Manatee County School Board

Parents were split almost evenly on whether they will send their students to Manatee elementary schools wearing masks.

A survey sent by the school district might influence whether fall classes are separated based on mask preference.

After weeks of contentious meetings that included racially-charged public comments, the board unanimously voted to end face mask requirements.

The vote won't affect the current school year, since it comes a day after students' last day of class, but would make masks optional at graduation and summer school.

Parents against masks have been vocal at school board meetings, but county officials have opted for the advice of medical experts in crafting their policies.

Another local school board has spoken out about teachers carrying firearms, a decision that comes as Florida lawmakers are close to passing a bill that…

The interim school superintendent in Manatee County has been offered a long-term contract.The deal follows two months of postponement after the Florida…