News Briefs

+ Manatee County lifts summer fertilizer ban
A summer-long ban of lawn fertilizers in unincorporated Manatee County ended Oct. 1. 

Residents and business owners again can apply nitrogen-based fertilizers to their lawns.

Garden centers in the county may offer a variety of fertilizers that comply with the ordinance and contain at least 50% of the nitrogen in a slow-release form.

+ Las Hafner cleared of criminal wrongdoing
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has released findings that clear State College of Florida President Lars Hafner of facing criminal forgery charges.

A report released last week said there was insufficient evidence to prove Hafner had committed forgery when he copied the signature of a former board chairman.

College board trustees, however, are still questioning whether Hafner should lead the university and are expected to vote again whether Hafner will keep his job.

Board Chairman Carlos Beruff in June questioned whether Hafner forged the former board chairman’s signature on several documents, including grant applications that earned more than $300,000 for the college. Hafner said he had permission to sign the documents.

Investigators said they found no evidence of fraud.

Meetings & Agendas
• Manatee County School Board Public Hearing on Superintendent Search — 6 p.m. Oct. 11, at Braden River High School, 6545 53rd Ave. E., Bradenton.
• Manatee County School Board Public Hearing on Superintendent Search — 6 p.m. Oct. 15, at Manatee High School, 902 33rd St. Court W., Bradenton.
• Manatee County School Board Public Hearing on Superintendent Search — 6 p.m. Oct. 16, at Palmetto High School, 1200 17th St. W., Palmetto.
• Lakewood Ranch Community Development Districts 1, 2, 4 and 5 and Inter-District Authority Board Agenda Review Meetings — 8 a.m. Oct. 18, at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall, 8175 Lakewood Ranch Blvd.