Bradenton Herald publisher to retire

After 43 years in the news business and a decade leading Manatee County's newspaper, Bradenton Herald publisher Bob "Buzz" Turner will retire, effective June 1.

Turner, 65, arrived at the Bradenton Herald in 1979 with more than a decade of newspaper experience already under his belt. He started his carer at the Columbus (Georgia) Ledger-Enquirer working part-time as an intern. Turner came to the Herald as retail advertising manager and was promoted to director of advertising four years later.

In 1988, Turner earned another promotion and became general manager. Eight years later, he became vice president and director of operations; in 2008, he became president and publisher.

"For the past 43 years, I have been blessed with a long career doing something I am passionate about," Turner said. "I've had the pleasure to work with wonderful people who cared about a free press that reported the truth and maintained an informed public. I have also been blessed to live in Bradenton, Florida. It is a place that I love. The time is right."

Upon Turner's retirement, Darren Haimer, vice president of advertising at the Bradenton Herald, will keep his current title as well as take on the responsibilities of general manager. Haimer, who turns 39 on Wednesday, will report to McClatchy regional publisher Alex Villoch, based in Miami.

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