BRADENTON -- The Manatee County Health Department is laying off 14 people, about a 9 percent reduction of its workforce, an official said today.

The layoffs will save the department about $850,000 a year, according to John Burns, public information officer.

The layoffs, which ended up to be four fewer than originally expected, resulted from a legislative initiative to right-size the Florida Department of Health, which supplies most of the local department’s funds, Burns said.

“Many other health departments across the state have gone through this process -- it doesn’t make it any easier for us,” said Burns. “It’s a difficult time down here for all parties involved, but we remain committed to providing quality services in the community.”

Sara Kennedy, Herald reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7031.