Daily News Roundup: April 30, 2025
Manatee County “Big Bin Advantage” to Streamline Waste Collection
MANATEE COUNTY, FL (April 30, 2025) – Manatee County Utilities customers soon will be able to experience the “Big Bin Advantage,” a comprehensive initiative aimed at enhancing waste-collection services for residents in unincorporated areas. This program introduces larger, more efficient rolling bins for garbage collection, aligning with industry best pr…
Former Gullett Elementary Teacher Accused of Grooming Student; Resignation Accepted Amid Ongoing Investigation
Disturbing allegations of inappropriate conduct between a former teacher and a fifth-grade student surfaced during Tuesday’s Manatee County School Board meeting. The situation involves Jarrett Williams, a former fifth-grade teacher at Gullett Elementary School, who is accused of grooming an 11-year-old student earlier this year.
Florida Pool Safety Reform Fails Again Despite Record Child Drownings and Mother’s Plea
Despite a record number of child drownings this year in Florida, legislation aimed at strengthening home pool safety laws once again failed to advance in the state Legislature.
Big Dreams Through Small Steps Receives Step Into Swim Grant to Launch AQUAlibrium Drowning Prevention Program in Manatee County
Big Dreams Through Small Steps has officially launched AQUAlibrium, a bold new initiative aimed at combating childhood drowning in Manatee County by providing free swim lessons, safety education, and community outreach for families in need.