July 2010

ManateE-zine“For employees by employees.”

24-Carat Service

Despair, Integrity and GratitudeThe following story is a heart-warming tale of despair and integrity, told by the two women who lived it. Early in June Bonnie Belford, Administrative Specialist for the Probation division of Com-munity Services and a County employee of 33 years lost a signifi-cant sum of money. Within a day Property Management Custodian – on the job since October -- Me-lissa Delancey, had found the money and handed it over to Building Maintenance Division Manager David Thompson, who returned the money to Bonnie.

Bonnie’s comments are in teal. Me-lissa’s side of the story is told in purple. David’s comments are in orange.

Bonnie: A couple of weeks ago, my girlfriend’s son was mugged on the streets of Lakeland. He was badly beaten by three young men. No one has been brought to justice in this incident because he could not identify his attackers. He never saw them coming. As a result of the beating, he lost several front teeth. Both the mother and son have been distressed over the beating and the amount of money they need to come up with to replace both his front teeth and self-esteem.

I casually mentioned the incident in conversation last weekend with my husband and friends. As a result, I received a call on June 3, asking if I had time to meet with one of the friends and my husband during my lunch break. I was overwhelmed to discover my friends were donating $500 to assist my girlfriend and her son. How wonderful! They considered it a small “drop in the bucket” but I knew my girlfriend and her son would see this as a huge contribution!

Imagine my distress when I discovered before leaving work that I had lost this money! Somewhere between my car on the 5th floor of our parking garage and my office, I had lost $500. It was money I was going to have to replace. I really, really didn’t want to kick out $500 of my own dollars. I was sick! I went to the garage, searched my car thoroughly and retraced my steps back into the building going to my office and to the Internet Café on the 5th floor. I spent the evening agonizing over replacing that money. I finally went to bed having made a decision to send an e-mail to all county employees asking if anyone had found the money.

All of our links are now under-

lined for your convenience.

Melissa Delancey, Property Management and Bonnie Belford, Community Services.

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Melissa: “I could see the money once I got off the elevator, and I was like ‘Oh my goodness, someone dropped some money!’ The closer I got, I saw how much it was and I was shocked. I

picked it up and thought someone had cashed their check and lost the money. I thought, ‘What am I going to do?’ I saw all the workers (renovating) the Manatee Room and thought

it belonged to one of them. I asked if anyone had lost some money, but it was not.

I was so nervous; it was so much money. I was just thinking about that person who lost it and what must be going through their mind. That’s a house or car payment! It would devastate me to lose that much money.

You find a dollar here or there on the job, but never $500. There was no other option for me than to turn in the money. There was no way I could keep this

money. It wasn’t a big thing for me. I would hope other people would have done the same thing. It wasn’t a big deal to me.

David: Late in the afternoon on the day before, Property Management Custodian Melissa Delancey found the money outside the Internet Café. She called her supervisor, Paula Pesmark, to ask what to do. The two went to the 8th floor to seek direction. We decided to wait and see if anyone would report a large loss of money.

Bonnie: The first response to my e-mail request on Friday morning came from Lettie Willis in Property Management asking how much was lost. My spirits immediately lifted. Imagine my joy, my relief when she called just a little later to say the money had been found and turned in. My response was, “Thank you God!”

Before I received the call from Lettie, my spirits were lifted by the number of employees responding to my e-mail with encouraging words and offers to help me replace the lost money. One Community Services employee even brought money to my office sharing a story of something similar happening to her. Even the responses I received after informing everyone the money had been found were a delight.

This incident served as a reminder of why I have remained employed here for so long. Some of the best folk in the world work for Manatee County Government!

Thank you, Melissa Delancey, for returning that money. Your honesty and kindness will be long remembered!

Melissa: When Bonnie saw me the next day she said, ‘You’re my angel!’ She said she prayed all night and had friends praying. I don’t think she thought it would be found. She was very excited it was found. She felt so bad because the money wasn’t hers. She gave me a very nice thank you card and reward. I thought it was very sweet. She didn’t have to do that.

That made it even more awesome, that person really needed the money. I’m just glad it ended up where it needed to go. Since I know Bonnie, I was glad for her sake. She’s a sweet person. She would have dwelled on that awhile if it hadn’t been found.

David: This incident serves as a reminder to all of us why we have remained here for so long. Some of the best people in the world work right here in Manatee County! Your co-workers and fellow Manatee County citizens wish to offer Melissa Delancey our sincerest thanks for returning the money. Melissa’s honesty, kindness, and integrity serve as a shining example of what is right here in Manatee County. Melissa’s act of integrity will be long remembered and is now forever documented! Thank you Melissa! It is a delight to have you on our team.

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Tourism booster Larry White to step down June 30BY KEVIN MCQUAID

Copyright 2010, Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Reprinted by express permission of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Larry White, who almost single-handedly reshaped the way Florida is marketed to tourists during a three-decade career running visitors bureaus in Manatee and Panama City Beach, will retire at the end of the month.

White, 75, leaves the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors after 19 years -- among the longest tenures of any tourism agency head in the state.

During his time in Manatee, White led the county’s roughly $3million effort to revitalize the Powel Crosley Jr. mansion from a dilapi-dated, 21-room eyesore to a showcase that holds hundreds of events, weddings, theater productions and festivals each year.

“Turning that haunted house of a wreck into what it is today is what makes me most proud,” White said Wednesday. “Because we did more than restore the house. I think we gave Manatee County a cultural identity.”

But it is White’s tourism efforts statewide that will likely be considered a greater professional legacy than the conversion of the

11,000-square-foot mansion and its grounds.

“When you talk about Larry White, there’s the obvious impact in Manatee and Sarasota counties,” said Virginia Haley, president of the Sarasota County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

“But what most people don’t understand is what he did for the state -- everything from changing the tourism power structure away from destinations and big hoteliers to communities, and giving visitors bureaus a seat at the table with state govern-ment,” Haley said. “He’s responsible for broadening the very way Florida is marketed. His is a very long-standing impact.”

White was among the first Florida tourism directors to actively seek foreign travelers. To this day, the Bradenton Area bureau maintains an office in Berlin that markets the region to all Europe.

White also founded the Florida Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus, a group he led as chairman three times, and served for more than a quarter century on the board of Visit Florida, the state’s tourism agency. He stepped down from that board last year.

In 2004, White was nominated to the state’s Tourism Hall of Fame, which includes such luminaries as Walt Disney and railroad and hotel magnate Henry Flagler. He was not elected.

Raised in Atlanta, White had a successful career in radio -- working his way from disc jockey to owner -- before being lured into tourism promotion in Panama City Beach in the late 1970s.

After retiring in 1988, White created Marketshare, a marketing company that represented travel maga-

Larry White, Executive Director of the

Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors

Bureau (CVB) for 19 years, and 30-year

veteran of the tourism industry, celebrated his

75th birthday and marked the beginning of

National Travel & Tourism Week

simultaneously on May 8, when he performed a

tandem skydive jump onto Coquina Beach. Dressed in his official “Travel Means Jobs”

Tourism Week t-shirt, White jumped from an

altitude of approximately 10,000 feet to land

safely on the beach he and his CVB staff

promotes to the world.

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zines from Japan and Germany nationwide.But the travel associated with the business -- he was on the road 200 days a year -- be-came a drain. In December 1991, White joined the Bradenton Area bureau.

The agency’s marketing budget was $250,000. Today, it is six times as large, which has helped Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key become recognized worldwide as top tourist destinations.

“I’m proud of the bureau we’ve built here,” White said. “We have, and have had, wonder-ful people who do all the work. It’s been a great ride. I’m ready to go to the next chapter.”

To celebrate, White last month dove out of an airplane from 10,000 feet up as part of a tandem jump, landing on Coquina Beach while wearing a T-shirt that read “Travel Means Jobs!”

Beginning July 1, the bureau will be led by Elliott Falcione, a 17-year veteran of the agency whom White hired from the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team to be a facilities manager.

“Larry leaves big shoes to fill,” said Ed Chiles, owner of the Sandbar restaurant on Anna Maria and a pair of others. “He’s passionate, profes-sional and has a strong personality. He’s going to be missed, because he’s very well-respected throughout the industry.”

Manatee Your Choice

Fabulous after 40 – A Seminar Series for WomenFabulous after 40 is a Seminar Series for women to learn about the latest on Fitness, Nutrition,

Health, and Weight Loss for women after age 40. This seminar series will feature locally recognized leaders in women’s health who present the latest information on topics of interest for women.

This free series will begin late July and be offered every Friday through August.

Seminar topics include:

Open House: Bone Density Screening, Blood Pres-sure Checks, Blood Sugar Screening, Samples of High Calcium Foods & SupplementsEmotional Wellbeing – What is it and How to get it? by Shelley Stein, Licensed PsychotherapistHormones and Menopause by Marion Pandiscio, MD, Board Certified GynecologistHow to Eat to Prevent the Menopot (BELLY FAT) includes Talk and Cooking Demonstration by Florey Miller, Registered DieticianYour Body Shape and Fitness includes Talk and Demo by Natalie Johnson, Wellness/Fitness Specialist

This series is brought to you by the “YourChoice” Center for Health & Lifestyle Management. Details will be posted on the YourChoice July Calendar and Weekly Reminders at www.ManateeYourChoice.com

“YourChoice” Group Fit-ness Classes Begin July 6See schedule at www.ManateeYourChoice.com

The YourChoice Fitness Center coordinates and schedules group fitness classes at various county work sites for YourChoice Health Plan Members. The new 12-week session for most classes will begin July 6th and the co-pay cost is $25. Classes are held at the following locations:

YourChoice Fitness Center - Body Sculpt, Ab-sa-Glutely, Yogilates, Kickbox/Self DefenseUtilities Department - Pilates and Body Sculpt Tax Collector- Cardio-Kickbox, Zumba, Body Sculpt, and Kickbox/Self DefensePublic Works – YogaAg & Resource Conservation – Body Sculpt and Yoga/Pilates For registration information, class times and descriptions see the Group Fitness Schedule at www.ManateeYourChoice.com, as well as the monthly YourChoice Calendar and the Your-Choice Weekly Reminders.

Water Basics (Water Sweat-Water Aerobics) at Manatee Memorial Sports Rehab and Boxing Basics at PAL will begin late July refer to schedule for exact dates.

Your Benefits WebsiteDon’t forget to access

www.ManateeYour-Choice.com for the monthly calendar.

Each month a new calendar is posted with all

the programs and services being offered that month…

such as, Group Fitness Schedule, Qualifying

Questions of the Week, Diabetes Workshops,

Tobacco Courses, Nutrition and Weight Loss

Classes, Special Programs, and more.

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Employee of the Month

Wendy Pintozzi1. What does your job entail? I work for Public Works Fleet Services Division as the Fleet Data Review Technician.

2. What is the most interesting part of your job?The most interesting part of my job is my job. Every day I come into work and learn something new, or learn to do something I already knew, differently.

3. What is the strangest thing that has happened on the job?The strangest thing that has happened on the job is being awarded employee of the month. I don’t think I do anything differently than the rest of the Fleet Team. We all do our jobs to the best of our ability and if not, we try harder to do better and look for ways to improve our services.

4. Where are you from?I am proudly a native of Bradenton.

5. What are your hobbies?Farmville, volunteering at the American Legion, fishing & I love gardening and barbequing with my husband.

6. Did you attend college? Where? What did you study?I continued my education at Manatee Votec, School of Business Education & Culinary Arts.

7. If you were stranded on an island and could have 3 items, what would they be and why?1. My husband, because he’s my best buddy & we have a great time together.2. Unlimited supply of my favorite beverage; so we don’t get thirsty.3. Unlimited supply of my favorite food; so we don’t starve.Sit back & enjoy the serenity.

8. What did you want to be when you were a kid?I wanted to be a chef, because I love preparing (and eating) food.

9. Do you have any pets?2 very spoiled dogs, Gizmo & Yodie & one very, very spoiled cat, Miracle. My

stepdaughter named her that because the mother cat left her for dead. It was a miracle she lived so we brought into our family & nursed her back to health.

10. What’s your favorite song at the moment?Too many to list, I love all kinds of music.

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Building ExcellenceBY BRENDA DILLARD

Since the beginning of this year the Building Department has been busy

accomplishing numerous tasks including participation in

meetings, classes and events.

In January, John Barnott and Thomas Cook attended the Manatee County E930 Integrated Emergency Management Course for Post

Disaster Long Term Recovery held at the Emergency Manage-

ment Institute in Maryland.

In February, Tammy Boggs attended the Employee Recognition Banquet, standing in for our director. Elaine Barker received her 20-year pin, Brenda Dillard received her 10-year pin, and Cindi Blake, Barbara French and Harold Wolfe received their 5-year pin.

In March, Thomas and Sally Cook had con-tinuing education training in Orlando for the Certified Flood Plain Manager Certification. Cindi Blake and Sally Cook attended the Disaster Preparedness Planning Committee. The Gulf Coast Builders Exchange was held at the Polo Club for sub-contractors, our depart-ment set up a booth and many of our fellow employees attended the event.

In April, Sandy Tudor sent additional request-ed information to ISO-CRS who is the con-tractor for FEMA to review our Community

Rating System activi-ties. She started the process last year with the help of other departments and we are waiting for the official letter from FEMA to give us the community rating which earns dis-counts on flood insurance policies for our residents.

In May, Sally Cook, Diane Lonergan, Martha McCaskill, Vickie Newby, Elaine Barker, C J

Dupre, Jeff Camden, Jon Betcher, Harold Wolfe as well as engineers, surveyors, architects and other community officials attended the Flood Elevation Certificate class. Building Department personnel that missed out on this class will participate in the next EC class. Erin Gostkows-ki and Jeff Camden set up users for the training of Buzzsaw, a new program for our department for digital plans submittal which helps reduce the cost of permitting for our customers and gives us the option for multiple reviewers and to improve our review time. Sally Cook, Elaine Barker, Vickie Newby, Diane Lonergan, Brenda Dillard, Erin Gostkowski, Tammy Boggs, Cindi Blake, C. J. Dupre, Thomas Cook, Jon Betcher, Mike Chubb, Harold Wolfe, Wayne Thorne all attended this training. At the end of the month Cindi Blake, Martha McCaskill and Steve Lee attended the Contractor Licensing Officials Asso-ciation of Florida for certification in contractor licensing.

This year our inspectors are striving for certifica-tion in several fields to better accommodate our customers. Richard Justice wants to commend the inspectors as one of the best work teams in the county. The inspectors are Danny Bryant, Robert Page, Jim LaBarr, Arnie Pena, Bruce Mayo, Gary Brelish, Frank Ross, Jeff Johnson, Stephen Lee, Joe Specht and David Tetlak.

With the leadership of our director, John Bar-nott, we’ll continue with our training to better serve our customers.

Florida Women in Government- Installation LuncheonBY KELLI POLANSKI

Each year in June, the Greater Manatee Chapter, FWG, Inc. holds their annual Supervisor Appre-ciation/Installation Luncheon. This year

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marked our 27th annual banquet, as we installed our newly elected officers and said “thank you” to our supervi-sors, who supports our many efforts throughout the year.

Our organization meets on the second Wednesday of each month and the luncheons, as well as the speaker or activity, are planned by our Members-At-Large. So if you are a mem-ber, or are interested in attend-ing our meetings and have an idea for a guest speaker or lunch menu, please contact one of these members. Our newest Members-At-Large are Tammy Boggs & Sheila Parker.

So that our members and guests can arrange to attend our meetings each month, we do our best to plan ahead for the upcoming year. Read our monthly newsletter on the iNet to keep abreast of our upcoming events.

Please plan on attending our July 14 meeting at 12:00 p.m. in the Osprey Room located on the 4th Floor of the Administration Build-ing. Put on your thinking caps and let’s brainstorm to come up with new lunch menus, speakers, and community activities for an outstanding 2010 -2011 GMC year.

Outgoing Officers: Susan Kulbersh, Kelly Mogavero, Lynn Pierce, Carol Thorpe, Tammy Boggs, Bonnie Belford, Kelli Polanski

Incoming Officers: Kelly Mogavero, Lynn Pierce, Carol Thorpe, Tammy Boggs, Kelli Polanski, Sheila Parker

Are You Prepared?Hurricane Season is from “June 1 – November 30th”

This hurricane season is predicted to be a more active one. Don’t get caught being unprepared. Have you updated your Family Disaster Plan? If you don’t have one, please visit the Public Safety Depart-ment, Emergency Management Webpage for a plan template and great tips on how to get prepared.

Emergency Management announces training to our employees to ensure we are prepared as a County to assist our community during disaster events. We are excited to launch our new Web EOC application. This product replaces the EOC Instant Messenger application. If your disaster position is an EOC Emergency Support Function, or working in the many support EOC positions located in the Public Safety Center, this training is for you. Please select only one date and time for your 1 1/2 hour training session: June 30, July 1st, 2nd, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th at 9:00am – 10:30am or 2:00pm-3:30pm. If you are not sure if you need the training or want to register for a class, please call Katie Ritchie, Emergency Management, extension 1667.

2009-2010 Officers:President: Bonnie BelfordImmediate past president: Kelli PolanskiVice President: Susan KulbershSecretary: Kelly MogaveroTreasurer: Carol ThorpeMembers-at-Large: Tammy Boggs & Lynn Pierce

2010-2011 Officers:President: Lynn PierceImmediate past president: Bonnie BelfordVice President: Kelli PolanskiSecretary: Kelly MogaveroTreasurer: Carol ThorpeMembers-at-Large: Tammy Boggs & Sheila Parker

Visit Florida Women in Government online

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July 4th HeroesWith one of the nation’s most patriotic days quickly approaching, ManateE-zine asked Manatee County employees if they had any heroes they would like to honor. Here’s the listing we received:

Bernard Ross AlstonFather of Cassandra Alston, Community ServicesU. S. ArmyLieutenantKorean War VeteranCassandra Alston, Community ServicesU. S. Air ForceE3Vietnam VeteranFrank Conetta, UtilitiesUS ArmyStaff SergeantAntonia Michelle LillyDaughter of Sharon Lilly, Neighborhood ServicesU. S. Air ForceStaff SergeantStationed in Misawa Japan. Currently in Korea.Jeffrey Pace, Information Services U. S. Coast GuardDesert Shield VeteranRichard Newby, UtilitiesU. S. Air ForceSergeantVietnam War VeteranJonathan C. PylesGrandson of Ethel M. Pyles, Public SafetyU. S. ArmySpecialistIraq VeteranDouglas Arthur Gray Family member of Jackie GrayU. S. ArmyLt. ColonelIraq VeteranFred Chubb, Port Manatee

Family member of Bonnie Chubb, Neighborhood ServicesU. S. ArmySPEC 4 (Specialist 4th Class)Vietnam VeteranMichael Kulbersh Husband of Susan Kulbersh, Information ServicesU. S. Army Specialist E-5Vietnam Veteran

Russell D FletcherSon of Tina Fletcher, UtilitiesU. S. ArmySergeantIraqBrett D. Tarman Family member of Sha-ron Tarman, PlanningU. S. Air ForceStaff SergeantMathew A. TarmanFamily member of Sha-ron Tarman, Planning U. S. Air ForceStaff SergeantEric Bruce LarsonSon of Bruce, Property Management and Joann Larson, County AdministrationU. S. NavyESM3 - Gas Turbine Systems MechanicOperation Iraq Freedom and Operation Iraq Enduring VeteranRonnie BoyerFamily member of Cara BoyerU. S. Army Iraq VeteranStan Driggers, Public Works U. S. ArmyMaster Sergeant E-8 Desert Storm VeteranJulie Marie Hunnicutt, UtilitiesU. S. ArmySergeantTed CresswellFamily member of Becky Cresswell, Information ServicesU. S. Army E-7Vietnam War VeteranTracy Hyde Family member of Becky Cresswell, Informa-tion ServicesU. S. Air Force Airman 1st class Desert Storm VeteranCharles McGee Family member of Becky Cresswell, Informa-tion ServicesU. S. Air Force ColonelWWII and Korean War Veteran

Antonia Lilly

“It’s the soldier, not the reporter who has given

us Freedom of the Press.

It’s the soldier, not the poet, who has given us

Freedom of Speech.

It’s the soldier, not the campus organizer, who

has given us the Freedom to Demonstrate.

It’s the soldier, not the lawyer, who has given us

the Right to a Fair Trial.

It’s the soldier who salutes the flag, serves

under the flag and whose coffin is draped

by the flag,

Who gives the protestor the right to burn the flag.

~Father Dennis Edward O’Brien, USMC

Fred Chubb

Russell D. Fletcher

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Power Speakers of MCG

The Toast of the County!BY SIMONE PETERSON

The July 2010 – September 2010 session of Power Speakers of Manatee County Govern-ment is off to a grand start!

Stephanie Moreland, Power Speakers president, Mack Payne, Toastmas-ters district 47 former governor along with County Administrator, Ed Hunzeker presented 14 Toastmasters with educa-tional certificates for their achievements in Toast-masters at the regular board meeting on June 22, 2010.

The 10 speech projects in the Competent Communicator (CC) manual will help develop speak-ing skills one-step at a time. When all 10 speeches are complete, you are eligible for CC recognition. Congrats to our CC recipients:

Becky Cresswell, Public WorksJohn Frohmander, Public WorksLana Gostkowski, Public WorksRon Kennedy, Public WorksSharon Tarman, PlanningElizabeth Jones, Public SafetyRenee Isom, Public SafetyOlga Wolanin, UtilitiesDeborah Carey-Reed, Financial ManagementMike Hilleshiem, Public WorksSimone Peterson, Neighborhood Services

The Competent Leadership (CL) manual is the core of the leadership track. It features 10 projects, which are completed while serving in various club meeting roles. An evaluator will give feedback on each project, helping one to improve. Upon completion of the manual, you are eligible for CL recognition. CL recipients include:

Allen Bentley, Public WorksBecky Cresswell, Public WorksMary Moeller, Public WorksStephanie Moreland, Planning

After receiving CC recognition, you can work in the Advanced Communication series manuals, where at Toastmaster will

refine and enhance their speaking skills and become eligible for Advanced Communicator Bronze (ACB), Advanced Communicator Silver (ACS) and Advanced Communicator Gold (ACG) recognition. There are 15 manuals, each contain-ing five speech projects. Many of the manuals are career-oriented. A Toastmaster chooses the manu-als they want to complete and the skills they want

to learn.

Allen Bentley, Public WorksMary Moeller, Public WorksAfter earning the CL award, a Toastmaster can further refine and develop their leader-

ship skills by working in the advanced leader program. Members working in this

program are eligible for Advanced Leader Bronze (ALB) and Ad-vanced Leader Silver (ALS) recog-nition. Our ALB recipient is:

Mary Moeller, Public Works

The club was also presented with an award from the Newsletter Competition that was held at the Toastmasters District 47 conference in April. Out of 200+ clubs, Power Speakers took home second place for best newsletter.

New Meeting LocationsTo garner new club members, Power Speakers of Manatee County Government will be holding meetings at Public Works and the downtown Administration Building.

Generally, the first and second Fridays of the month meeting will be held at Public Works at 1022 26th Street East and meetings on the 3rd and 4th Friday

Toastmaster District 47 Governor, Mack Payne, presenting the 2nd place newsletter award to Stephanie Moreland.

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will be held in the Manatee Room on the 4th floor of the Administration Building. If there are any changes to this, please check the iNet and the Power Speakers of MCG site on the iNet. Everyone is invited to attend. All meetings take place from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

If you have any questions, contact the Power Speakers of MCG President, Stephanie More-land 941-748-4501 x3880.

Kudos CornerCommunity ServicesTo: Jim Frost, Transit OperatorFrom: Luh, EMS CaptainLuh writes: Once again I need to give a BIG thank you to our MCAT supervisors and the team at transit. EMS responded to a crash in Palmetto between an SUV and a handi bus owned by MARC. On the handi bus was approximately 17 individuals none injured, but all required some type of assistance due to their disabilities. At the time they (MARC) did not have another means to readily transport some of these clients. I made contact with MCAT and spoke to a supervisor. Without hesitation they said they could assist us and dispatched a handi bus to our scene. Jim Frost met up with Lt. Kemp and transported the individuals. This is not the first time I needed help from transit during an emergency and they were quick to assist.

To: Jim Frost, Transit OperatorFrom: Dominic FlorioDominic writes: It was sad when Jim had to move to another route. All of the riders, during the morning run, looked forward to seeing him each morning and miss him. Jim lets you know that he cares. You never feel as if he is just doing a job. He always shows concern and compassion for the individual. More than once, clients have engaged in conversations about concern for individual needs. These are qualities that Jim has always exhibited and which I appreciate, admire and embrace as part of my own profession.

Building Department To: Sally Cook, Construction Review Special-ist, Jeff Camden, Plans Examiner, Ben Dor-non, Permitting Tech IFrom: Mike Hicks Construction

They write to C.J. Dupre: I thought you should know that your staff and all the others are not only a joy to work with, but actually want to help the contractors. I am in a lot of permitting entities and can tell you first hand – most act like they are there to get a check every two weeks. When I got hit by a car in front of your office last month – I got emails from nearly your entire staff inquiring about my injuries! They made a very rough time better.

To: Sandy Tudor, Floodplain InvestigatorFrom: Steve Martin, Floodplain Mgmt. Specialist Bureau of Mitigation Division of Emergency Mgmt.Steve writes: We appreciate your excellent re-sponse. It must be tough for both local regulators and home owners to be, respectively, diligent and understanding when, through more study and understanding of floodplain conditions, flood-plain boundaries may change and the regulations are adjusted as needed. Keep up your great work in enforcing the regulations and working with property owners. We appreciate your thorough implementation of the floodplain regulations adopted by the County.

To: Sally Cook, Construction Review SpecialistFrom: Bill EnnekingBill writes to the Commissioners: Due to an incred-ible increase in the cost of my flood insurance, I was faced with the task of proving to my insurer that I qualify for a grandfather provision. After I told my story to Sally, she immediately began pulling historical flood maps and studying my situation. Sally furnished me with a letter and copies of all the relevant flood maps with which I was able to successfully document my petition to be grandfathered by the flood insurance program. Sally was the most professional and customer service orientated person I have ever encountered, be it in the public or private sector. Sally is a won-derful representative of Manatee County Govern-ment; she exceeded my expectations of a County employee by tenfold.

Check out Power Speakers of Mana-tee County Govern-

ment online

Read the June 2010 issue of “The Toast” Power Speakers of MCG Official News

Magazine

Upcoming Meetings7/2 - Cancelled

7/9- Public Works7/16- Administration Bldg.7/23- Administration Bldg

8/6- Public Works8/13- Public Works

8/20- Administration Bldg8/27- Administration Bldg

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UtilitiesTo: Jim Walker, Solid Waste Enforcement Officer and Renee Nordbye, Utilities Business Operations ManagerFrom: Jim AmersonJim writes to Commissioner McClash: Just so you know it’s not always bad news or complain-ing when you hear from a tax payer. Jim and Renee both were very helpful and solved my issue. Thanks for the help and it was a pleasure to deal with both of them. Thanks again.PlanningTo: Bob Schmitt, Planning Division Manager, Sharon Tarman, PlannerFrom: Michael Pendley, School Board Execu-tive PlannerMichael writes to Ed Hunzeker: I am writing this letter to commend two County employees who recently impressed me during the site plan approval process. The School district recently submitted a School Site Plan applica-tion for the new Manatee Technical Institute. Previous applications for this project on other sites, reviewed by other staff were denied. The process at that time was long, arduous and painful for all parties involved. This time, however, the site plan process reviewed under new procedures was extraordinarily fast, professionally handled and very efficient, due to large part to Ms. Tarman and Mr. Schmitt. The application was deemed complete and presented to the Board in approximately 35 days. The spirit of cooperation obviously reflects the new direction the Planning De-

partment is taking.

Public WorksTo: Chad Butzow, Deputy Director

Field Operations ServicesFrom: Mary MaxwellMary writes to Ed Hunzeker: I wanted to let

you know what a great job Chad Butzow has done. I called him and mentioned a problem at the intersection of 675 and Spencer Parrish Road. Due to construction, the intersection was covered in gravel and sand with large ruts in

the radius. As I ride my motorcycle through this intersection every day, I was very uncom-

fortable with this condition. One phone call to Mr. Butzow and the intersection was taken care of. Mr. Butzow was not only attentive and polite, he was very effective in handling the problem and I am most appreciative.

Public SafetyTo: Curtis McFee and Marshall Greene, lifeguardsFrom: Wendy, Lloyd and LoganWe are sending this note to reflect our sincere “thank you” for all you did Memorial Day weekend to find our five year old, Logan. It was a very scary situation but the professionalism and quick re-sponse of the whole team made the outcome a blessing. Thank you for all you do every day and for being there for moms and dads like us. Thank you!

Neighborhood ServicesTo: Sherry Weydert, Neighborhood Services SpecialistFrom: Joe KaneJoe writes to Cheri Coryea: Your employee, Sherry Weydert, deserves many thanks for the profes-sional and expeditious services she provided me. Her input in invaluable. Sherry merits a raise. You are most fortunate to have such an excellent em-ployee working for the citizens of Manatee County. Thank you.

To: Joe Fenton, Code Enforcement Chief, Henry Bass, Code Enforcement Officer, and Ann Marie Harper, Nuisance Abatement ManagerFrom: Michael Gist, Manager of El Rancho VillageMichael writes to Commissioner Getman: Please accept a big thank you from our El Rancho Village community. A job well done by all departments. I would also like to thank Code Enforcement’s Joe Fenton and Henry Bass for their relentless part in this undertaking. The cleanup of the homeless camp could not have been done without our most valuable Sheriff’s Office. And of course, thank you to Ann Marie Harper for her expertise and getting involved in this large undertaking. Our residents are so thankful for everyone’s efforts to make our community safe.

Human ResourcesTo: Carol Laudicina, Human Resources Employ-ment ManagerFrom: Ron ShieldsRon writes: I just want to say that I really appreci-ate your professionalism. I have not been im-pressed much in this area or in general with pro-fessionalism especially in the public sector. I am sure you are a stand out in your department and set a high standard which is a marvelous thing. As you know government departments can be over-whelmed and customer service lacking. My point is that you have made an excellent impression re-garding how you have responded via phone and email with my challenge with the application process. Great job!

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Calendar of EventsSunset Wagon Ride Friday 7/2/10 ~ 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.Roll through Robinson Preserve at dusk! Join your naturalist tour guide for a spectacular sunset ride through this beautiful coastal property. Check out the wildlife that comes out as the sun sinks below the horizon. A fee of $3.00 per adult and $2.00 per child (includes tax) will be charged. Suitable for all ages.

Reservations are required. Seats will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please call 941-742-5757 ext. 1.

Wild Florida 101: Seagrass Snorkeling Saturday 7/10/10 ~ 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.Get ready to get wet and wild with an amazing under-sea adventure! This fun introduction to snorkeling will give participants a new view of Manatee County’s waters. We’ll dive beneath the waves and hunt for all manner of intriguing sea creatures. Participants must have their own mask and snorkel. If the water visibility is poor, we will dip-net instead. Suitable for participants age 16 and older.

Reservations are required. Please call 941-748-4501 ext. 4613. Emerson Point Preserve

Tall Tails Tribe: Make A Splash! Friday 7/16/10 ~ 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.Swimming, swimming in the ocean blue…the water’s filled with fish just waiting to meet you! Come join us to learn about the fabulous fish that can be found in Florida’s coastal waters. From sharks to seahorses we’ll cover big to small! Please dress to get wet and wear water shoes – we’ll wade in the water and use nets to catch and release new fishy friends. Suitable for children age 5 and younger. Reservations are required. Please call 941-742-5757 ext. 3. Emerson Point Preserve

Wild Florida 101: Nature’s Bounty Summer BreakfastSaturday 7/17/10 ~ 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.Get ready for an incredibly edible introduction to Florida’s native plants. The NRD “chefs” are back with a delicious summertime menu of edible plants and animals perfect for cooling down in the hot Florida sun. Learn all about different delicacies that grow in Manatee

County’s preserves and throughout Florida too. Suitable for participants of all ages.

Reservations are required. Please call 941-748-4501 ext. 4613. Robinson Preserve

Seashore Surprises Shutter StrollWednesday 7/21/10 ~ 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.The tide is low and it’s a great time to find all sorts of fascinating sea creatures! This month, nature

photographer Dotty Motta invites you to share in photographing shells, her favorite snapshot subject, and the

other creatures of the sea. Scour the beach at extreme low tide to see what wonderful photographic opportunities wash up! This will be a great night to learn more about macro photography and Dotty will share tips and tricks on how to

photograph in this format. Wading will be permit-ted – dress to get wet with close-toed shoes if you would like to dip-net. Suitable for participants age 13 and up. Reservations are required. Please call 941-742-5757 ext. 9. Emerson Point Preserve

Wild Kids Weekends: Seashore Safari Saturday 7/24/10 ~ 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.What lurks in the waters of the Manatee River? All sorts of cool creatures! Get ready for an amazing aquatic adventure filled with fish and fantastic creatures that live in, and out, of shells. We’ll take a seashore safari with nets and buckets to catch creatures, create a fabulously fishy craft, and more! Dress to get wet and wear your water shoes, too! Suitable for children age 6 and older. Reservations are required. Please call 941-742-5757 ext. 4. Emerson Point Preserve

Naturalist-Led Wagon Tours Saturday 7/31/10 ~ 8 a.m. & 9:30 a.m.Celebrate Robinson Preserve’s two year anniver-sary this July with a relaxed ride through Robin-son Preserve in the Department’s Conestoga wagons. Your naturalist tour guide will explain the preserve’s history, resident wildlife, fabulous flowers, and describe preserve highlights. Two 60-minute long trips will be taken during this timeframe and participants may register for one. A fee of $3.00 per adult and $2.00 per child (in-cludes tax) will be charged. Suitable for all ages. Reservations are required. Seats will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please call 941-742-5757 ext. 1.

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Evening Paddle Saturday 7/31/10 ~ 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.Enjoy the cooler summer air with an evening paddle through Robinson Preserve. Take in the sights, sounds, and spectacular sunset from the water as you traverse Robinson’s 2 miles of blueways. Nighttime trips through the preserve are only available with NRD staff, so don’t miss out on this special oppor-tunity. Participants must bring their own canoe or kayak, personal floatation devices, and lights for their watercraft. Children under the age of 16 must have adult supervision. This program is suitable for all ages.

Reservations are required! Please call 941-742-5757 ext. 7.

Youth BasketballRegistration Now OpenAges: 5-17 Fee: $65.00For more information e-mail Marcus.Fran-cis@mymanatee.org

Swim America Swim LessonsMorning and Evening Classes in July and AugustAges: 6 months to Adult Cost: $45/sessionFor more information, call 941-742-5932 x6020

Stroke SchoolEnrollment period is on Tuesday and Thurs-day Evenings in July and AugustAge restrictions: Ages 6 years and olderCost: $55/monthFor more information, call 941-742-5932 x6020

Manatee County Employee 9-Hole Scramble Golf Tournament Friday, July 9, 2010 Manatee County Employees OnlyCost: $20 per playerFor more information, call Dennis Bush 941-792-6773 Ext. 8255

RememberFor special occasion or anytime gift giving, Gift Certificates are available for Recreation Memberships and Programs.

Information? Call 941 742 5926.

Gift cards for golf or merchandise are also avail-able. Call or visit the pro shop for gift cards.

Information? Call 941 792 6773.

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The Final Word

“...it’s up to us – the people who live in and love Manatee County – to set the record straight.”One of the greatest treasures of living in Manatee County is taking regular trips to our island beaches. From the Island’s northern tip at Bean Point to its southern end at Longboat Key, I believe we have the most beautiful beaches in not only Florida, but in the world. Just driving over a causeway onto the Island can be a great escape from the busy mainland.

But as you all know, our great resource has been threatened. Though the Deepwater Horizon oil spill has not directly impacted Manatee County, we have already seen a negative impact on our tourism industry. Families are cancelling vacation plans for fear their trip to visit our pristine sands will be doused in oil.

In other parts of the country and around the world, the dangerous misconception is spreading. So many people believe that all of Florida’s beaches are either soaked in oil or covered in black tar balls. Irresponsible media reports of widespread devastation to beaches and photos of beachgoers wearing gas masks are only spreading the perception that Florida’s coast is ruined.

Anyone who’s not a fan of crowded beaches, may relish the extra space in the sand. But you should know that each time a reservation is cancelled, our com-munity is losing money that would have gone to keep beaches clean and stocked with plenty of white sand.

That’s why it’s up to us – the people who live in and love Manatee County – to set the record straight. I never pass up a chance to tell friends and family in other areas of the state or around the country, our coast is clear! Manatee beaches have never been so inviting, particularly with great deals to be had at rental properties along the Gulf.

Do your part in dispelling the myth that oil has reached Anna Maria Island. The next time you go to the beach, take a camera and snap a few photos of the natural beauty. Show the pictures to faraway family members as proof we’re oil-free. When you speak to friends, let them know our coast is clear and we’re not expecting oil to reach our shores.

Remember, our tourism dollars are spent not only on telling the world about our local paradise, but also on making sure it always looks like one.