- March 28, 2024
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+ Lakewood Ranch team to compete in national rodeo
In just a few months, a team of East County cowboys will head to Texas for a chance to snag a world championship title.
Schroeder-Manatee Ranch employees Jason McKendree and Stevie John and their teammates Jimmy, Robert and Corey Fussell, of Arcadia, will compete in November in the Working Ranch Cowboys Association World Championship Rodeo. The team placed first at the WRCA’s ranch rodeo April 3 in Arcadia, qualifying them for what McKendree says is an “opportunity of a lifetime.”
“We’re the farthest team coming,” McKendree said. “This was the only qualifying rodeo east of Texas.”
The team now is seeking sponsorships to help pay for the cost of transporting animals to the rodeo, among other expenses. The team still needs to raise about $3,000 of $10,000 total.
To make a donation, make checks to “The Best of the Best” and mail to 4715 Lorraine Road, Bradenton, 34211 or call the SMR Farms headquarters at 708-3322.
McKendree is SMR’s cattle manager, while John is the Ranch’s citrus production manager.
+ Students improve FCAT writing scores
FCAT Writing results released May 4 by the Florida Department of Education showed Manatee County students made gains in their writing scores at every grade level.
The FCAT writing test, which is administered to fourth, eighth and 10th grade students, is graded on a scoring range of one to six, with six representing the top level of achievement. The state’s new designated level of achievement is 4.0, compared to last year’s 3.5.
In Manatee, district fourth-graders scoring a level four or above increase from 58% in 2010 to 74% in 2011. In eighth grade, district students scoring a level four or above increased from 71% to 77%. And in 10th grade, district students scoring a level four or above increased from 63% to 74% over last year.
“We are extremely proud of the hard work put in by our students, teachers, administrators and support staff,” Superintendent Dr. Tim McGonegal said.
Overall, Manatee’s fourth-graders moved from 3.6 in 2010 to 3.8 this year, while district eighth-graders remained the same at 4.0 and district 10th-graders improved from 3.8 to 3.9 compared to 2010.
+ Society celebrates fourth anniversary
The Old Braden River Historical Society on May 7 celebrated its fourth anniversary with special activities at Jiggs Landing Preserve. The celebration featured guest speaker Rodney Potter, a local historian, and other festivities.
+ SCF holds 2011 commencement
State College of Florida celebrated the graduation of more than 700 students with a special graduation ceremony May 7.
The school also held a pinning ceremony for graduates of the bachelor’s of science in nursing program on May 6 at SCF’s Center for Innovation and Technology in Lakewood Ranch.
+ Deputies investigate knife-wielding suspect
A sheriff’s office report today states a woman was running around 9:30 a.m., May 7, along Lorraine Road when she noticed a smaller model, white Ford pickup drive by her and pass her again a few minutes later. The truck then pulled off the side of the road near Miramar Way.
The report states the driver excited the truck and walked to the center of the roadway. The 28-year-old woman noticed a large knife in the man’s hand and she started running as fast as she could, the report states.
The man got back into his truck and fled the scene. He did not say anything nor try to grab the woman.
The man is described as a white male in his 30s, about 6 feet tall, medium build with light brown hair. He was last seen wearing a sleeveless black T-shirt with red stripes by the arms and black shorts.
Anyone with information, should call the sheriff’s office at 747-3011 or Crime Stoppers at 866-634-TIPS.