Weekly roundup: Omicron pandemic + Piney Point leaks + school construction in Manatee + school board election + protecting cats and pelicans

Manatee County residents are lucky: There are are a plethora of sources of news important to their community. (Hopefully, you consider The Bradenton Journal part of that list!)

Here’s a roundup of headlines you should know about this week in Manatee County.

COVID-19 pandemic. It’s still very much a thing

Marc R. Masferrer 🇨🇺 @MRMasferrer

.@Manateeschools is back to vigorous social distancing for audience seating for Tuesday’s school board meeting There were 92 #COVID19 cases reported Monday in district #omicron

January 11th 2022

1 Like

Minorities make up larger share of COVID fatalities in Manatee County than of total deaths (The Bradenton Journal)

COVID-19 cases on the rise at Manatee County schools (Bradenton Patch)

Marc R. Masferrer 🇨🇺 @MRMasferrer

95 new #COVID19 cases reported Thursday in ⁦@Manateeschools⁩, raising total for first 6 days of semester to 340. Coronavirus (COVID-19) / COVID-19 Cases Dashboardmanateeschools.net

January 14th 2022

Amid pandemic, Manatee County Fair goes on (Bay News 9)

As omicron surges, what's in store for Sarasota-Manatee tourism? (Herald-Tribune)

Amid rising cost of living, hospitality employers in Manatee-Sarasota struggle to hire (Herald-Tribune)

Again, Piney Point springs a leak

More leaks appear at Piney Point (Anna Maria Island Sun)

St. Pete politicians craft Piney Point bill (The Gabber)

Why rent increases seen in Manatee-Sarasota area won't turn around any time soon (Herald-Tribune)

Former Bradenton city council member Harold Byrd Jr. launches campaign for school board seat

Ex-con drops out of Manatee School Board race. But he is not done with politics (The Bradenton Journal)

Florida Senate map splits Manatee into two districts (Tampa Bay Times / redistricting.maps.arcgis.com/)

‘Everybody loved him’: Bradenton community wants justice in ‘Peace Walker’ hit-and-run case (WFLA)

Sarasota Oath Keeper charged with seditious conspiracy for actions surrounding Jan. 6 (Herald-Tribune)

George W Kruse 🇺🇸 @GWKruse

#ManateeCounty is the missing link to a potential regional, if not statewide, trail system. We're taking the first steps to providing this much needed connection. @FOX13News @kkuizon Manatee County renews push to add trail system along gulf coastA trail system connecting parts of Manatee County has been discussed for years, but leaders say they intend to make it a reality.fox13news.com

January 13th 2022

1 Like

Local state lawmakers hope to bring back millions of dollars to Manatee County (The Bradenton Journal)

Paul Sharff

Paul Sharff, CEO of Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County, dead at 63 (MySuncoast.com / Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County)

Bill Galvano @BillGalvano

Julie and I and the whole Galvano family are very saddened by the passing of our friend, Paul Sharff. He was a great community leader and his family is in our prayers.

January 13th 2022

2 Retweets12 Likes

Cynthia Saunders @SuptCSaunders

I am profoundly saddened by the passing of Paul Sharff, a man I admired both professionally and personally. He was a great advocate for education and a consummate community partner as Chief Executive Officer for the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County.

January 13th 2022

2 Retweets5 Likes

More construction coming to Manatee County

Two major roadway projects approved by Manatee commission (Bradenton Times)

Marc R. Masferrer 🇨🇺 @MRMasferrer

.@ManateeGov commissioners vote to use $3.3 million in infrastructure sales tax to improve intersection of Manatee Ave W/43rd St W b/c of 'increased traffic activity.' This is intersection where @ChickfilA plans to build a new restaurant. agendaonline.mymanatee.org/OnBaseAgendaOn…

January 11th 2022

1 Like

Lakewood Ranch High addition back on track for 2023 (YourObserver.com)

Marc R. Masferrer 🇨🇺 @MRMasferrer

Also, $9.7 million expansion planned at Buffalo Creek MS, which is getting new classroom wing

January 11th 2022

Taylor Ranch plans for Lakewood Ranch go to Manatee County permitting (YourObserver.com)

Lake Flores development to bring up to 6,500 homes to west Manatee (Herald-Tribune)

New regulations on vacation rentals in Bradenton march forward (Herald-Tribune)

WasteAdvantage @WasteAdvantage

Bradenton, FL Mayor, City Employees Volunteer to Pick Up Recycling, Yard Waste Amid Staff Shortages wasteadvantagemag.com/bradenton-fl-m…

January 13th 2022

1 Retweet1 Like

Give blood, please

National blood shortage running Suncoast Blood Centers dry (SNN News)

Manatee Diagnostic Center providing free mammograms to uninsured woman in Manatee County (MySuncoast.com)

Manatee County Commission looks for strategies to protect pelicans on Skyway Fishing Pier (Bradenton Times)

New law passes to help protect cats in Manatee County (MySuncoast.com)

Avelo Airlines begins new nonstop service from SRQ to Connecticut (MySuncoast.com)

Restaurant News: Bradenton waterfront icon reopening after closing for two years (Herald-Tribune)

Marc R. Masferrer 🇨🇺 @MRMasferrer

Peaches says there is too much traffic on Manatee Ave W in Bradenton on Tuesday afternoon.

January 11th 2022

2 Likes

Tweet of the week

Stephanie @stephaniekays

@aNatsFan It is always so weird to think that people from around the world end up in Bradenton

January 13th 2022