Gov. Scott Appoints Hager to SCF Manatee-Sarasota Board of Trustees

Marlen "Rick" Hager is appointed to serve through May 31, 2013.

A Bradenton man is set to become the newest member of the State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota District Board of Trustees. Gov. Rick Scott on Tuesday announced the appointment of Marlen “Rick” Hager to the board, and is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate. Hager, 67, of Bradenton, is the president of Goodwood and Stone Builders LLC. He was previously vice president of operations of Lifestream Operations, and served in the United States Air Force. Hager received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and participated in the Utility Executive Program at the University of Michigan. He is appointed for a term beginning Feb. 26, and ending May 31, 2013. Hager's appointment fills one of two vacant seats that were …

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SCF Standout Finds New Baseball Home With Orioles

SCF Manatee-Sarasota graduate was signed by the Milwaukee Brewers in 2004 but prior to this season was signed by Major League organization that has spring training headquarters here.

For several years, as a minor leaguer with the Milwaukee Brewers, Robert Hinton of Sarasota had to make the long drive to Arizona for spring training. "My family never got to see me in spring training," said Hinton, a standout at State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota, where he caught the eye of the Brewers. As a minor league free agent after last season the Riverview High School graduate told family and friends that with a new team he had a decent chance of being in Florida for spring training in 2012. His situation got even better when he signed with the Baltimore Orioles, who have spent Spring Training at Ed Smith Stadium since 2010. "It was really nice to have Spring Training in Sarasota," said Hinton, who lives year-round in his …

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5 Things You Need to Know: May 26

Each day, Bradenton Patch offers five quick things to keep in mind.

1. Jim Brown is coming to Bradenton today. The NFL Hall of Famer will be at Braden River High School at 11 a.m. Thursday, where he will be the guest speaker at the local graduation ceremony for Amer-I-Can, his program that helps teenagers gain self-esteem and valuable life management skills. 2. The Manatee Chamber of Commerce hosts its monthly coffee club from 7:45-9 a.m. Thursday at Honda Cars of Bradenton, 5515 14th St. W. Members and prospective members are invited to enjoy a continental breakfast, door prizes and updates on Chamber activities, efforts and events. Contact Shelley DeZiel at 941-748-4842, ext. 122, for more information or visit www.ManateeChamber.com. 3. Local band Dr. Dave will present the sounds of the '60s at Mixon …

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Blowout Loss Still Quite The Experience For SCF Baseball Players

The Manatees dropped a 21-1 decision to the Pittsburgh Pirates in Friday's exhibition game to benefit the Manatee Education Foundation.

For legendary State College of Florida head baseball coach Tim Hill, the program’s annual exhibition contest against the Pittsburgh Pirates is akin to going bear hunting with a switch. While the former Manatee Community College dropped a 5-3 decision to the Pirates in 1999 and rallied for a 6-4 victory over a collection of minor-league prospects 10 years later, Hill has always had a good idea of the challenge presented to his squads, whether they were nicknamed the Lancers or the Manatees. On Friday afternoon at historic McKechnie Field, the Manatees quickly discovered the difference between high-level junior college baseball and the professional ranks. It was far from an auspicious start for the defending Florida Junior College Activities…

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Pirates Report

Pirates Report: Feb. 25

Your daily guide to what's going on with the Pittsburgh Pirates this spring in Bradenton.

PIRATES 21, SCF 1 The Pittsburgh Pirates blasted the State College of Florida baseball team 21-1 on Friday before a crowd of 1,862 at McKechnie Field in their annual seven-inning charity game. Steve Pearce went 2-for-2 with two doubles, four RBIs and three runs scored while playing the first three innings at first base for the Pirates. Former Manatee High pitching standout Josh Clemen took the loss for the Manatees. Proceeds from the $7 tickets will beneft the Manatee Education Foundation, Wakeland Elementary School and Rogers Garden Elementary School. Check back with Bradenton Patch tomorrow for complete coverage of the game and hear what the Manatees had to say about their big league experience. UP NEXT (FEB. 26): The Pirates officially …

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5 Things You Need To Know Today

Each day, Bradenton Patch offers five quick things to keep in mind.

1. Get a double dose of the Manatee-Southeast rivalry tonight, when the Noles girls basketball team hosts the Canes girls at 6 p.m. at Southeast High's Benjamin "Buzz" Narbut Gymnasium, followed by the boys matching up at 7:30. 2. The Manatee County Fair rolls on in Palmetto. Tonight's highlight: Steer showmanship, 6 p.m. 3. Look for more dense fog before 11 a.m. today as temperatures continue to warm up. Be careful on your morning commute. 4. Speaking of driving, each Wednesday, Florida's Traffic Safety Institute offers its "Mature Driver Program" at Renaissance on 9th. Drivers over 55 who complete the six-hour, $20 course will receive a reduced auto insurance rate. 5. Today is one of your last chances to check out the SCF Faculty Art …

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SCF Campuses Going Smoke Free

All tobacco use will be prohibited at Bradenton campus starting in May.

The State College of Florida is going smoke free. SCF Manatee-Sarasota is expanding its current "clean air" campus policy by eliminating designated smoking areas and prohibiting tobacco use on any SCF property, the school announced this week. SCF's Lakewood Ranch campus officially went tobacco free on Monday, with the Bradenton and Venice campuses and all other school properties to follow on May 9. "With the new Medical Technology & Simulation Center having a commitment to a clean-air environment (odor and perfume free), it was logical to adopt the policy at SCF Lakewood Ranch first," school spokeswoman Kathy Walker said in a statement. "SCF Lakewood Ranch is a small, contained campus and public information and awareness can be deployed …

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