BRADENTON, Fla – Congressman Vern Buchanan was honored Thursday by a leading non-partisan group in Manatee County for his bipartisan accomplishments helping veterans, addressing the opioid crisis and combatting red tide.
The Manatee Tiger Bay Club presented Buchanan with its prestigious “Presidential Award” during the organization’s 10th anniversary dinner recognizing outstanding leaders in the county.
Buchanan said he was “honored and humbled” to receive the group’s recognition.
“I applaud Manatee Tiger Bay’s efforts to promote civic engagement and educate the community on important issues facing the region,” the congressman said.
Manatee Tiger Bay Club is a non-partisan organization dedicated to bringing together community members to discuss social, local and national issues.
Xtavia Bailey, president of Manatee Tiger Bay Club, praised Buchanan for his accomplishments helping veterans, addressing the area’s opioid crisis and securing funding for red tide which plagued the beaches of Manatee County.
“Vern is a tireless champion for our region,” said Bailey
Buchanan has seen 17 of his bills signed into law under three different presidents since coming to office in 2007. Among his accomplishments are funding for flood-prone Ware’s Creek, creating a national ID card for veterans, confronting the opioid crisis, improving foster care for children and providing financial aid to citrus farmers. As co-chair of Florida’s 29-member bipartisan congressional delegation, Buchanan held three hearings in 2019 on water quality, tourism and agriculture.
Buchanan also was recently rated one of the most bipartisan members in Congress by the Lugar Center, a respected bipartisan think tank.
The following individuals were also presented awards during the event:
The Honorable Pat Glass, founder and former president of Manatee Tiger Bay, Lifetime Achievement Award
John and Amanda Horne, restaurant owners, Community Advocate Award
Dr. Carol Probstfeld, president of State College of Florida, Educational Award
Sheriff Rick Wells, Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, First Responders Award
Charles Clapsaddle, station manager of Manatee Educational TV, Media Visionary Award
Rick Yocum, executive director of Manatee County Humane Society, Non-Profit Award
Susie Bowie, executive director of Manatee Community Foundation, Philanthropy Award