Panel to talk on mental illness and gun violence

BRADENTON -- In light of recent tragedies, what can be done about preventing mass homicides by mentally ill offenders? Are more regulations the answer, better treatment, or both?

A panel of local experts will discuss problems, needs and possible remedies for this very important issue noon- 1 p.m. Feb. 25 at the Bradenton Woman's Club, 1705 Manatee Ave. W. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. for refreshments.

Panel members include Mary Ruiz, president of Manatee Glens treatment center; Lt. Lorenzo Waiters, Crime Prevention Unit supervisor of the Manatee County Sheriff's office; and Margaret Moore of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. After their presentations, there will be questions from the audience and discussion.

Attendees may bring a brown bag lunch. Information: 941-729-9248, or visit www.lwvmanatee.org.

Annual Martin Luther King Jr. breakfast on Saturday

BRADENTON -- The Manatee County Branch of the NAACP presents its Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Breakfast with the theme "Recognizing the Struggle, Realizing the Dream" 9 a.m. Saturday at the 13th Avenue Dream Center, 922 24th St. E.

The speaker will be The Rev. Dr. Manuel Sykes, president of the St. Petersburg Branch of the NAACP. Tickets are $30 for individuals or $240 for a table of eight.

Information: Sylvia Archie, chairperson, at 941-725-9344 or Susie Copeland, president, at 941-447-2189.

-- Herald staff reports