Southeast Democrats to meet

PERIDIA -- Southeast Manatee County Democratic Club luncheon is set for 11:30 a.m. March 21 at Peridia Golf and Country Club, 4950 Peridia Blvd.

The featured speaker will be Richard Coe, professor of economics at New College of Florida. His topic will be "The U.S. Budget, Taxes, and Expenditures."

Cost: $15 payable at the door. RSVP by calling Paul Dain at 941-756-4050.

Sarasota Military CEOto address Ranch GOP

LAKEWOOD RANCH -- Lakewood Ranch Republican Club meets noon March 22 at Lakewood Ranch Holiday Inn, 6231 Lake Osprey Drive.

Guest speaker: Daniel Kennedy, headmaster, CEO and co-founder of the Sarasota Military Academy.

Lunch is $20. Reservations at www.lwrrc.com.

'The State of Manatee County' presentation set

BRADENTON -- The Manatee Forum presents "The State of Manatee County" with Schroeder-Manatee Ranch CEO Rex Jensen and County Administrator Ed Hunzeker at 6 p.m. March 26 at Pier 22, 1200 First Ave. W.

They will describe thecurrent economic landscape and discuss their views onthe future of Manatee County.

Dinner: $20. RSVP required to Jane Grace at 941-758-4878 or Janebgrace@aol.com.

-- Herald staff reports