News Briefs

+ Senate approves faster speed limit on I-75
Effective July 1, East County residents who travel on Interstate 75 will be able to go five miles per hour faster than they can today.

On April 24, the Senate moved to bump up the speed limit, from 70 to 75 mph, for Interstates 4,10 and 75, along with other state roadways.

City areas with populations of more than 5,000, which have highways that feature at least four lanes divided by a median strip, will see an increase from 60 to 65 mph this summer, as well.

The Florida Department of Transportation will use its discretion in deciding which sections of the selected interstates will see an increased speed limit.

+ LECOM and SCF join forces for master’s program
The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) and State College of Florida (SCF) are collaborating with a master’s program.

SCF students who meet admissions requirements now will gain early acceptance to LECOM’s Master in Health Services Administration program.

The MHSA program provides students with skills to coordinate, direct and plan medical and health services.

Most of the program will be offered online, but students must also attend class meetings at the Lakewood Ranch campus.

+ School board member cleared of ethics violation
After a closed meeting April 25, the Florida Commission on Ethics found no evidence that Manatee County School Board District 4 member Robert Gause has acted unethically.

Allegations against Gause cited he failed to provide his “financial interests” on a Form 6 disclosure in 2011.

Other concerns included voting choices, which may have been based on personal gain for Gause or his employer. 

The Commission dismissed the allegations against Gause, and made decisions on 33 other statewide complaints.

+ Correction
The page 16A story “Perfect Pair” May 1 incorrectly spelled the name of The Out-of-Door Academy player Mary Ann Rompf.

Meetings & agendas
Manatee County Board of County Commissioners Work Session — 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 13, at the County Administrative Center, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.