News Briefs

+ MPO approves diamond interchange funding
Improvements to the interchange of University Parkway and Interstate 75 officially are on the books.
The Sarasota Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization Monday unanimously approved changes to the fiscal year 2015 transportation improvement plan. It designated $46.8 million in Manatee County and $36.2 million in Sarasota County in fiscal year 2015 for the construction of a diverging diamond design at the interchange.

The MPO also voted unanimously to include the $83.2 million project in its 2035 long-range transportation plan.

The vote means the Florida Department of Transportation officially has secured funding for the project.

+ The Mall at UTC brings in ‘Frozen’ ice palace
The movie “Frozen” has become so popular that you’ll soon be able to sing “Let it Go” at The Mall at University Town Center.

Mall manager Taubman Centers is partnering with Disney to bring ice palaces to 10 of its malls this winter, including UTC, to promote the Nov. 18 release of the “Frozen” sing-along DVD.

Inside the palace, children and adults can sing Elsa’s popular “Let it Go” song or other songs with characters such as Olaf the snowman. Visitors can also watch scenes of the movie, create a handprint or take a photo of Olaf on his ice throne. The Ice Palace includes a gift shop.

Santa will also visit the Ice Palace and Santa visitors receive a complimentary “Frozen” book.

The “Frozen” experience will be open at UTC Nov. 6 through Dec. 24 during regular mall hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

+ Lakewood Ranch Town Hall hosts early voting
Early voting for all Manatee County residents will be held from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Nov. 1, at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall.

Town Hall will also serve as a polling location for designated Ranch residents during the general election Nov. 4.

For voting centers, visit votemanatee.com.

+ Lakewood Ranch to break ground on new clubhouse
Lakewood Ranch developer Schroeder-Manatee Ranch will break ground next week on its newest addition to Country Club East — a clubhouse. The groundbreaking takes place 10 a.m. Nov. 5 at the site of the new clubhouse, 16215 Players Drive, Lakewood Ranch.

+ Correction
The Tara Community Development District Seat 3 candidate Darby Connor lives in The Preserve at Tara.

+ County searches for construction trades members
Manatee County is accepting applications for the construction trades board.  

The board gives contractors licenses and disciplines individuals who violate the county ordinances pertaining to activities of licensed contractors.  

There are seven vacant positions: state certified or locally licensed general contractor; state certified or locally licensed commercial poor contractor; state certified or locally licensed mechanical; electrical or plumbing contractor; state certified or locally licensed contractor in any field of construction not represented; and three consumer representatives.

All applicants must maintain a Manatee County residence and must be willing to serve voluntarily. Applicants also must maintain an active license under the Department of Business and Professional Regulations for the contracting positions.  

Applications are due Nov. 17. They can be found online at mymanatee.org/advisory_boards.  

The construction trade board meets at 3 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, or on an as-needed basis.   The meetings will take place in the first floor chambers of the Manatee County Administration Building, 1112 Manatee Ave W., Bradenton. 

Meetings
& agendas
 Manatee County Commissioners Land Use Meeting — 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 6, at the County Administrative Center, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton
 Manatee County School District Citizens’ Budget Advisory Committee Meeting — 1 to 2:30 p.m., at 215 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton