WORDS: Bre Jones Mulock
PICTURES: Whitney Patton
The bustle of Dr. Michael Mackie’s morning had already roared into full throttle several years ago as he popped in and out of exam rooms caring for patients seeking treatment from a kaleidoscope of ocular diseases to dry eyes. While focused on his intense daily juggle, an unexpected visitor breezed through the doors at Eye Center Inc., baring a beautiful gift that served …
WORDS: Bre Jones Mulock
PICTURES: Wendy Dewhurst
With hearts fluttering to a drumbeat of exciting new beginnings and every item they owned, including a dog and a cat, jam-packed in their car, Cheri Coryea and her husband motored from Huntsville, Alabama, to Bradenton in 1989 and soared over the Sunshine Skyway for the very first time. Golden sunrays illuminated their welcoming path and sparkled like diamonds in the water. Coryea …
Words: Cynthia Saunders (Manatee Schools Superintendent)
The 2018-2019 school year in Manatee County was one of transition, challenges, and hard work at all levels of the school district. Thanks to our talented students, dedicated teachers, and devoted support employees, I believe the school year added to what has now become an established record of success.
The school year started with a change in leadership. Dr. Diana Greene, who served as …
WORDS: Amy Bell
PICTURES: Whitney Patton
The Women’s Resource Center (WRC) has been providing counseling, training, and guidance to women across the Suncoast for nearly 40 years. Today, WRC serves thousands of women and families in Manatee and Sarasota counties. The organization offers strategies and resources to encourage self-confidence, determination, and a sense of place. It all comes together to solve immediate needs and provide hope for the future.
A …
WORDS & PICTURES: Jessica Schubick
Dr. Sharon Otis has devoted her life to working with children and families, with a career that spans over 50 years. More than 35 of those years were spent serving the local community in Manatee County. As she approaches a well-deserved retirement, Dr. Otis has much to reflect upon – as well as much to look forward to in the future!
Dr. Otis began her …
WORDS: Bre Jones Mulock
PICTURES: Whitney Patton
As the morning school bell threatened to ring at Stewart Elementary recently, Dwayne Riedel peered through his glasses down 75th Street NW in Bradenton and watched a little boy feverishly riding his bike topple to the ground and knock out his front teeth.
Riedel, a 73-year-old Manatee County School crossing guard, who can’t bare the thought of a child suffering, painfully resisted …
