Census widget tracks your neighborhood

Stand up, sit down, lay down -- but be counted.

Politicos across the nation reminded us yesterday that it was "Census Day" -- and it sent me scrambling to find my form. The U.S. Census Bureau reported that 54 percent of the nation's estimated 134 million households so far have mailed back their census forms for the 2010 count. That sounds encouraging, considering a good turnout for a local election is far less than that -- we're lucky if we get in the high teens for too many Manatee ballots.

The U.S. Census is tracking progress, and so can you. On Bradenton.com, we've added a widget so you can track your neighborhood and the rest of our communities. Just click here on the Local page, then scroll down below the blogs and find the link to the "2010 Census Participation Rate" form. Click in and you'll be able see how we're doing in Manatee County -- even how your ZIP and neighborhood are tracking.

The stakes are high: The more residents who declare Manatee County as their home, the better we will fare in getting what we need to ensure that our residents get their fair share of the future. Our population's base and its needs are key in getting funds we need to grow and flourish.

You owe it to yourself to report yourself.

-- Joan