Expert on Islam to speak with E. Manatee GOP Club

Islam expert to speak to E. Manatee GOP Club

BRADENTON -- The East Manatee Republican Club will welcome Dr. Rich Swier to discuss Islam in depth at its 11:30 a.m. meeting Thursday, Nov. 12, at the Peridia Golf and Country Club in Bradenton.

Lunch costs $16.

RSVP: Call 941-739-3813.

Florida Retail Federation honors Sarasota detective

SARASOTA -- Florida Retail Federation has recognized detective Jason Friday as 2015 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.

Friday was honored at the FRF awards dinner Monday night in Tampa.

Friday won for his expertise in preventing economic crimes, organized retail theft and the fraudulent use of cloned credit cards. One case of note is being federally prosecuted against a large organized retail crime ring. The suspects have been connected to crimes in six Florida counties and two other states, with an estimated financial impact to the retail community in excess of $700,000.

Embracing Our Differences launches new website

SARASOTA -- Embracing Our Differences, the local nonprofit best known for its annual outdoor art exhibit and educational initiatives celebrating diversity, has launched a new website designed by Sarasota-based Web Emissary. The site address is embracingourdifferences.org.

Michael Shelton, executive director of Embracing Our Differences, said the site reflects the transformation of the organization itself.

"Embracing Our Differences has seen phenomenal growth over the last three years," he said. "Attendance has spiked, the global submissions of art and quotes has grown exponentially, and students and teachers are participating in our educational outreaches."

Information: Call 941-404-5710 or go to embracingourdifferences.org.

-- Herald staff reports

This story was originally published October 13, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Expert on Islam to speak with E. Manatee GOP Club ."