Observer Media Group

Michael Mathis is a sergeant. The Longboat Key Police Department officer, who joined the department in 2023, was promoted by Police Chief Russ Mager. He replaces Lee Smith, who retired in late May. Mager described the responsibilities of a sergeant as the boots on the ground of the department, working most closely with officers daily. Much of the police force gathered together in the conference room of police headquarters to congratulate Mathis on the promotion at a badge pinning ceremony July 14.

While teachers have taken a well-deserved break over the summer months, Reginald L. Goff, Sr.'s team kicks productivity up a few notches. Goff is the director of the Construction Services Department for the School District of Manatee County. “Summer is the time where we have the most opportunities,’” he said.

A deputy chief with Manatee County Emergency Services was arrested on child-sex charges in connection with an investigation conducted by federal authorities elsewhere in Florida, the Manatee Sheriff’s Office said. Zachary Molnar, 46 of Bradenton, was arrested July 16 and charged with lewd and lascivious conduct. Court records on his case have yet to be made public. A first appearance was scheduled Friday morning and an arraignment in late August.

A now-former deputy chief with Manatee County Emergency Services was arrested on child-sex charges in connection with an investigation conducted by federal authorities elsewhere in Florida, the Manatee Sheriff’s Office said. Zachary Molnar, 46 of Bradenton, was arrested July 16 and charged with lewd and lascivious conduct. Court records on his case have yet to be made public. A first appearance was scheduled Friday morning and an arraignment in late August.

When Lakewood Ranch 12-year-old Mason Garcia showed up for the 21st Century Modern Rock music camp at School of Rock, he said he would rather be at home. As the camp went on, though, he understood that he was making considerable strides in learning the bass, an instrument he had limited ability on before the camp. Now, he wishes the camp wouldn't end. Although he didn’t previously play bass guitar, he does play cello in the orchestra at Dr. Mona Jain Middle School so bass came a lot easier to him.

Visit Sarasota County, Sarasota County’s official tourism bureau, will accept nominations through Aug. 28 from all local hospitality and tourism businesses to celebrate their star employees, volunteers and leaders for the next annual Haley Hall of Fame Awards. The award is named for former VSC President Virginia Haley, who was herself selected for induction into Destinations International's Hall of Fame, one of the highest honors in the destination marketing profession.

Sharon Itts, a science teacher at Braden River High School, began her career not as an educator but as a scientist. She teaches marine biology and does as many hands-on activities with her students as she can in her classroom. “We're here in Florida, so this passion is real easy to harness and my hope is for the students to feel some of that enthusiasm,” Itts said.

Before most families pour their first cup of coffee in the morning, bus driver Richard Dymond and bus attendant Rolando Giz — who rides along to track behavior and the safety of the student passengers — are among the many staff members on their way to pick up elementary, middle and high school students for school. On a March afternoon, with the stop sign on the bus fully extended, Dymond gave the signal to Giz that it was safe to help middle school students cross the road.

Now that Kelbran Conrado has graduated from the fifth grade at Myakka City Elementary, his family was put in the predicament of having two children — Kelbran and his younger brother, Declan, who will be in second grade — on the same schedule but at campuses 18 miles apart. Kelbran now will attend Lake Manatee K-8, which opened last August, for middle school. The parents — Miranda and Chance Conrado — had a decision to make.

For Dustin Dahlquist, being a leader is about providing support, one-on-one if needed, whether it involves students or staff. “You have to take people aside and you have to empathize with what it is they are going through,” Dahlquist said. “You also have to encourage them to face some of those difficulties head-on and to not stop.