News Briefs

+ Rodeo to benefit cancer research
Lakewood Ranch High School students will rally behind one of their teachers Oct. 20, at Circle S Ranch’s “Tough Enough for Pink” rodeo.

Lakewood’s chapter of Future Health Professionals, better known as HOSA, will run concessions at the rodeo to raise funds for biology teacher Paul Bourbeau, who is ill and has not been able to work since last March. He had surgery Oct. 5, and the students wanted to help raise money to assist his family with medical bills and other needs.

“One of the goals of HOSA is to inspire kids to have compassion for helping others,” said HOSA adviser Maria Whalen. “That’s a really important quality, I think, of good health-care professionals.”

In honor of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the rodeo will donate a portion of its proceeds to the fight against breast cancer.

Gates open at 5 p.m. Junior bulls start at 6 p.m., and pro bulls start at 7 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults; $5 for children ages 6 to 12; and free for children 5 and younger. There will be a costume contest for children ages 13 and under, as well.

Circle S Rodeo is located at 32450 Clay Gully Road, Myakka City.

+ Manatee Animal Services extends hours
Manatee County Animal Services has extended its hours of operation.The Bradenton adoption center now is open from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

The downtown adoption center is located at 1002 B Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. Preview available animals by visiting mymanatee.org/pets, or call 742-5933.

+ Boutique starts head-wrap exchange
Uniquely You, an East County-based mastectomy boutique, is starting a free head-wrap exchange.

To kick off the program, during the month of October, individuals can donate a new or gently used head wrap or turban and enter a chance to win a one-week stay in a cabin near Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

All head wraps or donations will go toward the free program for women undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiation.

The drawing for the vacation will occur Oct. 31. Donations may be made to Uniquely You, 707 60th St. Court E., Bradenton.

For more information, call 243-3856.

Meetings & Agendas
• Lakewood Ranch Community Development Districts 1, 2, 4 and 5 and Inter-District Authority Board Agenda Review Meetings — 8 a.m. Oct. 18, at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall, 8175 Lakewood Ranch Blvd.
• Manatee County School Board Meeting — 5:45 p.m. Oct. 22, at the School Board Administration Building, 215 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.