News Briefs

+ Ranch hospital earns national honors
Lakewood Ranch Medical Center has been named one of the nation’s top performers on key quality measures by The Joint Commission, an accreditor of health-care organizations nationwide.

The hospital was recognized for exemplary performance in using evidence-based clinical procedures that are shown to improve care for certain conditions. It now is one of only 620 hospitals — or the top 18% — nationwide, with the distinction.

It specifically was recognized for achievement on the following measure sets: heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia and surgical care.

+ Funding helps coalition curb underage drinking
The Manatee County Substance Abuse Coalition has been awarded a federal grant to help prevent teens from underage alcohol consumption.

The Sober Truth on Preventing Underage Drinking Act grant will provide more than $193,000 to the organization over the next four years.

The STOP Act program was created to strengthen the collaboration between communities and all levels of government to enhance efforts to reduce alcohol usage among youth. MCSAC will focus on three new initiatives: the Safe Teen Intervention Task Force: on the beach intervention and enforcement effort; a Parents Who Host Lose the Most media campaign; and the launch of the Manatee County Youth Commission.

+ Braden River’s academies receive public input
Braden River High School’s four learning academies sought input from the local business community and general public about how to bring the career world into the classroom during a special Career Academies Showcase event Sept. 27, at the South Florida Museum. Guests learned about each program, while meeting teachers and students and enjoying refreshments.

Braden River is one of two schools nationwide to have model status for its four academies — arts and communications, business and international studies, engineering and leadership, and science technology and health.

+ County renames Convention Center
After heated debate Sept. 25, members of the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners voted 5-2 to rename the newly renovated Manatee County Convention Center to the “Bradenton Area Convention Center.” Re-branding experts had recommended the name change.

Meetings & Agendas
• Manatee County School Board — 5:45 p.m. Oct. 8, at the School Board Administration Building, 215 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.
• Manatee County Board of County Commissioners Land-Use Meeting — 9 a.m. Oct. 4, at the Manatee County Administration Building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.