News Briefs 01.13.11

+ County website will be down this weekend
The Manatee County Government website and Utility Customer Service System will be inaccessible the evening of Jan. 14 and all day Jan. 15 as electrical work is completed at the Manatee County Administrative Center.

David Thompson, building maintenance division manager, said heavy-duty maintenance to the electrical system will cause the entire administrative center to be powered down, causing www.mymanatee.org to be inaccessible at that time. Utility bills and other county online services will not be available at that time, although cash payments for utility bills can me made at all Amscot locations.

The lobby at the Manatee County Utilities Department, located at 4410 66th St W., Bradenton, will close at noon Jan. 14 and reopen Jan. 18.

For information, call 745-3771.

+ Buchanan pushes for balanced budget
As the legislative session started in full swing last week, U.S. Rep Vern Buchanan wasted no time in introducing his first bill of the year.

Buchanan, R-Bradenton, re-introduced his proposal for a Constitutional amendment to balance the federal budget.

“Wasteful spending is threatening our future and will unfairly burden our children and grandchildren with debt that is not their own,” Buchanan said. “A constitutional amendment will force Congress to make the tough choices necessary to balance the budget for taxpayers today and for future generations.”

Buchanan’s bill would balance the budget by 2016, and requires a three-fifths vote for any increases in the debt; that the president submit a balanced budget to Congress; and that any legislation to increase revenue must be passed by a true majority in each chamber. Exceptions are allowed for in times of military conflicts and natural disasters.

Last week, Buchanan also was named chairman of the congressional Friends of Panama Caucus. The congressman said he would focus on creating jobs in Florida and improving Port Manatee’s ability to benefit from the expansion of the Panama Canal.

+ Ranch predicts increased home sales
Lakewood Ranch is celebrating a top sales year with nearly 250 new home sales and expects to sell even more new homes in the coming year.

“It’s clear buyers feel confident in the market and the value here,” said Milt Flinn, president of LWR Communities. “We are estimating 350 new home sales next year with 50 furnished models completed by the end of the first quarter and several new neighborhoods coming on board in 2011.”

Eleven home sales in 2010 topped $1 million, and the average sales price came in at just more than $450,000.

Lakewood Ranch also is leading the market in commercial real estate with its 11% vacancy rate compared to the 13% in downtown Sarasota and 22% in the remainder of the local market.

+ Manatee schools ‘Race to the Top’
The Florida Department of Education on Jan. 4 announced the Manatee County School District was one of 11 statewide to receive Race to the Top funding.

More than $25 million is being doled out to Alachua, Calhoun, Clay, DeSoto, Gulf, Hendry, Holmes, Manatee, Pasco, Putnam and Washington county schools.

“My congratulations go out to each of these districts for being the first to access their Race to the Top funding and getting a jumpstart on their local education reform efforts,” Florida Education Commissioner Dr. Eric Smith said in a press release. “We are moving full-steam ahead on a track of unprecedented improvement in our schools, and I’m looking forward to more of our districts receiving this important funding in the weeks ahead.

Applications for the remaining 54 grant-eligible districts are still being evaluated. All award notices should be sent by the end of January.

+ Private School Fair moves to Polo Grill
Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School and The Out-of-Door Academy presented their seventh annual Private School Fair Jan. 11 at The Polo Grill and Bar.

East County families had a chance to learn about private school options available in Sarasota and Manatee counties for students pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Representatives from more than 20 local schools were available to answer questions during the event.

+ Sheriff’s office conducts drug drop-off program
The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office on Jan. 3 began its Citizen Medication Collection Program, an effort aimed to provide a safe disposal location for unused prescription medications.

The sheriff’s office’s front desk at 600 301 Blvd. W., Bradenton, is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Signs will be posted to assist citizens with the disposal procedures. Medications should be placed into a supplied plastic bag and placed in the drop box.

Liquids will not be accepted.

For information, call 747-3011, Ext. 2278.