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Public Charter Conversions Could Become Popular Option

news@thebradentontimes.com (Dennis Maley) — Sun, 19 May 2013 00:11:00 -0400

If 51 percent of both teachers and households vote in favor of a proposal to convert popular elementary magnet school Rowlett into a public charter school, Manatee School District could see the beginning of a trend. Frustrated by district mismanagement and the harsh spending cuts that have ensued, parents and teachers at successful schools are looking for a way to insulate themselves against a system that they see as having failed them.

Earlier this month, Rowlett held a meeting with parents to explain the process of converting the school into a public charter. While the district has taken on public charters in the past, Rowlett would be the first of its schools to convert, and even if parents and teachers vote to go charter, the school board would have to approve the plan. A non-zoned magnet school (meaning no students are districted for it and all must choice in), Rowlett emphasizes performing arts, visual arts, and communications. In some ways, it's closer in principle to a charter school, though a conversion of this sort would mean major administrative changes.

The school would take control of most of its funding, but would also have to take on many administrative costs which are currently handled by the district. Ideally, Florida's county districting improves efficiencies by consolidating administrative expenses and leveraging purchasing power on a greater economy of scale. But after years of financial mismanagement and questionable administrative expansion, many at the school level are questioning whether they are actually better off with the giant administration calling all of the shots.

Discretionary spending was recently frozen at all schools, who were also told that there would be major cuts in the next school year's budget. For parents, teachers and school-level administrators who had nothing to do with the decisions that led to the multi-million dollar shortfall, it's difficult to accept that their students and children should feel the sting of the ensuing belt-tightening.

Christine Sket is a member of the Student Advisory Council at Rowlett, where she says her children have benefited tremendously from the school's unique programming and educational philosophy. Like many parents, Sket says she just wants to see what has been working remain in place, while worrying that cuts and administrative changes might threaten any autonomy Rowlett's had to this point -- autonomy that would increase with such a conversion.

Debra Woithe is the chair of Rowlett's SAC and echoed Sket's concerns. Woithe also served on the Citizen Advisory Council that assisted in the search for new superintendent Rick Mills. She says she has faith that Mills is the "right guy for the job" and will get the district's fiscal house in order. But Woithe also said that her first priority is obviously her children's education and that regardless of what happens on the district level, the move may be best for a unique school like Rowlett, which would then be able to control its own curriculum and have greater flexibility with teachers and administrators.

Both Woithe and Sket expressed tremendous faith in Rowlett Principal Brian Flynn, an administrator who is highly-popular with both teachers and parents, who they say the school would look to hire as a consultant after his upcoming to retirement from the district. Such a conversion would bring a tremendous amount of risk and though there aren't yet enough examples in the state to draw strong conclusions from, many schools who have gone the conversion route have not had a smooth transition.

School board member, Dave "Watchdog" Miner, who was elected as a reform candidate in 2012, said he understood the frustrations of parents and staff, but questioned the idea that converting to a public charter would leave them better off.

"It's very difficult for me to imagine how Rowlett would be able to continue to have the quality of programs they've had out there for so many years, when going the charter route would most likely reduce the amount of funds and resources available to make those programs work," said Miner.

Miner called the vote, which will take place during the last week of classes, a "sobering decision that should be weighed heavily," and said that in his opinion, parents and staff would be best served by continuing to be an important part of the district, rather than going down an "uncharted path."

It also needs to be noted that it is the replacement administration which seems to be suffering the blowback for enacting a plan to correct the failures of its predecessors. The board majority that helped bring about sweeping changes did not exist when the budget shortfalls were being created, and though he's been in his position less than 100 days, Superintendent Rick Mills has already implemented broad change, reorganizing the administration and bringing in two highly-qualified deputy superintendents from outside the district. Nonetheless, it will be Mills and company who will be doling out the medicine in order to bring the budget and required funds back to balance.

Parents and teachers who still cannot fully comprehend the vastly complex budget failures that put the district in such dire straits are unlikely to demonstrate much if any patience when programs they value are cut, or educators they admire are let go. Of course, a rush of schools attempting to convert could be disastrous for both the schools and the district. It would seem in everyone's best interest to see the district successfully repair itself, while continuing to champion schools like Rowlett, rather than lose them, especially since the school seems to have done very well while under the district. We'll see if that chance will be given after the upcoming vote(s). In the meantime, school districts should be on notice: few things are as important as the trust of your constituents.

Dennis Maley's column appears every Thursday and Sunday in The Bradenton Times. He can be reached at dennis.maley@thebradentontimes.com. Click here to visit his column archive. Click here to go to his bio page. You can also follow Dennis on Facebook.

Sunday Favorites: Maroons Unchained

merab.favorite@thebradentontimes.com (Merab-Michal Favorite) — Sun, 19 May 2013 00:05:00 -0400

Abraham

MANATEE COUNTY – The largest slave rebellion in American history is seldom talked about. It is a story of self-emancipated Africans, knocking down the bounds of pain and degradation, freeing themselves to grab the most basic of our freedoms: that all men, no matter what race, creed or color, are created equal.

The story starts not on those often famed and largely misunderstood Civil War battlefields, nor in the Oval Office where Abraham Lincoln would sign the Emancipation Proclamation not long before his assassination. This story starts in the untamed wilds of Florida, where those freed slaves first encountered the natives of the land.

Nearly a century before Harriet Tubman secretly led more than 300 slaves north to freedom, slaves were escaping south into the Florida wilderness and forming alliances with another group of exiled people, the Seminole natives.

The Seminole Nation was the collective name given to the combination of various groups of Native Americans and black people who settled in Florida in the early 18th century — who were the first associated with Alachua County (of which Manatee County was part of).

Over time, the groups melded together and formed what history refers to as a race of “maroon people.”

While many have heard the term Black Seminoles, their efforts against the U.S. Government have been suppressed and are hardly mentioned in history books. However, according to to Dr. Martha Bireda, founder of the Blanchard House Museum in Punta Gorda, they produced the largest slave rebellion; there was no other effort in the U.S. that compared in size or duration, she said.

'This is the story of self-emancipated Africans,' Bireda said. 'No one helped these people escape; they did it on their own.'

The fugitive slaves and free blacks besmirched the country's leading generals and inspired fear across the South, according to the Black Seminole Rebellion exhibit at www.blackhorse.com.

In the 50 years preceding the Civil War, blacks had the most significant influence shaping Seminole affairs, including the First and Second Seminole wars. But the alliance of the Africans and Native Seminoles was a source of concern to the U.S. Government because the Seminoles were seen as a major threat to the institution of slavery.

The relationship between escaped slaves and Seminoles was a fundamental concern during the Second Seminole War, the longest and most costly of any Native American War in history. The war was initiated by the slave industry and fought specifically over the issue of slavery and removal of Seminole peoples west to “Indian Territory.”

History books refer to two events that supposedly ignited the war. The first being the U.S. government's decision to enforce the Treaty of Payne's Landing at Fort Gibson; that is, an agreement made by seven Seminole Leaders who agreed to move west to Arkansas territory and join their known archenemy, the Creek Indians, in exile. The greater majority of natives violently opposed this migration. The Seminole Nation was outraged; it was the beginning of the Second Seminole War, or the Seven Year War, which lasted from 1835-1842.

Abraham, a famous “maroon” leader, was one of the seven who signed the treaty. Historians have theorized that the leaders were tricked into signing the agreement. However, Bireda said the allegiance was only a ploy for Abraham to receive the supplies he needed to attack U.S. Troops. Abraham gave the impression that he was in favor of enforcing the treaty. He requested gun powder, and arms from Cuba and secretly instructed slaves still living on plantations to revolt when the war began and join forces with the native nation.

U.S. Troops initiated a policy designed to separate the African and Native Seminoles. This policy called for the re-enslavement of Africans in addition to the deportation of natives.

Abraham led his troop of half breeds, strategizing Guerrilla war tactics, which were used to attack U.S. Troops, and negotiating with U.S. Military when necessary.

For the most part, Abraham's military tactics were successful during the war, but he was forced to surrender during the Battle of Big Cyprus in the Everglades. Abraham eventually worked with General Jessup to convince members of the Seminole Nation that emigration was the only way to truly find peace. Abraham left Florida in 1839 accompanied by his family and 90 other black Seminoles.

During the Second Seminole War, the U.S. government lost 1,500 troops and spent $40 million to return 300 to 500 slaves to their masters. Bireda estimates that the capture of each slave cost the U.S. $80,000 and the lives of three soldiers.

Most of the Seminole Nation left Florida, but a few stayed. Those holdouts still exist in the deep swamps of Big Cypress, the same place where their ancestors had raised a white flag so many years ago.

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news@thebradentontimes.com — Sun, 19 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

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Community Spotlight: Turner Tree?s Community Service, a Pivotal Part of Bradenton?s Riverwalk

news@thebradentontimes.com (Turner Tree and Landscape) — Sun, 19 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Darrell Turner, owner of Turner Tree and Landscape

BRADENTON – Turner Tree and Landscape has taken its community service to a new level this year with its lead role in completing Riverwalk, Bradenton’s award-winning riverfront make-over.

Riverwalk is the fifth major “public use” project in which Turner Tree has been involved over the last three years. Owned by philanthropist Darrell Turner, Turner Tree provided 600 trees and 24,000 plants for the project. The company earned an Eagle Award for “excellence in construction” April 19 from the Florida Gulf Coast Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors.

“Turner Tree found and installed exactly the kinds of trees, foliage and plants we needed for all individual aspects of the Riverwalk, and there are lots of them,” said Bradenton Mayor Wayne Poston. “We couldn’t have been happier with their contribution.”

Riverwalk, which officially opened at the end of 2012, is a 1.5-mile stretch of land along Manatee River filled with 18 different recreational, cultural, artistic and natural highlights. They range from a botanical walk, to an amphitheater, to a skatepark, to memorials honoring veterans and the victims of 9-11.

Turner said the project’s unusual shape and its proximity to the riverfront posed three key challenges that Turner Tree was uniquely suited to meet as a company with three decades of experience, including numerous other public use projects:

Tight quarters and the involvement of dozens of other subcontractors required exceptionally careful planning and coordination. Turner said this challenge was amplified by the fact that subcontractors could only enter the site from one side, the one opposite the river.

The outdoor Mosaic Amphitheatre required Turner Tree to find and plant 38 sycamore trees that were an average 40 feet tall. The trees needed to be large enough to provide substantial shade for the amphitheater’s four-tiered natural seating area. “We went all over the state trying to collect those trees,” Turner said.

The need to minimize storm-water run-off compelled Turner Tree to use “laser tubing,” an advanced form of drip irrigation that steers water directly to each individual plant. “In addition to minimizing run-off, you save water, and you get 15 percent extra growth out of the plants,” Turner said.

While landscaping Riverwalk, Turner Tree was simultaneously working on landscaping at the renovated McKechnie Field in downtown Bradenton. Other area public use projects it has landscaped since 2010 include G.T. Bray Park, Bunker Hill Park in Duette, and Bennett Park along Interstate 75.

Riverwalk is a $6.2 million, publicly-funded project that was recently named the top cultural, sports and recreation project in the Tampa Bay Region by the 40-jurisdiction Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council.

About Turner Tree and Landscape

Turner Tree and Landscape is a full-service, bonded landscape contractor in business since 1983. Owner Darrell Turner is a prolific community service volunteer whose board memberships include the Bradenton Area Economic Development Council, Manatee Chamber of Commerce, Gulf Coast Builders Exchange, Keep Manatee Beautiful, Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance, Manatee Glens, Police Athletic League, Suncoast Communities Blood Bank, and United Way.

Turner Tree’s headquarters are located at 2504 64th St. Ct. E. in Bradenton; its website is www.turnertree-landscape.com.

Community Spotlight: Bay Guardian Volunteers Plant 3,500 Plants at Perico Preserve

news@thebradentontimes.com (Sarasota Bay Estuary Program) — Sun, 19 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

BRADENTON – A group of 49 adult and student Bay Guardian volunteers with the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program (SBEP) planted 3,500 Florida native plants at a shoreline area on Perico Preserve on Saturday, May 4. The plants were donated by Manatee County Natural Resources and FWC Redfish Hatchery at Port Manatee. Other project partners included Around the Bend Nature Tours and Martha B. King Middle School in Bradenton. King Middle School was honored with an SBEP Blue Dolphin Award in 2012 to acknowledge the school’s commitment to supporting local environmental projects.

Bay Guardian volunteers did a planting previously at Perico Preserve in October 2012. Perico Preserve is the newest preserve in Manatee County. The 176-acre property was originally farmland and the extensive mangrove fringe is currently undergoing restoration to become another natural habitat within Manatee County’s coastal preserve system. Plans include the construction of a lagoon to support seagrass growth and a bird rookery island. During construction, public access is only permitted through sneak peek tours hosted by Manatee County Natural Resources or volunteer workdays.

The recent planting at Perico Preserve was the fourth Bay Guardian volunteer outing this year. Prior outings were held at Baywalk Creek near New College of Florida, Jiggs Landing in Manatee County, and Bowlees Creek Island Bird Sanctuary near the mouth of Bowlees Creek.

Bay Guardian volunteers group shot at Perico Preserve following the recent planting project.

The Bay Guardians are the largest and most active volunteer organization in the region focused on the welfare of Sarasota Bay. Hundreds of local volunteers invest thousands of hours each year supporting projects focused on planting Florida native plants and removing exotic plants as well as trash and debris. The SBEP manages the volunteer program in partnership with Around the Bend Nature Tours. New volunteers receive a blue tee shirt featuring the Bay Guardians logo. The SBEP also provides a picnic lunch following the morning project.

To join the Bay Guardians for a single project or as an ongoing commitment, individuals and local civic, school, scout, and church groups can contact Stephanie Sherman with the SBEP at info@sarasotabay.org.

The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program is dedicated to restoring the area's greatest natural asset – Sarasota Bay. Its unique program strives to improve water quality, increase habitat and enhance the natural resources of the area for use and enjoyment by the public. Sarasota Bay is one of 28 estuaries in the United States that have been named by the U.S. Congress as an "estuary of national significance." Partners include Sarasota County, Manatee County, City of Sarasota, City of Bradenton, Town of Longboat Key, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Southwest Florida Water Management District, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Pulse Opens Thursday at Asolo Rep

news@thebradentontimes.com (Staff Report) — Sat, 18 May 2013 00:04:00 -0400

SARASOTA — Extending this season’s hot streak of productions that make bold artistic statements, Asolo Repertory Theatre presents Noah Racey’s Pulse. A song and dance celebration that harkens back to the golden age of hoofing, Pulse is written, conceived, and choreographed by Broadway song and dance man Noah Racey in collaboration with Broadway director and two-time Tony Award nominee Jeff Calhoun.

Pulse opens on Thursday, May 23 with an 8 p.m. curtain. Opening night will be preceded by two preview performances on Tuesday, May 21 at 7:30 p.m. and May 22 at 8 p.m. The show runs through June 16, 2013 in Asolo Rep’s Mertz Theatre located in The FSU Center for the Performing Arts.

“I believe that Pulse is one of the most electrifying projects to ever appear on the American musical stage, and everyone at this theatre is so incredibly excited to be having its world premiere at Asolo Rep,” said Michael Donald Edwards, Asolo Repertory Theatre’s Producing Artistic Director.

“I’m most excited about exposing audiences to song and dance that is as good and as accomplished as I have ever seen. The cast is comprised of the best song and dance men and women in America today," said Jeff Calhoun. “I believe that Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, the Nicholas Brothers, and Sammy Davis, Jr. would be proud of Noah Racey’s Pulse.”

Noah Racey is an award-winning Broadway actor, singer and dancer as well as a director, choreographer, musician, and songwriter who’s developed his career as a song and dance man in the great tradition of those who have come before him. His Broadway career launched in 2001 with a revival of Follies, and his work as an associate choreographer on Thoroughly Modern Millie led to a Tony Award for choreographer Rob Ashford. For ten years, Racey has served as the resident director/choreographer of the critically-acclaimed Broadway by the Year series.

“All the people in the world understand the universal language of song and dance,” said Racey, who has taken his brand of entertainment to more than 15 countries. “Pulse explores a wide range of dance styles in American culture, using rhythm as a common denominator. Pulse melds classic hoofing and Broadway-style vocals with a modern approach to the presentation of song and dance. The result is an entirely new style of performance.”

The common denominator of rhythm to which Racey refers comes naturally to him, and was developed through Racey’s lifelong experience as a drummer. His drumming began when his father gave him a snare at age three. After years of banging away, he graduated to hand drums, playing in drum circles and marching bands until he found theater in high school and switched his focus to acting.

According to Racey, his personal recipe for tap, which incorporates drumming, body percussion and rhythmic tapping, is what sets the style in Pulse apart from anything else on Broadway. Beloved songs like “Under My Skin,” “Pick Yourself Up,” “Once in Love with Amy,” and “Drum Crazy” are reinterpreted along with other classics by Racey and the five other singer/dancers that make up the cast.

While modern and rhythmic in nature, Racey emphasizes that his style of dance remains elegant and true to its roots. “In Pulse, the performers are also musicians using their bodies as instruments, telling a story through the beat of song and dance,” added Racey.

The Importance of Wealth Management Planning

news@thebradentontimes.com (Bruce A. Bittles) — Sat, 18 May 2013 00:03:00 -0400

According to a study reported in Forbes in 2010, only 35 percent of Americans have a will, and many of those who do spent less time planning for it than they did their last vacation. In neglecting estate planning, though, they run the risk of losing a sizable portion of their estate to taxes and fees.

In establishing objectives for transferring your estate, it is important to develop a wealth management plan that matches your priorities.

Lifestyle maintenance
Your most important planning objective is likely to preserve your financial independence. One of the major obstacles to effective planning can be the gap between the perception of wealth and reality of wealth. Thus, you should clearly define what is required to maintain your current lifestyle – the annual income needed for personal consumption and material assets – while keeping adequate liquidity.

Wealth transfer to heirs
Though you likely want your heirs to exhibit character, integrity, a sense of family legacy and responsible behavior – attributes money can’t buy – you might still like to provide both selected advantages and a safety net. Only you can decide how much to leave your heirs. Questions you should consider when establishing a wealth management plan include:

1.   What are my financial and nonfinancial goals for my heirs?
2.   Does my wealth management plan accomplish those goals?
3.   What is the best structure to provide my heirs with appropriate assets?
4.   Have I provided for unforeseen circumstances?
5.   What is the best structure to promote our family values?
6.   Are my heirs prepared to act responsibly with the assets I leave them?
7.   Will my planning bring my family members closer together or pull them apart?
8.   Have I made provisions for my community legacy?

The most important step in the planning process is to establish clear and concise objectives for your wealth management plan. Your plan should be responsive to your core interests, needs and concerns; acknowledge the level of involvement you want in “managing” philanthropic activities; and incorporate the interests and expertise of heirs. Additionally, it should take into account your total estate plan in a manner that is timely, effective and tax-efficient.

Your financial advisor will be able to work with you to determine your best course of action. In addition, always consult your tax professional regarding your personal financial situation.

Article provided by Robert W. Baird & Co. with the authorization of its author for Evan Guido, Vice President, Financial Advisor at the Sarasota office of Robert W. Baird & Co., member SIPC. The opinions expressed are subject to change, are not a complete analysis of every material fact and the information is not guaranteed to be accurate.

Evan R. Guido
Vice President of
Private Wealth Management
One Sarasota Tower, Suite 806
Two North Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34236-4702
941-906-2829 Direct Line
888 366-6603 Toll Free
941 366-6193 Fax

www.EVANGUIDO.com

Got a question? Ask Guido!

EarthTalk�

earthtalkcolumn@emagazine.com (E - The Environmental Magazine) — Sat, 18 May 2013 00:02:00 -0400

Dear EarthTalk: I heard that a number of beer brewing companies have banded together to support the Clean Water Act. Can you enlighten? -- Mitch Jenkins, Cincinnati, OH

In April 2013 the non-profit Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) brought together two dozen nationally respected craft beer brewers to launch the Brewers for Clean Water Campaign, which aims to leverage the economic growth of the craft brewing sector into a powerful voice for bolstering clean water protection in the United States.

“Whether brewers are creating ales, pilsners, porters, wits or stouts, one ingredient must go into every batch: clean water,” says Karen Hobbs, a senior policy analyst at NRDC. “Craft brewers need clean water to make great beer.”

While hops, malt and the brewing process itself are also clearly important, water just may be the secret ingredient that gives a specific beer its distinctive flavor. “Beer is about 90 percent water, making local water supply quality and its characteristics, such as pH and mineral content, critical to beer brewing and the flavor of many classic brews,” reports NRDC. “For example, the unusually soft water of Pilsen, from the Czech Republic, helped create what is considered the original gold standard of pilsner beers. The clarity and hoppiness of England’s finest India Pale Ales, brewed since the 1700s in Burton-on-Trent, result from relatively high levels of calcium in local water.” Brewers can replicate the flavors of beers like these and others by sourcing freshwater with similar features or by starting with neutral water and adding minerals and salts accordingly to bring out certain desired characteristics.

Of course, clean water is essential to more than great-tasting beer. “It’s critical for public health and the health of a wide range of industries,” adds NRDC. “Now our streams, wetlands and water supply need our help. Without strong legal protections, they are under threat from pollution like sewage, agricultural waste, and oil spills.”

The popularity of craft brewers’ “microbrews” in recent years is another reason why NRDC has hitched its clean water wagon to the industry. “Craft brewers are closely tied to their communities with a very real understanding of the impacts bad policy can have on regional water sources,” reports the group. “While the participants in the campaign include brewing operations large and small, all have demonstrated a commitment to sustainability in their operations and beer development.”

By taking part in the campaign, New Belgium, Sierra Nevada, Allagash, Short's, Temperance, Arbor, DryHop, Finch's, Revolution, Flossmoor, Cranker’s, Wild Onion, Right Brain, Half Acre, Goose Island and other craft brewers are helping spread the word in a way that hits home with consumers. For its part, NRDC is urging beer lovers (and other concerned environmentalists) to use the form on its website to e-mail the White House encouraging President Obama to finalize guidelines recently created by the Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that call for greater protections for streams and wetlands in important headwaters regions from coast to coast. And consumers should be glad to know that for once drinking beer can actually be good for the environment. So bottoms up!

EarthTalk® is written and edited by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss and is a registered trademark of E - The Environmental Magazine (www.emagazine.com). Send questions to: earthtalk@emagazine.com. Subscribe: www.emagazine.com/subscribe. Free Trial Issue: www.emagazine.com/trial.

Community Spotlight: Food Bank of Manatee Asking Community to Help "White Out Hunger" This Summer

news@thebradentontimes.com (The Food Bank of Manatee) — Sat, 18 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

The Food Bank of Manatee is asking the community to take part in upcoming events to help “White Out Hunger” and fill their shelves this summer, when donations are slow. “Summer is always a difficult time of year for us,” said Cindy Sloan, Director of The Food Bank of Manatee, “because food donations decrease considerably, while demand increases. Without school-provided meals, local families need food assistance even more.”

A Guest Bartending Event will take place at Halfway at AMOB Landside on May 30, 2013, 6-8pm. Guest bartenders Amanda & John Horne, Chris Whittaker, and David Scherer will entertain and pour drinks, with all tips going to The Food Bank of Manatee’s campaign to “White Out Hunger” this summer. Halfway at Anna Maria Oyster Bar “Landside” is located at 6906 14th Street West in Bradenton.

The second event, “White Out Hunger Party” will be on June 6, 2013, 6-9pm. A casual evening with cocktails and heavy hors d’oeuvres, raffles and live music, the event will be held at a private home on Palma Sola Bay. Tickets are $50 ($25 is tax-deductible) and can be purchased at foodbankofmanatee.org or by calling 941-749-0100. Attendees are encouraged to wear white to show support for hunger prevention efforts. All proceeds benefit The Food Bank of Manatee.

“These are going to be fun events for a serious issue here in Manatee County. We are so thankful to Chris, David, Amanda, and John for offering their time to help our community with the basic necessity of food,” says Maribeth Phillips, CEO of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee, which operates The Food Bank of Manatee.

About The Food Bank of Manatee

The Food Bank of Manatee provides nutritional assistance to children and families in need throughout Manatee County by distributing food to non-profit agencies including food pantries, soup kitchens, and churches. The Food Bank also assembles Emergency Family and Baby Baskets for people in crisis. For information on how to donate, host a food drive, or volunteer, visit www.foodbankofmanatee.org or call 941-747-4655.

Current Absconded Sex and Career Offenders

news@thebradentontimes.com (Manatee Sheriff's Office) — Sat, 18 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

BRADENTON – The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office is currently looking for the listed Absconded Sexual Offenders and Career Offenders from Manatee County.

Note: to view more information and working links on any of the files below, visit www.manateesheriff.com/public interest/SexualOffenders.aspx.

Tourist Development Council Commits Funds for Rowing Championship Games

news@thebradentontimes.com (John Rehill) — Fri, 17 May 2013 00:04:00 -0400

BRADENTON -- The possibility of the International Rowing Championships being held at Nathan Benderson Park Rowing Facility dominated the talk at Wednesday's Tourist Development Council (TDC) meeting. The Florida Legislature must have some interest too, because in its new budget, it allocated $5 million to the park, contingent to the rowing facility being awarded the games. So what's the chances of the Sarasota/Bradenton area being thrown onto the world regatta stage? Well, the TDC members weren't popping the champagne, but I might have heard some rattling glasses.

At Wednesday's meeting, Elliott Falccione, Executive Director of Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), explained just how close the Sarasota/Bradenton area is ready to be put on the global sports map.

Falccione presented members with a promissory note from FISA, the International Rowing Federation, requesting both Manatee and Sarasota BOCC guarantee a note for $3.2 million each, reassuring necessary funds for the rowing championship operation budget.

Handling the event's finanical responsibilities, if Nathan Benderson Park is rewarded the games, is Suncoast Aquatic Nature Center Association (SANCA).

SCANCA's plan with Sarasota and Manatee Counties is for non-stop private sector fund-raising until the $6.4 million needed goal is obtained, eliminating any need for a public funding promissory note.

TDC Chairwoman, Carol Whitmore said, "We would be representing the United States of America."

Falccione said he would also be seeking federal funds with hopes to avoid the county guarantees, and use of "public funds," though obviously, federal funds are in fact public funds, as would be the state's funding.

On June 4, 2013, the Chairmen of both County Commissions must sign the financial guarantee note that was displayed at Wednesday's meeting. If signed by both counties, it will be included in the final bid packet which is due to the rowing federation by June 21, 2013.

TDC members voted unanimously to approve presenting the funding guarantee to the Manatee BOCC where Falccione will be delivering his presentation of June 5, 2013.

Other business before the TDC at Wednesday's meeting was a unanimous approval of $25,000 to go for sand dune restoration under the enhanced beach maintenance program.

The final vote by the TDC was a unanimous approval for the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau's proposed FY2014 and FY2015 Marketing Plan and Budget.

Romine Starts as New MTI Law Enforcement Academy Director

news@thebradentontimes.com (Staff Report) — Fri, 17 May 2013 00:04:00 -0400

BRADENTON -- Jay Romine took over this week as the new director of Manatee Technical Institute’s Law Enforcement Academy. The recommendation to appoint him to the position was approved at Monday’s Manatee School Board meeting. The recently-retired Chief of Police for the City of Holmes Beach brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the position.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) requires that the Academy have a full-time director. Romine was selected by a committee from the MTI Criminal Justice Advisory Board, presided over by Palmetto Chief of Police Ricky Wells. Romine replaces outgoing director Mike Rushing, who retired in December 2012.

Jay Romine

“I am so pleased to have a graduate of our Academy become our Academy director,” stated MTI director Mary Cantrell, PhD. “Jay’s years of experience on the FDLE Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission (CJSTC) give him the wisdom and insight that will help our Academy grow under his leadership.”

Romine was appointed by both Governors Bush and Scott to serve on the CJSTC, which he did for over 10 years beginning in 2002 He was elected and served as the vice-chair from 2007 to 2008 and as the chairman from 2008 to 2010. The Commission is comprised of 19 members of the criminal justice and criminal justice training community to oversee all aspects of training and discipline on all law enforcement and correctional officers in the State of Florida.

“Education is important to me,” exclaimed Romine. “Being the director of the academy gives me the opportunity to be exposed to a much larger number of new officers forming their policing philosophy. It’s an opportunity to pass on what I’ve spent over 30 years trying to do.”

A Manatee County native, Romine has spent his entire career serving the people of this county, as well as the state of Florida. He started his career in 1979 as a patrol officer for the City of Palmetto. After a year and a half, he joined the Holmes Beach Police Department where he spent 12 years rising through the ranks as a patrol officer, patrol sergeant, detective sergeant, lieutenant, and interim chief of police before becoming the chief in 1994, a position he held for 19 years.

In addition to graduating from the MTI Academy, Romine holds an Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice from Manatee Community College and a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology from the University of South Florida. He spent many hours of specific training through the State of Florida CJSTC in courses dealing with criminal investigation and police management.

He is a Certified Traffic Homicide Investigator, Certified General Instructor and Certified Firearms Instructor. Romine also had the honor of graduating from the FBI National Academy in 1996. Less than half of one percent of applicants from all over the world is accepted there.

Romine credits his policing philosophy to retired MTI Academy director Rushing. Romine spent his 18th birthday riding on patrol with Rushing, who was then a state trooper with the Florida Highway Patrol. In one evening, he was introduced to policing professionally and politely with empathy and compassion.

“Being a law enforcement officer was the only thing I ever wanted to do," said Romine. He now looks forward to giving back to the Academy where he started his education for his continuing career in criminal justice.

Putnam Running for Re-election Seeming to End Speculation of Run for Governor

news@thebradentontimes.com (Staff Report) — Fri, 17 May 2013 00:04:00 -0400

BRADENTON – It seems that Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam is running for re-election in 2014. The former Congressman quietly opened a campaign account last month, though he made no formal announcement.

Putnam, who has built a high profile as Ag Commissioner, has strong ties with the Republican legislature and was seen as a possible 2014 primary foe for Governor Rick Scott, whose relationship with state lawmakers has often seemed strained.

Putnam was a vocal critic of the Affordable Care Act, which Scott switched positions on, saying he would support the use of federal monies to expand healthcare access to more than a million Floridians currently without.

The legislature failed to support the governor's position and ultimately broke without a Medicaid bill of any sort having been passed. Assuming Putnam stays put, it seems unlikely that the governor will face serious competition for his party's nomination.

Are You in DROP? Now What?

news@thebradentontimes.com (Dennis Maley) — Fri, 17 May 2013 00:02:00 -0400

BRADENTON -- Florida's Deferred Retirement Option Program provides a unique opportunity for the state's public sector employees. But what is the best way to utilize its advantages? That answer can vary depending on the retiree's specific personal, financial and familial situation. One local financial advisor is conducting free seminars geared specifically at FRS members who are currently in, or are considering enrolling in the DROP program.

The world for retirees has changed. Increased volatility, higher inflation, a plethora of products, and lower interest rates than a generation before. Many have worked diligently to accumulate a bucket of cash for retirement and planned to use this in conjunction with their pension payments and social security to fully enjoy the golden years.

DROP provides an incentive for retirement eligible FRS workers to take retirement, by allowing them to accumulate benefits for five years, so long as they retire at the end of that period, paving the way for younger and presumably less expensive employees to ascend. For many, the biggest question is what to do with that accumulated benefit when it's paid out.

Evan Guido with Baird Financial Services, is a local financial adivsor whose primary business is focused around those in retirement or about to retire. Guido says that the most valuable service he offers is the creation of income plans for retirees. In his seminars, he showcases where the money will come from, how long it may last, and the tools available to help ensure your success.

Evan's clients consist of successful entrepreneurs, government employees and executives, but he says he's seen a rise in FRS participants who have questions about how to best convert their DROP payouts to monthly income.

"It is not as easy as buying bonds and collecting interest anymore," explains Guido. "Retirees will need higher rates of return and sources of income that can grow overtime."

Evans meetings are small groups in the form of casual, roundtable discussions.

"The coffee is good, the view is incredible, and the advice will be worth your time," Guido promises.

Evan's seminars are held at 10 a.m. Tuesdays and 3 p.m. Thursdays at his downtown Sarasota offices, located at 2 North Tamiami Trail -Penthouse, Sarasota, FL 34236. You can email Evan to reserve a seat, or ask other questions.

Letter to the Editor: Truck Convoys on Golf Course Road

news@thebradentontimes.com (Stephanie Harris) — Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Dear Editor,

Supposedly, according to the county, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office was stepping up patrols to try to slow down the non-stop barrage of construction/dump trucks that started to use Golf Course Road to get to somewhere in Twin Rivers. These trucks are going in excess of 60 MPH many times and often convoy in multiple trucks.

There is no way that when a truck pulls onto Golf Course Road and a car pulls out of a driveway just past the first entrance to Twin Rivers, that the truck should ever catch up to and then tailgate the car. These trucks are going way too fast and this is not safe, plus they are knocking over and running over garbage cans.

First, how can this sudden construction traffic be allowed to travel like this? There was never a public notice about whatever this is that's going on in Twin Rivers and the county commissioners don't seem willing to address it. Shouldn't there be a permit on file that informs us about what is going on? No one will answer what is happening. Second, how is it okay to let them convoy at 60 MPH in a 40 MPH zone! We are concerned, sickened, and angry in Parrish.

Stephanie Harris
Manatee County
via TBT's Facebook Page

Marauders Split Series with Threshers

news@thebradentontimes.com (Nathan March) — Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

CLEARWATER -- Two home runs by Maikel Franco powered the Threshers to a 6-3 win over the Marauders Thursday night at Bright House Field in Clearwater. The Marauders and Threshers split the series two games apiece. Bradenton returns home Friday to start a seven-game homestand.

secondshotphoto.com

Trailing 1-0 in the fourth, Gregory Polanco got the Marauders on the board with his fifth home run of the season. The solo homer off Gabriel Arias (W, 5-1) knotted the score.

Clearwater scored in four straight innings beginning in the third. Robby Rowland (L, 2-2) surrendered a two-run homer to Franco in the bottom of the fourth, and another run in the fifth on a balk. Rowland was replaced after five innings. Matt Benedict finished the game on the mound, surrendering an unearned run in the sixth and a solo shot to Franco in the eighth.

The Marauders plated two runs and brought the tying run to the plate in the seventh. Chris Nichols replaced Arias and struck out Eric Avila to end the threat. Luis Garcia (SV, 5) struck Avila out to end the game and record a six out save.

Chase d’Arnaud went 0-for-3 in the first game of his rehab stint with the Marauders. He played shortstop and made a lunging catch on a line drive from Carlos Alonso in the first.

President Obama's Big Brother Problem

news@thebradentontimes.com (Dennis Maley) — Thu, 16 May 2013 00:11:00 -0400

While the politicized talking points used after the Benghazi attacks were generally accepted by most Americans as having been no worse than “mishandled,” brewing scandals at the IRS and DOJ have Americans of all stripes outraged and rethinking everything that comes out of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Let's take a look at a week's worth of scandals.

Benghazi

The internal investigations and Congressional hearings that followed U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice's Sunday morning talking points failed to reveal more than internal bickering between multiple agencies (mostly the State Department and the CIA) on what information would and wouldn't be presented. But when the media began reporting on what were later characterized as leaked emails, the story shifted to one in which the administration was officially intervening on behalf of the State Department, giving way to speculation that it might have done so to protect itself during the 2012 election, while also providing cover for Secretary of State Clinton.

However, it became apparent that the initial reports were not based on an actual email, but rather third-party accounts of it, which wound up inaccurately framing what had in fact been communicated. The actual email from then-Deputy National Security Adviser for Strategic Communications Ben Rhodes said in part, “There is a ton of wrong information getting out into the public domain from Congress and people who are not particularly informed. Insofar as we have firmed up assessments that don’t compromise intel or the investigation, we need to have the capability to correct the record, as there are significant policy and messaging ramifications that would flow from a hardened mis-impression.”

ABC News, however, had reported (noting that it was a summary provided by a source) that the email said, “We must make sure that the talking points reflect all agency equities, including those of the State Department, and we don’t want to undermine the FBI investigation. We thus will work through the talking points tomorrow morning at the Deputies Committee meeting.” Hence, the media focus on “protecting the State Department,” which dominated a 48-hour news cycle.

Information regarding the Benghazi attack clearly was not well-disseminated. It appears clear that there were internal disagreements within the CIA about a number of issues, including whether the attack was pre-planned, or the result of demonstrations like similar ones in Cairo that occurred over an anti-Muslim video produced in the U.S. It also appears clear that FBI officials were also expressing concern over how much and what information be released at that time, and that there were plenty of competing ideas between the CIA, FBI and State Department as to how it would be best said to the public. The reported collusion between the White House and State Department, however, does not seem to have been demonstrated to this point. But the obvious political motivations for presenting it as they did raised questions which were not helped by the events that followed.

IRS Scandal

In recent years, the Internal Revenue Service says it has seen an upswing in 501(c)(4) applications, a popular vehicle for politically-oriented groups. In most cases, 501(c)(4) groups do not have to publicly disclose donor lists, making them, for obvious reasons, an attractive designation for such outfits. However, the designation is supposed to prevent these organizations which are to be “operated exclusively for the promotion of social welfare,” from being overtly political – though definitions and limits to what would constitute that are murky at best.

The IRS may well have felt that the code was being abused; however, it seems that the agents began selective enforcement based on political persuasion, namely groups that were likely to be associated with the Tea Party movement. This is troubling to say the least. Even if the IRS found some sort of pattern related to these groups – which there is no evidence of – there would have to be some sort of established policy or protocols developed, which was not the case. The term witch hunt comes to mind.

What's worse, just like the State Department in the Benghazi incident, it seems like much of what the IRS first acknowledged painted a rosier picture than they knew to be the case. Initially, the agency blamed low-level employees, maintaining that no high-level officials knew of the policy. But according to a leaked report by the Inspector General's office, the head of the IRS division that oversees tax-exempt organizations learned at a meeting on June 29 of 2011, that right-wing groups were being targeted. It's one of these instances where someone gets caught red handed robbing banks, asks how much is missing, then admits to having taken exactly that much, without mentioning additional loot until it turns up.

It seems clear that the abuses originated from within the agency, without direction from outside or even from the top of within the IRS. Regardless of how they were reported, they were stopped by superiors and the internal response would not be a function of the White House. The commissioner at the time, Douglas Shulman, who had been appointed by President Bush, has since resigned. His deputy commissioner, Stephen Miller, is the current acting commissioner for the agency.

Miller seems to have quite a bit of explaining to do. Following his May 2012 Congressional briefing on how the IRS reviews applications for tax-exempt status, Miller wrote two letters to Congress, neither of which mentioned the targeting of Tea Party groups. That July he testified before the House Ways and Means oversight subcommittee on "organizational and compliance issues related to public charities." During his testimony, Miller was specifically asked by Republican members about groups being targeted, and he failed to disclose that he had in fact been briefed on the targeting of Tea Party groups by IRS staff.

As I said, this is all very troubling and Miller, along with the staff members who implemented and carried out the policy need to be held accountable (editor's update: Miller resigned under pressure from Treasury Secretary Jack Lew late Wednesday, soon after the Justice Department announced a criminal investigation into the affair). Being that the Tea Party is at essence an anti-tax group (the Tea, supposedly an acronym for Taxed Enough Already) and that many Libertarian members of the groups have called for the abolishment of the agency, targeting them could be seen as more than partisan, even direct retribution for expressing negative sentiments toward the agency itself. Nonetheless, from what we know, it seems to be an "IRS scandal," not a "White House scandal." Until we learn of some sort of connection, I'm not sure that it's reasonable to associate the actions of Shulman, Miller or agents in an Ohio field office with the President, who by law couldn't contact the agency on the matter due to a post-Watergate statute aimed at preventing Presidential abuses.

AP Records Seizure

While the Benghazi and IRS scandals did not link the White House to wrongdoing, they certainly did nothing to bolster trust in government before a third scandal hit – one that the administration would not so easily distance itself from.

On Monday, the Associated Press announced that the Justice Department had seized office telephone records for 20 AP reporters over a two-month period in 2012. The news co-op described the acts as a "massive and unprecedented intrusion" into news-gathering operations.

The Justice Department, whose credibility was already badly damaged by the Fast and Furious scandal, would not say why it sought the records, but it has been reported that the U.S. Attorney's Office had opened a criminal investigation into an AP story from May 7 of this year, regarding a CIA operation that reportedly stopped a terrorist plot to detonate a bomb on an airplane.

The media was rightfully livid. The White House said it had no direct knowledge of the records seizure, though this time there was little to suggest that such could have been the case. Watergate reporter Carl Bernstein called it nonsense. "This is a matter of policy," Bernstein told MSNBC's Joe Scarborough, who noted that the Obama Administration had targeted suspected leakers in cases more than twice as often as all other administrations combined. "It is known to the President of the United States that this is the policy,” continued Bernstein, “and to say that there was no knowledge, in quotes, 'specifically about this' in the White House is nonsense ... the idea is to make an example of those people who talk to reporters, especially on national security matters. National security is always the false claim of administrations trying to hide things that people ought to know."

Bernstein's Watergate partner Bob Woodward drew some fire when he suggested back in February that the administration had grown heavy-handed on such matters, claiming he had been told by a senior White House staffer that he would "regret" releasing information that they "didn't see eye to eye on," even if they weren't arguing its factual accuracy. At the time, many in the media lampooned Woodward as being egocentric and petty. In light of what became known this week, Woodward's statements are again raising eyebrows and what may be even more disturbing than the fact that they're seizing the records, is the back door way in which the DOJ is going about it.

It was a bad week for the President, and while some of it may have little to do with things he knew or controlled, the AP seizure compounds government mistrust in a way that can't help but hurt him on the others. The confused narrative on Benghazi was clearly favorable to a President seeking reelection, campaigning largely on the notion that such terror groups had been all but obliterated, and couldn't hurt a Secretary of State thinking about a run for the office next time out.

When it comes to uncertainties among politicians, people usually look around to see who's covering their derriere. Beyond that, you have to fall back on trust. When it seems to be White House policy to intimidate those who might communicate with a free press on critical issues, you'll likely find that resource in short supply, especially if you're willing to violate the first amendment in order to do so.

Captain Favorite's Weekend Fishing Forecast: May 16, 2013

merab.favorite@thebradentontimes.com (Merab-Michal Favorite) — Thu, 16 May 2013 00:02:00 -0400

BRADENTON – Alas, stone crab season is coming to a close on to,orrow, so be sure to quench your crab claw fix today. Several fishing tournaments are scheduled throughout the month, and contributing Captain Rick Grassett says that tarpon season has come on strong this year. Besides tarpon, reds, trout and snook on shallow grass flats of Sarasota Bay are also a good angling option this time of year. An unexpected cold front is supposed to move in on Monday, then dissipate mid-week.

Fishing Updates

Mercury/SeaVee Pompano Beach Saltwater Shootout

May 9-12, 2013 - Pompano Beach, Florida

Eligible Species include kingfish, dolphin, wahoo, tuna, cobia. Over $275,000 in cash & prizes!

Contact: Bluewater Movements, info@bluewatermovements.com, 954-725-4010.

Proposal would make tarpon, bonefish catch-and-release only

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), at its April 17 meeting near Tallahassee, moved forward unanimously with a proposal to make tarpon and bonefish catch-and-release-only fisheries.

The tarpon and bonefish catch-and-release-only proposal includes the following potential changes for management in state and federal waters off Florida:

Eliminating all harvest of tarpon with the exception of the harvest or possession of a single tarpon when in pursuit of an IGFA record and in conjunction with a tarpon tag.

Keeping the tarpon tag price at $50 per tag but limiting them to one tag per person, per year.

Modifying the tarpon tag program, including reporting requirements and shifting the start and end date for when the tarpon tag is valid.

Discontinuing the bonefish tournament exemption permit that allows tournament anglers to temporarily possess bonefish for transport to a tournament scale.

The proposal will be brought back before the Commission for a final public hearing at its June meeting in Lakeland.

In a separate discussion, the Commission also reviewed how gear is being used for the tarpon fishery in Boca Grande Pass. The Commission directed staff to re-examine the definition of snagging and redefine what gear can be used in the Pass. This issue will likely be brought before the Commission at the June meeting as a draft proposal. More information is available at MyFWC.com/Commission.

FWC to permanently waive license requirement for lionfish harvest

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) on April 17 at its meeting near Tallahassee discussed waiving the commercial and recreational bag limit and the recreational license requirement for divers harvesting lionfish using certain gear.

In August 2012, the FWC put a temporary rule in place that waived the recreational fishing license requirement when targeting lionfish with a hand-held net, pole spear, Hawaiian sling or any other spearing device designed and marketed exclusively for lionfish. This temporary rule change also removed any bag limits when recreationally or commercially harvesting lionfish. Prior to the change, recreational anglers could not catch more than 100 pounds of lionfish without being required to have a commercial license.

The temporary rule change expires Aug. 3.

The Commissioners will finalize the license waiver and the bag limit removal at their June meeting in Lakeland.

Lionfish are a nonnative, invasive species that negatively impact Florida’s native saltwater fish and wildlife. Currently, the most effective method of removing lionfish from Florida waters is by spearing or using a hand-held net. Removing the license requirements and bag limits will increase lionfish harvest opportunities.

For more on the proposal presented to Commissioners, visit MyFWC.com/Commission and click on “Commission Meetings.”

Commission sets 2013 Gulf recreational red snapper season in state waters

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved a 44-day recreational red snapper season for Gulf of Mexico state waters at its meeting April 17 in Tallahassee. State waters are from shore to 9 nautical miles in Gulf waters.

This season will start June 1 and end July 14. It is inconsistent with the current proposed federal season.

Federal fishery managers recently passed a rule that grants NOAA Fisheries the authority to shorten the federal recreational red snapper season off states that adopt inconsistent red snapper regulations. The current estimate of the recreational red snapper season is 21 days in federal waters off the Gulf coast of Florida.

While the federal limit for how many pounds of red snapper can be caught has increased, the season length has gotten shorter over the past few years because of more fishing effort and larger fish, according to federal fishery managers.

The Commission chose to go inconsistent based on reports that the upcoming federal stock assessment would likely show red snapper populations are doing better than previously thought and reports from anglers that the fishery is improving.

For more on the proposal that was given to the Commission, visit MyFWC.com/Commission.

To create a forecast specific to

your zip code visit

www.wunderground.com

Fishing Forecast

Surface high pressure from the western Atlantic ridging west across the north Central Peninsula will remain in control through the upcoming weekend and into early next week. An east southeast wind flow is expected over the Gulf waters with an onshore sea breeze component developing along the coast each afternoon.

Thursday

Southeast winds around 10 knots then becoming west around 5 knots late in the afternoon. Bay and inland waters a light chop. Thursday night will bring northwest winds around 5 knots then becoming southeast in the late evening and overnight. Bay and inland waters smooth.

2012/05/17Thu05:05 a.m.0.87L

2012/05/17Thu10:57 a.m.2.16H

2012/05/17Thu06:45 p.m.0.09L

Friday

Southeast winds around 5 knots then becoming west late in the afternoon. Bay and inland waters smooth. Friday night will bring northwest winds around 10 knots then becoming east toward morning. Bay and inland waters a light chop.

2012/05/18Fri12:54 a.m.1.44H

2012/05/18Fri05:34 a.m.1.0L

2012/05/18Fri11:19 a.m.2.26H

2012/05/18Fri07:21 p.m.-0.06L

Saturday

Southeast winds around 10 knots then becoming southwest around 5 knots late in the morning...then then becoming west early in the afternoon then becoming northwest around 5 knots late in the afternoon. Bay and inland waters a light chop. A slight chance of thunderstorms. Saturday night will bring north winds around 10 knots then becoming east toward morning. Bay and inland waters a light chop.

2012/05/19Sat01:43 a.m.1.42H

2012/05/19Sat05:59 a.m.1.09L

2012/05/19Sat11:43 a.m.2.35H

2012/05/19Sat07:56 p.m.-0.16L

Sunday

Southeast winds around 5 knots then becoming southwest around 5 knots in the afternoon. Bay and inland waters smooth. A slight chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Sunday night will bring northeast winds around 5 knots then becoming east around 10 knots toward morning. Bay and inland waters a light chop.

2012/05/20Sun02:27 a.m.1.39H

2012/05/20Sun06:21 a.m.1.15L

2012/05/20Sun12:08 p.m.2.42H

2012/05/20Sun08:30 p.m.-0.21L

Solunar Forecast

Weekend Adventures in Bradenton: May 17-19 2013

news@thebradentontimes.com (Staff Report) — Thu, 16 May 2013 00:01:00 -0400

BRADENTON – The warm weather is back and it's time to have some outdoor fun. Mainstreet Live! will rock a little longer tonight and the Marauders are home for seven straight beginning Friday. Sunday is your last chance for a master gardener tour at Robinson preserve. Put on your dancing shoes and grab your pruning shears. It's time for a Weekend Adventure in Bradenton!

Feel like dancing? The popular street party known as Main Street Live! is this Thursday with extended hours. Old Main Street will remain barricaded to vehicular traffic until midnight so the food trucks can stay a bit longer.

Old Main Street between Manatee and 3rd Avenue will close to vehicular traffic at 2:30 p.m. so please plan accordingly. Live music from the band Kettle of Fish starts around 6 p.m. Though the streets will be closed later, the live music will end at 10 p.m. as usual.

The Marauders kick off a seven-game home stand Friday night, when they play the first of three against the St Lucie Mets. On Monday, the Tampa Yankees come to town for a four-game series.

There are plenty of promotions this weekend to make your trip to the ballpark even more fun and affordable. Friday is Happy Hour Fridays presented by Pier 22 Restaurant. The first 500 hot dogs are free and drink specials by Kayem and Cheney Brothers will be on from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

For Saturday's game, it's Armed Forces Day presented by Miller High Life. There will be a Camo hat giveaway for fans, plus free admission to the game with a valid military ID.

Sunday is Wendy's Family Fun Sunday. Get out to the all new McKechnie Fields and enjoy $1 tickets and $1 hot dogs.

Sunday is the final Winter/Spring 2013 tour in the annual Master Gardener nature tours of the salt marshes at Robinson Preserve. The tour will begin at 9 a.m.

Learn about Florida's native plants with Master Gardener Sam on a stroll through this beautiful coastal property. The program is suitable for all ages. Please call the Master Gardener Office for reservations at 941-722-4524.

Movers and Shakers: Port Manatee Promotes Three, Hires Corporate Communications Manager

news@thebradentontimes.com (Port Manatee) — Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Robert J. Armstrong

BRADENTON – Port Manatee, one of Florida’s largest and fastest-growing seaports, has promoted three key staff members and hired a new corporate communications manager.

Chief Financial Officer and Senior Director of Business Robert J. Armstrong was promoted to deputy executive director and CFO; Director of Seaport Security Frank Holden was promoted to senior director of seaport security; and Compliance Manager David St. Pierre was promoted to deputy director of seaport security.

Armstrong is responsible for Port Manatee’s finance and business activities as well as telecommunications and information technology; Holden is responsible for the overall security and safety of the port; and St. Pierre performs all duties relating to compliance with federal, state and local laws and regulations related to the port’s security and safety. He also administrates and teaches the port’s U.S. Maritime Administration-approved security courses.

Julie Yeh has joined Port Manatee staff as corporate communications manager. Yeh was supervisor of corporate communications at Sarasota-based FCCI Insurance Group. She is responsible for coordinating and implementing public relations and advertising programs as they relate to trade development, tenant, community, employee, government and international relations.

Port Manatee is located at the entrance to Tampa Bay and is among Florida’s largest deepwater seaports. For more information about Port Manatee, visit www.portmanatee.com.