Connected Manatee Program expands to serve more Palmetto families this summer
Three new schools — Tillman Elementary, Blackburn Elementary and Palm View K-8 — are joining Lincoln Memorial Middle and Palmetto Elementary in the Turning Points’ Connected Manatee Program.
Created to foster family stability, the program ensures that families get vital support such as rental and utility assistance, community resources, healthcare services and benefits assistance, including with SNAP. There is also support for Medicaid, Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) and unemployment applications to help prevent evictions and promote well-being for families.
“When families have reliable access to food, housing, healthcare and other critical resources during these crucial months, it relieves immense pressure, keeps households secure and ensures parents have the solid foundation they need to protect and nurture their families all year long,” according to Kathleen Cramer, CEO of Turning Points.
The program operates from the Family Support Center behind Lincoln Memorial Middle in Palmetto and remains available during the summer to ensure families continue receiving support while school is out of session.
Last year, more than 9,000 individuals benefited from Turning Points programs and services.
The Connected Manatee Program is made possible through the support of the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation and The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation.
Families from the eligible schools and school district employees are encouraged to request an appointment by calling 941-209-7498.
For more information about the Connected Manatee Program or Turning Points’ services, visit www.tpmanatee.org.
Schools get good report card
Manatee County schools are reporting better grades, according to the 2025-26 end-of-year data review presented to the Manatee County School Board on June 9.
Early learning results are up 12% in Manatee County from the previous school year, and kindergarten through 10th grade scores have improved steadily from 2022-23 to 2025-26 in scores at every grade level, meeting or exceeding state scores, according to the report.
Pending final tallies, the following schools are anticipated to increase their letter grade standings:
• Samoset Elementary (D-A)
• Miller Elementary (C-A)
• Myakka Elementary (C-A)
• Kinnan Elementary (B-A)
• Bradenton River Middle (B-A)
• Bashaw Elementary (C-B)
• Lincoln Middle (C-B)
• Moody Elementary (C-B)
• Palm View K-8 (C-B)
• Sea Breeze Elementary (C-B)
School Board recognizes VFW contributions
The Manatee County School Board recognized VFW Post 12055 for its many contributions to students, schools and the community.
Post Commander Dave Daily said the organization’s 140 members have worked with students at Braden River High, Lakewood Ranch High, Haile Middle, Jain Middle, Nolan Middle, Freedom Elementary and Williams Elementary on programs explaining flag etiquette and introducing students to veterans and their stories.
The post also sponsors essay contests and scholarships, and has awarded $74,000 in scholarships since 2008, he said.
“It’s always nice when we can bring people from the community and share what they’ve done for our schools and the different programs they support,” School Board Chair Cindy Spray said.