Kiwanis Club of North Manatee

05/29/2026

Today, the Kiwanis Club of North Manatee welcomed fellow Kiwanian Scott Farrington, Supervisor of Elections for Manatee County and member of the Bradenton Kiwanis Club, as our guest speaker.

Scott was elected Supervisor of Elections in 2024, but his career in elections began in 2000 when he started working in Sarasota before moving to Manatee County.

Many people only think about elections when it's time to vote, but Scott shared that elections are truly a year-round effort. With a budget of approximately $3.8 million, the Supervisor of Elections Office is responsible for training poll workers, securing polling locations, printing ballots, and maintaining voter records for Manatee County's more than 280,000 registered voters and approximately 450,000 residents.

In fact, about 75% of the office's work occurs between elections as staff continuously update voter records. With nearly 20,000 people moving into or out of Manatee County each year, keeping voter rolls accurate is an ongoing process. Most voter registration updates occur when residents update their driver's licenses.

Scott also explained Florida's voter maintenance process. If a voter has no voting activity or contact with the elections office for several years, they receive a notice asking them to verify their address. Under Florida law, voters may be placed on inactive status and are eventually removed from the voter rolls after two additional general election cycles without response.

Even when major elections are not taking place, local elections continue. Earlier this year, elections were held for a West Manatee Fire District referendum and a small election was held in Longboat Key.

The office also tracks candidate filings, and campaign seasons begin earlier than many realize. Scott noted that candidates have already filed for races as far out as 2028, including multiple candidates currently filed for the County Commissioner District 1 seat.

Scott also reviewed Florida's closed primary system, reminding voters that party affiliation matters in primary elections. Voters must be registered with a political party at least 29 days before a primary election in order to vote in that party's primary.

One impressive statistic he shared: Manatee County achieved an 82% voter turnout during the 2024 Presidential Election, the highest turnout in county history.

Finally, Scott reminded everyone that Florida's Vote-by-Mail requests reset every two years. Residents who wish to vote by mail should visit votemanatee.gov or contact the Supervisor of Elections Office to renew their request as soon as possible.

Thank you, Scott, for an informative presentation and for your dedication to ensuring fair, secure, and accessible elections for the citizens of Manatee County!

05/22/2026

Today our Kiwanis club was honored to welcome fellow Kiwanian Sheriff Rick Wells of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office as our guest speaker. Sheriff Wells, first elected in 2017, shared updates about the tremendous growth of Manatee County and the work being done every day to keep our community safe.

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office now serves a population of more than 450,000 people across 741 square miles — stretching from Duette all the way to Anna Maria Island. The agency includes 617 sworn deputies, with more than 215 employees working in the jail, and they respond to over 900 calls each day.

Despite rapid population growth, Manatee County saw a:
• 20% decrease in overall crime last year
• 34% decrease in violent crime last year

Sheriff Wells shared that the agency ranks in the 99th percentile for crime reduction, making it one of the top-performing sheriff’s offices in the State of Florida.

One major concern continues to be vehicle burglaries, and Sheriff Wells reminded everyone: “Lock your cars — this ain’t Mayberry anymore!” He also explained that each new subdivision built in Manatee County requires approximately two additional deputies to properly serve the growing population.

Sheriff Wells also discussed efforts to support the homeless population in meaningful and productive ways. The old Public Works site on 26th Ave E in East Manatee is being transformed into the new “Fresh Start” shelter — a facility designed to help individuals who need a step up toward stability and independence. Phase one is expected to open in October, and Turning Points will also be relocating inside the secured property.

He emphasized that one of the best ways to help the homeless community is by donating to trusted organizations that provide direct assistance and accountability. Sheriff Wells specifically highlighted Turning Points as well as the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office homeless outreach fund, which helps provide hygiene supplies, clothing, and bus tickets for those in need.

Thank you to Sheriff Wells for his leadership, service, and dedication to making Manatee County a safer and stronger community for everyone.

05/15/2026

Today, our club had the privilege of hearing from Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee and guest speaker Frank Perry about the incredible impact their organization is making across our community.

Founded in 1972, Meals on Wheels PLUS has grown into far more than meal delivery. While there are over 5,000 Meals on Wheels programs across America, Manatee County’s “PLUS” represents the many additional services they provide to care for families, seniors, and children in need, and is currently an independent organization.

Some of the amazing programs shared today included:

• Friendship Dining Programs at five locations where seniors enjoy meals, fellowship, games, and social connection.
• An Adult Day Care Center serving around 55 clients daily with transportation, recreation, therapies, and social support.
• The Food Bank of Manatee, established in 1985, which has distributed an incredible 58 million pounds of food through 104 local partners.
• Support for local food pantries, including Parrish United Methodist Church, which serves approximately 400 families each week.
• Summer hunger programs providing weekend meals for children during school breaks.
• Fresh produce distributions in high-need areas like downtown Bradenton and Ellenton.
• Hurricane and disaster relief efforts, including delivering 110,000 meals during Hurricane Milton.
• Emergency baby baskets with diapers, wipes, and formula to support children during their critical first 1,000 days.
• A pet food assistance program helping seniors care for their beloved cats and dogs.

One of the most moving moments shared was that Meals on Wheels PLUS currently serves around 500 senior clients, with a waitlist of nearly 300 more. Once they commit to feeding someone, they continue until that need no longer exists. In 2025 alone, they delivered 162,000 meals across more than 70 routes.

Thank you to Frank Perry and the entire team at Meals on Wheels PLUS for reminding us what true community service looks like. Your work embodies compassion, dignity, and hope for so many families in Manatee County. 💙

05/15/2026

Today, our club had the privilege of hearing from Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee and guest speaker Frank Perry about the incredible impact their organization is making across our community.

Founded in 1972, Meals on Wheels PLUS has grown into far more than meal delivery. While there are over 5,000 Meals on Wheels programs across America, Manatee County’s “PLUS” represents the many additional services they provide to care for families, seniors, and children in need.

Some of the amazing programs shared today included:

• Friendship Dining Programs at five locations where seniors enjoy meals, fellowship, games, and social connection.
• An Adult Day Care Center serving around 55 clients daily with transportation, recreation, therapies, and social support.
• The Food Bank of Manatee, established in 1985, which has distributed an incredible 58 million pounds of food through 104 local partners.
• Support for local food pantries, including Parrish United Methodist Church, which serves approximately 400 families each week.
• Summer hunger programs providing weekend meals for children during school breaks.
• Fresh produce distributions in high-need areas like downtown Bradenton and Ellenton.
• Hurricane and disaster relief efforts, including delivering 110,000 meals during Hurricane Milton.
• Emergency baby baskets with diapers, wipes, and formula to support children during their critical first 1,000 days.
• A pet food assistance program helping seniors care for their beloved cats and dogs.

One of the most moving moments shared was that Meals on Wheels PLUS currently serves around 500 senior clients, with a waitlist of nearly 300 more. Once they commit to feeding someone, they continue until that need no longer exists. In 2025 alone, they have already delivered 162,000 meals across more than 70 routes.

Thank you to Frank Perry and the entire team at Meals on Wheels PLUS for reminding us what true community service looks like. Your work embodies compassion, dignity, and hope for so many families in Manatee County. 💙

Assisting individuals to live independently by providing nutrition and caring, supportive services.

05/01/2026

Kids Need Kiwanis.

The mission of Kiwanis is simple but powerful: Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time.

By joining North Manatee Kiwanis, you become part of a service-driven network committed to making a lasting difference for local children through scholarships, fundraising, youth programs, and hands-on community service.

Why join North Manatee Kiwanis?

• Serve the children of North Manatee through impactful service projects and fundraising
• Support scholarships, literacy, leadership, and educational opportunities for local youth
• Build valuable business relationships through networking with community-minded professionals
• Form lasting friendships with like-minded individuals who value faith, service, and leadership
• Expand the purpose of your personal life or business by giving back in meaningful ways
• Be part of a Christian-based organization focused on strengthening families and communities

North Manatee Kiwanis offers more than networking — it provides purpose. Whether you are a business owner, community leader, or someone who simply wants to make a difference, Kiwanis gives you the opportunity to serve while growing personally and professionally.

Make connections. Build community. Change lives.

We meet on Friday mornings from 7-8AM at the Popis in Ellenton! We hope to meet you soon.

Join North Manatee Kiwanis today — because Kids Need Kiwanis.

04/17/2026

We had the privilege of welcoming Ally Bergmann, Executive Director of North River Prevention Partners, as our guest speaker today—and what an impactful message she shared with our students!

Ally spoke about the importance of building resilience in teens and helping them develop the strength to resist alcohol and other drugs. Her organization focuses not only on prevention, but also on promoting strong mental health habits that equip students to navigate real-life challenges with confidence.

One of the highlights was learning about the incredible opportunities available to our students, including Kiwanis-supported scholarships that help make college more accessible at schools like MTC, FSU, HCC, and beyond.

We were especially inspired by the Teen Mental Health First Aiders program, where students ages 15–18 can become certified to support their peers. These trained students learn how to recognize when someone is struggling and how to connect them with a trusted adult and the help they need. With over 200 students trained in Manatee County, this program is already making a powerful difference in our community.

Ally also shared about their work in policy advocacy, helping create healthier environments by working to remove va**ng and to***co from public spaces.

Thank you, Ally, for equipping our students with tools to lead, support one another, and make wise choices. We are grateful for organizations like North River Prevention Partners that are investing in the next generation! 💙

We encourage the community to buy tickets to their upcoming dinner on April 23rd at the Worthington so the can continue their work in Manatee County! Details are below!

04/10/2026

Today we had the pleasure of hearing from Builders Club at Palmetto Charter School, led by advisor Kate Horne and advisor Elaine Johnson.

Builders Club is a student-led service organization sponsored by Kiwanis International, focused on developing leadership skills through meaningful community service—and these students are truly making an impact!

This year, the club set a goal of completing 2–3 service projects per month… and they’ve already exceeded it. Their dedication to serving others is evident in everything they do.

Some of their incredible projects include:
• School clean-ups
• A food drive supporting Hunger’s End, collecting over 4,000 pounds of food
• “Crocs and Socks” fundraiser, raising $800
• Operation Christmas Child participation
• Community clean-up at Emerson Point Preserve

Each month, the club intentionally plans:
✔️ One community service project
✔️ One school-focused project
✔️ One project supporting their peers

What stood out most was the students’ enthusiasm. They are full of ideas, eager to serve, and committed to making a difference both in their school and throughout the community.

We are so proud to see young leaders stepping up and living out the mission of service above self. The future is bright with students like these leading the way! 💙

03/22/2026

Here’s a sneak peek from last night’s Beast Feast! This is our biggest fundraiser of the year, and it wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support of our amazing sponsors.

03/11/2026

02/06/2026

🎉 Welcome to Kiwanis! 🎉

We’re so excited to welcome some wonderful new faces to our Kiwanis family! 💙
Please help us give a warm Kiwanis welcome to Michelle Trawinski, and David Pfuhler as they join us as individual members.

Thank you for choosing to serve our community and help make a difference—one child and one act of kindness at a time. We’re so glad you’re here and can’t wait to serve alongside you!

💙🤝