Now that's a gavel!

Bobbi Larson handed off the chairmanship of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance today to Brian Volner.

There was a gasp from the audience at the size of the huge gavel that Larson passed to Volner.

It's one that Robin Parsons, the Alliance's business development director, bought at a garage sale months ago for $10 and kept under wraps. Wednesday was the first time Alliance members, including Volner, had seen the symbol of authority.

What's the history of the big hammer? All the fellow knew that sold it to Robin is that he bought it at a yard sale, too.

Talk about walking softly and carrying a big stick.

For more on the Alliance's first membership meeting of the year, see Josh Salman's story in Thursday's Herald.