VIN'S PEOPLE: MCAT handy bus driver honored by state commission for exceptional service

Vin Mannix
·2 min read
David Davis was honored as the Para-Transit Operator of the Year by the Florida Commission for Transportation Disadvantaged at its annual conference in Orlando.
David Davis was honored as the Para-Transit Operator of the Year by the Florida Commission for Transportation Disadvantaged at its annual conference in Orlando.

After 36 years working at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, David Davis could be enjoying retirement.

Instead, the 65-year-old is in his sixth year driving a handy bus for Manatee County Area Transit, transporting disadvantaged persons to various medical appointments and serving passengers requiring transportation for other life-sustaining needs.

Vin Mannix
Vin Mannix

“I love what I do,” he said.

People have noticed.

Davis was honored recently as the Para-Transit Operator of the Year by the Florida Commission for Transportation Disadvantaged at its annual conference in Orlando.

His empathy, helpfulness and resourcefulness earned the nomination from supervisors Benita Zarr and Brian Medina.

“Ninety-eight percent of the people I drive, the only time they get out is on the handy bus,” Davis said. “Many have no other family, so you’ve got to show them the extra care and compassion.”

One of MCAT’s 20-24 handy bus drivers, Davis travels countywide daily to reach eight to 10 people, who are usually in wheelchairs.

“They’re very appreciative. I can feel it,” he said. “After a few years of carrying these people, you develop a relationship with them.”

Davis received a Heroism Award from the county commission in 2018 after assisting a customer in distress, comforting and remaining with her while awaiting paramedics.

“David willingly goes above and beyond the call of duty every day,” said Transit Division Manager Jason Harris.

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• Alicia Long, access services supervisor at the State College of Florida Bradenton’s Library and Learning Center, received the Dr. Arnulfo D. Trejo Librarian of the Year Award from REFORMA: The National Association to Promote Library & Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish Speaking.

• The one-and-only Henry Lawrence is 71 years young.

• Congrats to Gus Sokos, new executive director for the Hernando DeSoto Historical Society.

• That’s 40 years of wedded bliss for Brian and Julia Schultz.

• And 24 for Jack and Mary Ambrogi.

• Well done to the Rotary Club of Bradenton’s annual Constitution Day contest winners: first, Brice Carlton, Parrish Community High ($1,000); second, Jorga Heine, Lakewood Ranch ($500); third, Thiego Vega, PCHS ($250).

• Lynn Pierce is 39. Again.

• So is Tammy Utley.

• Terry Wilson, too.

• And Darrell King is officially CEO of The Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County. King has been with the ELC since 2014 and was interim CEO since the passing of longtime CEO Paul Sharff last January.

Vin’s People runs Sundays. Email Vin Mannix at vinspeople@gmail.com. Or call 941-962-5944. Twitter: @vinmannix.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: VIN MANNIX: MCAT handy bus driver receives appreciation for service