on the project.

Manatee County commissioners will vote on the plan Feb. 26.

The Sarasota County Commission unanimously agreed to the bid Feb. 12, after the Sarasota County Tourism Development Council approved the plan in January.

The Sarasota commission said it would spend about $90,000 on consulting, travel and other costs associated with bidding on the event, which would be held at Nathan Benderson Park.

If the bid is won, the two counties will split the total cost of planning and implementing the event.

The awarding of the 2017 championships is set for September.

Meetings & Agendas
•Â„ Manatee County School Board Meeting: Forensic Audit — 5:45 p.m. Feb. 21, at the Manatee County Commission Chambers, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton
„• Manatee County School Board Meeting — 5:45 p.m. Feb. 25, at 215 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton
•Â„ Manatee County Board of County Commissioners Meeting — 9 a.m. Feb. 26, at 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton