U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan held a luncheon Feb. 12 to discuss key issues impacting the Manatee County area. 

The open-to-the public event was hosted by the Manatee Chamber of Commerce at the Fete Ballroom at Polo Grill at 10670 Boardwalk Loop in Lakewood Ranch. 

Among the topics Buchanan addressed: the opioid crisis, recovery needs from Hurricane Irma, oil drilling off Florida's coastline, citrus aid, tax reform and other issues affecting businesses and local communities.

Visitors had a chance to ask questions directly to Buchanan, a Republican who represents Florida's 16th congressional district, which includes Manatee and parts of Hillsborough and Sarasota counties.