News Briefs

+ Church closes on second location
Happy Gospel Church, located at 1915 53rd Ave. E., will stretch its reach to Lakewood Ranch in September.

Last week, the church closed on its second location — the former Faith Christian Church property at 5215 Lorraine Road, Bradenton.

Happy Gospel’s second location, which will be named Happy Gospel Church at the Ranch, will hold its first service 9 a.m. Sept. 7. The original church site will now be known as Happy Gospel Church at Bradenton.

Services at the new location will be held at 9 a.m. Sundays and 7 p.m. Thursdays. Starting Sept. 7, Sunday service times will be held at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. at the 53rd Avenue location.

The 6.38-acre parcel houses a 16,000-square-foot building. Renovations will be underway throughout August in preparation for the opening.

Pastor Bill Bailey says the location is part of the church’s goal to serve East County.

+ Animal Services hosts adoption event
Manatee County Animal Services will host the adoption event, “All You Need is Love…AND a Dog,” from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 9, at Animal Services’ headquarters, located at 305 25th St. W., Palmetto.

The event will also feature food, games, raffles, a bounce house and live music courtesy of Kim Betts and the Gamble Creek Band.  

Each adopted pet will be spayed or neutered, vaccinated and will receive a health checkup and microchip. To view available animals, visit mymanatee.org/pets.

+ County cancels MCAT fares, meetings on election days
Manatee County commissioners voted to suspend MCAT fares and cancel regular board meetings that conflict with primary or general election days.

Commissioners agreed to suspend regular MCAT fares on Aug. 26 and Nov. 4. All fixed-route passengers will be allowed to board MCAT buses for free on election days.

Commissioners canceled their meetings on those days, as well.

The officials hope their amendments will encourage and prompt a higher voter turnout this election year.

For more information, mymanatee.org/MCAT.

Meetings &agendas
Manatee County Board of County Commissioners Meeting — 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 12, at the County Administrative Center, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

Manatee County Planning Commission Meeting — 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 14, at the County Administrative Center, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

Manatee County School District Workshop — 3 to 5 p.m. Aug. 12, at 215 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

Manatee County School District Meeting — 5:45 to 8 p.m. Aug. 12, at 215 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

Manatee County School District Audit Committee Meeting — 2 to 5 p.m. Aug. 14, at 215 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.