Unlicensed contractors nabbed

MANATEE — During an undercover sting by Manatee County Sheriff's Office deputies, 14 men were charged with attempting contracting work with proper licensure.

According to a release from the county, each of the men submitted a proposal for construction work to an undercover investigator that requires a contractor's license. None of the 14 has a license, and all were issued an unlicensed construction citation, charged with a misdemeanor and issued a notice to appear in court.

The Sheriff's Office worked with the Manatee County Building and Development Services Department and the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation to conduct the sting Feb. 15-16.