News Briefs

+ Manatee district honors volunteers
The Manatee County School District celebrated its roughly 4,300 volunteers with a special ceremony May 18.

More than 50 volunteers district-wide were recognized at the “Living Aloha!” 2011 Outstanding School Volunteer Awards celebration.

Five volunteers, however, earned special celebration.

In the East County, middle school student Angelica Rego earned the title of “Youth Volunteer of the Year” for her service for three consecutive years at Braden River Elementary School. Threasa Devin of Nolan Middle School won the “Making a Difference for Middle School” award.

Other volunteers earning special recognition were “Senior Volunteer of the Year” Robert Connor; “Making a Difference for High School” award winner Mary Suchy, of Southeast High School; and “Adult Volunteer of the Year” Donald McLucas, of Palma Sola Elementary.
 
+ Sheriff’s office launches campaign
The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office on Monday launched an initiative to target drivers not wearing their seatbelts.

The “Click It or Ticket” campaign will run through June 5.

A seat belt violation in Florida is $116, while a child restraint violation is $166.

National statistics show belt usage saved more than 12,700 lives nationwide in 2009.
 
+ Buchanan speaks with business owners
U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan on May 20 spoke with local business owners during the 2011 Small Business Growth Conference hosted the State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota Small Business Development Center.

The event was held in conjunction with National Small Business Week.

The meeting, which was part of a three-day conference, was intended for business owners to speak with Buchanan about issues impacting their businesses.

The conference also featured seminars such as “Growing Globally” and “Certifications for Growth.”
 
+ Steube speaks to Republican Club
District 67 Rep. Greg Steube was the keynote speaker for the Lakewood Ranch Republican Club luncheon May 20.

Steube, a first-year state legislator, updated guests about the recent legislative session.
 
+ Ranch Friends initiate petition drive
Members of the Friends of Lakewood Ranch, the group opposing incorporation of the community, last week began soliciting signatures to petition to the Florida Legislature against turning Lakewood Ranch into an independent city.

Letters are being sent to residents, and members of the group also are going door-to-door with their efforts.

+ COUNTY TO HOLD WORKSHOPS
Manatee County officials are inviting residents to participate in several upcoming budget discussions at the county administrative building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

The schedule is as follows:
• 1:30 p.m., June 1 — Budget presentation, first floor chambers
• 9 a.m., June 6 — Budget fund analysis, fourth floor Manatee Room
• 1:30 p.m., June 6 — Decision unit review, fourth floor Manatee Room
• 9 a.m., June 9 — Decision unit review, fourth floor Manatee Room
• 9 a.m., June 14 — Capital Improvement Program (CIP) presentation, fourth floor Manatee Room
• 1:30 p.m., June 14 — Constitutional officers’ budgets, fourth floor Manatee Room
• 1:30 p.m., June 16 — Decision unit review (if needed), fourth floor Manatee Room
• 6 p.m., June 16 — Public hearing, first floor chambers
• 9 a.m., July 28 — Budget reconciliation, first floor chambers

Budget materials will be available by June 1 at www.mymanatee.org/budget.  
For more information on Manatee County Government, visit www.mymanatee.org.