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Substance Abuse Coalition highlights Youth Leader of the Month

Substance Abuse Coalition highlights Youth Leader of the Month

Bradenton, Florida -- The Manatee County Substance Abuse Coalition's new monthly newsletter, the MCSAC Messenger,  issued its first installment this month, July 2011. The following story was included in the inaugural addition, highlighting a teen volunteer who deserves recognition:

Katty Pierre-Charles, daughter of Enock and Marie Pierre-Charles, will be a Junior at Manatee High School in the Fall. As a Sophomore, Katty attended the national CADCA Youth Leadership conference and participated in the EUDL Florida Engaging Youth Initiative training. Katty is an active member in the MCSAC Youth Leadership Academy and is a member of the academy Executive Committee.

Participating in multiple radio talk shows on the topic of underage drinking, she has developed the ability to share data, talk on the topic of underage drinking and address questions and comments from the public. A portion of the radio shows in which she participated were broadcast to the Haitian community in English and Creole.

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Deputies search for car break-in suspects

MANATEE COUNTY, FLA.-- Manatee County deputies are looking for two teens suspected of breaking into several cars sometime Friday or Saturday.

Deputies say the two, described only as white males dressed in all black, stole handguns, ammunition, GPS units, a Sunpass, and several other items.

This happened to a number of vehicles in the Ridgewood and Oak Creek communities.

In each case, the cars were left unlocked.

Marina D’Abreau named County's Agriculture and Extension Service Manager

Marina D’Abreau named County's Agriculture and Extension Service Manager

Manatee County, FL – Marina D’Abreau, a longtime Florida Extension Service Agent, has been hired as Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Service Manager.

For the past 10 years she worked at the Hillsborough County Extension Office, where she was a Florida Yards and Neighborhoods coordinator and a horticulture agent. During her time in Hillsborough, she achieved a doctorate in organizational leadership from Nova Southeastern University. D’Abreau attended the University of Florida where she achieved a bachelor’s degree in wildlife ecology and conservation and a master’s degree of education in environmental education.

D’Abreau takes over a staff of 23, including extension agents who are subject matter educators, program assistants and support staff, and the Soil and Water Conservation District. The Agriculture and Extension Service provides research-based educational programs, materials, and services to the community and provides leadership in the areas of youth development, family and consumer sciences, community and economic development, agriculture and natural resources, and nutrition and wellness.

Manatee Tech graduates more than 1,200 students

Manatee Tech graduates more than 1,200 students

Bradenton, Florida -- Manatee Technical Institute graduated 1,205 at its 47th graduation on June 29 at the Manatee Civic Center. 

The career and technical education program graduates numbered 388.  The school also graduated 458 GED graduates and eight students who completed the highest level of English as a second language.  In addition, 351 completed one or more occupational completion points in a career or technical education program.

The ceremony opened with an invocation by marketing graduate Crystal Saunders.  Fire fighter class #15 led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.  Cosmetology graduates Chelsea Davidson and Henry Washington sang the National Anthem. 

Superintendent Tim McGonegal, EdD, recognized the instructors for their service to the community.  He congratulated the graduates and asked them to also consider giving back to the community.

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County to offer military discounts on pet adoptions through July

County to offer military discounts on pet adoptions through July

Bradenton, Florida -- Manatee County Animal Services will honor all active and retired United States military personnel by offering half-price adoption fees for dogs and cats throughout July.  

All current and retired United States military personnel may adopt a dog or cat for half the regular adoption fee.  The offer is good Friday, July 1 through Saturday, July 30.  The regular adoption fee is $80 for dogs and $60 for cats. Active and retired military may purchase dogs for $40 and cats for $30.

"Everyone needs a pet, or three,” said Animal Services Chief Kris Weiskopf. “Giving current and retired military half off the adoption fee is only a small token of our gratitude for their service to our country.  We have a number of family-friendly dogs and cats at both of our two facilities."

Deputy uses taser to stop accused shoplifter

Bradenton, Florida - A Manatee County Sheriff's deputy used his taser to stop a woman suspected of shoplifting from Beall's Outlet at 5838 14th Street West.

Deputy Larry Jackson responded to the retail theft call and spotted suspects Easter Goodman and Briana Smith inside the store. Investigators say the women took off running and tried to make it out of the store. Deputy Jackson deployed his taser and the probes hit Goodman in the back, stopping her long enough for the deputy to put her in handcuffs.

Sheriff's officials say Smith took off in her car, but was stopped a few blocks away. Deputies say they found $459.18 in stolen clothing in the back of the car.

Both Goodman and Smith are charged with Felony Retail Theft.

Manatee cracks down on house parties

Manatee cracks down on house parties

Bradenton, Florida -- Rick Scott recently signed HB 105, a law that is designed to curb underaged drinking at house parties. The Manatee County Substance Abuse Coalition and local law enforcement are both speaking out in support of the bill.

The law, which goes into effect Friday, July 1, increases penalties for a person in control of a home who knowingly allows a minor to possess or consume alcohol or drugs at an open house party.

For more information on the ongoing prevention efforts of the Manatee County Substance Abuse Coalition to keep alcohol and drugs out of the hands of our youth, call Sharon Kramer (941) 932-5620.