Ranch GOP to hear speaker

LAKEWOOD RANCH -- Lakewood Ranch Republican Club meets at noon Feb. 22 at the Lakewood Ranch Holiday Inn, 6231 Lake Osprey Drive. Guest speaker will be Andres Malava with Americans for Prosperity. Lunch costs $20. Reservations by Feb. 20 at www.lwrrc.com.

Forum to hear programon exploitation of minors

BRADENTON -- Manatee Forum, Republican Women Federated meets at 6 p.m. Feb. 26 at Pier 22, 1200 First Ave. W.

They will hear a program on exploitation of minors presented by Lt. Todd Shear of the Manatee County Sheriff's office. Shear will discuss "Green Shepherd." Under this program, officers posing as underage children online made arrests in a recent sex crime sting in Manatee County.

Elizabeth Fisher, chief executive of Selah Freedom, will discuss plans and strategies for a "sex trade support group," where sexually abused children and women will be able to find a haven from the human trafficking world.

Dinner cost: $20.

RSVP required to Janebgrace@aol.com or 941-758-4878.

Manatee Republican Women to hear Kenny Holmlund

BRADENTON -- The Women of Manatee County Republican Club will meet at 11:30 a.m. March 1 at Bradenton Country Club, 4646 Ninth Ave. W. The invited speaker is Kenny Holmlund.

Lunch is $17 and a reservation is required by noon Feb. 27. Information: Donna at 773-512-9366.

-- Herald staff reports