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Florida, We Need to Have a Fatherly Chat
The dad in me wants to give the entire state a hug and ask if they are ok.
The pickup truck in front of my car on the highway had the words “Fresh Snow” painted carefully on the back window. In big white-block letters, it proudly proclaimed its message. The bumper sticker below stated “Yes officer, I know I know. License and registration.” If this was up North, I would assume it was a skier. But as I was in Florida for my family vacation, I thought to myself
Manatee County experiencing building boom east of I-75 Chad Butzow, Director of Public Works, Manatee County (Source: WWSB) By Summer Smith | May 13, 2021 at 4:45 PM EDT - Updated May 14 at 6:30 AM
MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. (WWSB) - What was once just acres of farmland is turning into construction sites in East Manatee County.
Parrish is seeing a housing boom. ”I originally wanted to move to St. Petersburg, but the prices were too steep for me,” said Thomas Wahl. “You get more for your money here in Parrish. It’s a beautiful area to live in.”
Wahl is one of thousands now calling Parrish home. Soon, more will be joining him. Just about everywhere you look, new homes are popping up. One of the busiest locations in the area is off Moccasin Wallow Road.
Fire department positions
Engineer: Responsible for operating and maintaining vehicles
Lieutenant: Oversees emergency response of a unit
Captain: Oversees daily operations and training of a unit
Battalion chief: Oversees a collection of units, or a battalion
Paul Wren’s father, Rick Wren, joined the East Manatee Fire Rescue District as a volunteer firefighter in 1995 when it was still called the Braden River Fire Control and Rescue District.
The younger Wren grew up near Braden River High School and watched as the area grew. The fire district grew, as well and changed names for good measure.
In 2007, Paul Wren followed in his father’s footsteps and became a volunteer firefighter with East Manatee. He overlapped with his father for four years, before the elder Wren retired as a lieutenant in 2011.