Police practices throughout the country are under intense scrutiny, and Rick Wells knows it. “Some of the scrutiny is self-inflicted, and has some cause behind it,” he said. “Some is just lack of knowledge about the actual cases.” But whether attention is warranted or not, he said law enforcement leaders need to be mindful of it, and must strengthen community relationships. As he seeks the role of Manatee County’s top cop, Wells wants to shepherd the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office through that process.

A day after Sheriff Brad Steube announced he would retire at the end of his current term in 2016, Wells announced he would run for the office of sheriff himself. It’s a job Wells’ father Charles Wells held before Steube, and a job the younger Wells was aspiring to already in February when he left his role as police chief in Palmetto to be Steube’s chief deputy. The lawman feels confident about the current trajectory of sheriff’s office—“the crime rate has decreased since this sheriff was in office”—but he also sees need for every agency to constantly evolve.

That means continuing to employ cutting edge technology, said Wells, who in 31 years holding a badge has seen police work evolve from written notes to ubiquitous laptops and scientific analysis. But it also must involve an increased focus on community policing. Here, he hopes his time as Palmetto chief will be viewed as an asset. He worked hard, especially in the city’s large minority community, to boost relationships between church leaders and law enforcement, and tried to change the perception of law enforcement’s role in the justice system. “There is always a lot of emphasis on us making arrests and putting people away for crimes,” he said, “and nothing on what to do with a young man once he gets out of jail.” He worked with community leaders to educate ex-convicts on programs available to pursue a lawful path instead of falling back into a life of crime.

Wells, a Republican, to date is the only candidate to file for Manatee County Sheriff, but expects opposition as he runs for this open seat. A Republican primary would take place on August 30, 2016, with a general election scheduled Nov. 8, 2016. 

Capital Grille at The Mall at University Town Center is currently running a killer special with a cool backstory. The Generous Pour is an annual summer special for Capital Grille and this summer, the restaurant is featuring eight incredible California wines created by eight incredible women. Until Aug. 30, for $28 you can pair your exceptional steak or stunning seafood dish with an extremely generous tasting of any combination of these eight wines. I highly recommend trying all eight to find your favorite combination. I love the Barrymore Pinot Grigio from actress Drew Barrymore that pairs beautifully with the Pan Fried Calamari and Hot Cherry Peppers appetizer and the decadent velvety Lobster Mac ‘N’ Cheese (which is served as a side dish to share but which I can never bring myself to share).  With my delectable medium rare 22-oz. Bone-In Ribeye, I enjoy the Mt. Brave Cabernet by Spanish wine maker Laura Diaz Muñoz. Should you have room for dessert I am currently obsessed with, the Coconut Cream Pie, and hands down, the best cheesecake to be had at the new mall is the offering from Capital Grille with its caramelized brulee topping. 

The Capital Grille, 180 University Town Center Drive, 941-256-3647

Shaun P. Merriman, president and CEO of Gateway Bank of Southwest Florida, was named recipient of the 2015 Alumni Distinguished Achievement Award from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, which recognizes professional achievement and distinguished service to the community, state or nation in a manner that brings credit upon the recipient and the university.  Merriman was one of two recipients of the Alumni Distinguished Achievement Award.  

Gateway Bank

Halfacre Construction Company began work for the Hillsborough County School Board under a Continuing Contract Agreement. The $1.7-million project, with a projected November 2015 completion date, includes constructing new headquarters for the Hillsborough County Public Schools’ Transportation department. Halfacre Construction Company will also complete the site work and utilities for an over-9,000-square-foot building. 

Halfacre Construction