News Briefs

+ Amputee inspires students at Braden River
More than 300 sixth-grade students at Braden River Middle School gained a new appreciation for life Feb. 16, after hearing from 54-year-old Ronnie Bauchman, who had both of his legs amputated when he was 4 years old.

As part of the “Walk This Way” tour, Bachman shared about his life growing up in Detroit, as well as his experiences as an amputee and as a single parent. He encouraged students to love themselves, regardless of what others say or think about them.

The Walk This Way tour is a national tour sponsored by The Dodge 29 Group and Linamar of Canada. Locally, Firkins Automotive Group in Bradenton sponsors’ Bachman’s appearances at local middle schools.

+ Five-year-old airlifted after crash on University
A 5-year-old boy riding a bicycle was airlifted to Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg after he was struck by an oncoming vehicle.

According to Florida Highway Patrol reports, at about 1:45 p.m. Feb. 15, the boy was riding a bicycle southbound on Lockwood Ridge Road through the intersection at University Parkway in the crosswalk on the east side of the intersection. Tyler Bowser, driving a 2001 T800 Cab, was eastbound on University Parkway in the right lane approaching a green traffic signal at Lockwood Ridge Road. The boy continued southbound through the crosswalk and into Bower’s path, the report states.

Bowser attempted to brake but was unable to avoid the boy. The front left of his truck collided with the right side the boy, and he was ejected from his bicycle. The boy was not wearing a helmet. There were about 151 feet of skid marks from Bowser’s vehicle, the report states.

The boy was taken by helicopter to Bayfront.

Meetings & agendas
• Manatee County School Board Regular Meeting — 5:45 p.m. Monday, Feb. 27, at 215 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton

• Manatee County Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting — 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28, Manatee County Administrative Building’s first-floor commission chambers, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

• Manatee County Board of County Commissioners Land-Use Meeting — 9 a.m. Thursday, March 1, Manatee County Administrative Building’s first-floor commission chambers, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton