Observe this: Education department releases FCAT results

Education department releases FCAT results

→ Manatee County third-graders' performance in the reading, math and end-of-course assessments for geometry and biology dropped significantly compared to last year but stayed on par with school scores statewide.

Manatee County third-graders’ performance in the reading, math and end-of-course assessments for geometry and biology dropped significantly compared to last year but stayed on par with school scores statewide.

Results released Thursday, May 24 by the Florida Department of Education showed 50% of Manatee third-graders scored at a level showing proficiency — level 3 or above — in reading. Last year, under different grading standards, 66% of third-graders scored at level 3 or higher ... [click here to read on!]

Sarasota County hog hunt postponed

→ Sarasota County commissioners delayed a hot hunt in south Sarasota County after animal rights activists complained such a hunt.

The Sarasota County Commission unanimously agreed to postpone a wild hog hunt at its regular meeting in Venice this morning after the public bombarded commissioners with negative emails and public comments about such a hunt.

The county, working regionally with the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWIFTMUD), proposed two, three-day hunts with 30 hunters, using both dogs and knives to head into a county wilderness preserve east of the Myakka River and south of Interstate 75 near North Port. The two nighttime hog hunts were proposed for December and in March 2013 ... [click here to read on!]

Siesta Village billboard up today

→ After a five-day delay, Siesta Key Village Association President Russell Matthes says the billboard aimed at countering bridge construction will today be erected.

Russell Matthes, president of the Siesta Key Village Association, today announced at the non-profit organization’s monthly meeting that a billboard advertisement for the village will go up on Bee Ridge Road after a five-day delay.

A thunderstorm last week prevented a crew from putting up the advertisement, which reads: “Siesta Key…a perfect time to visit.” The marketing effort, which also includes radio advertisements with the same tag line, is aimed at countering intermittent single-lane closures during the Siesta Key north bridge rehabilitation project. The construction officially begins today and is expected to be complete on Oct. 16 ... [click hereto read on!]