News Briefs

+ Fire Rescue completes boat-training exercises
Recently, 33 firefighter/paramedics from the three shifts of Longboat Key Fire Rescue completed rescue boat-training exercises.

The training provides continuous familiarization with marine vessel EMS and fire equipment.

All personnel have the opportunity to be on the marine vessel under the direction of the shift boat captain, and when there is an emergency on the water or an area that’s accessible only by water, the vessel is sent into action.

+ FDOT meeting to focus on Cortez Bridge future
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will host a public meeting to discuss the future of Cortez Bridge from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Aug. 28, in the activity center at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach.

The meeting is part of a project development and environment (PD&E) study that began in January 2013 to explore long-term options for the bridge. The study is analyzing possibilities including a no-build option of continued repair for the existing structure, a rehabilitation option, a new low-level or mid-level drawbridge or a high-level fixed bridge.

The meeting will have an open-house format in which attendees can ask questions and provide comments to FDOT representatives in a one-on-one setting. A video will explain various alternatives.

For more information, visit cortezbridge.com.

+ TripAdvisor names Mote in top 10 aquariums list
TripAdvisor users ranked Mote Marine Aquarium No. 10 among U.S. aquariums in the 2014 Traveler’s Choice awards.

Awards are based on reviews from TripAdvisor users and are determined using an algorithm accounting for the quantity and quality of reviews for zoos and aquariums worldwide, gathered over a 12-month period.

Meetings & agendas
Urban Land Institute Implementation Advisory Committee meeting — 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14

Police Officers’ Retirement System Board meeting — 8 a.m. Wednesday, Aug 20

General Employees’ Retirement System Board meeting — 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20

Firefighters’ Retirement System Board meeting — 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27

All meetings take place at Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road, unless otherwise noted.