East Word

Lakewood Ranch High junior has golden voice

2012-02-03T13:33:00.000-08:00

By NICK WILLIAMS
nwilliams@bradenton.com

It's very inspiring to listen to 17-year-old Channing Weir talk about her dreams of becoming a Broadway performer.

You can read about her talents here http://www.bradenton.com/2012/02/03/3844166/young-entertainers-take-center.html

On Saturday, Feb. 4, Weir will be among several local entertainers performing at the 5th annual Ovation Celebration on Main Street in Lakewood Ranch.

But to actually hear Weir sing is the real satisfaction.

You can listen to some of her performances on YouTube on the following links:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6S9ZiEgFzMI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyPoSLdYtio&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayeN66AveUk&feature=related

Delivery of locomotive to Parrish delayed

2012-02-03T13:17:00.000-08:00

New domed passenger car at Florida Railroad Museum. (Photo James A. Jones Jr.)

The delivery of Frisco engine 3749 to Parrish is going to take a little longer than anticipated.

The locomotive, which had been at Orlando's Church Street Station for 35 years, was expected to arrive in Parrish this week.

But in an email today, Gene Hughey of the Florida Railroad Museum in Parrish reports there has been a glitch.

"Florida Department of Transportation has not issued the necessary permits to transport the steam engine from Church Street Station," he wrote. "The engine will not arrive as scheduled on Saturday, Feb. 4."

We dropped by the museum grounds at 12210 83rd St. E., Parrish, today and noticed that the passenger car with dome roof has arrived from Church Street Station. Cool looking piece of rolling stock. See the photo above.

For more on this new addition to the museum, see our previous story:

//www.bradenton.com/2012/01/20/3806411/historic-train-car-moved-to-local.html

Manatee community rides to the aid of father battling brain cancer with ranch rodeo

2012-02-03T06:14:00.000-08:00

Levi Dakin

MYAKKA CITY — The Levi Dakin “Believing in the Cure” ranch rodeo fundraiser is set for 11 a.m. 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, at Circle S Rodeo Arena, 32450 Clay Gulley Road, Myakka City.

Levi Dakin, 33, was diagnosed with a brain tumor, anaplasic astrocytoma, in September of 2011 and has completed six weeks of chemotherapy and radiation. More treatments will follow. The family is expecting the birth of their third child in four weeks.

Gates open at 10:30 a.m. for early registration of the live auction.

Admission for the event: $10 for those 12 and up, $5 for children 6 - 11, and free for those under 5. All proceeds will benefit the Levi Dakin Trust and his continued effort in battling brain cancer.

The day’s event will include a live auction at 11 a.m., ranch rodeo competition, boot scramble, raffle, silent auction, barbecue pork sandwiches, and more.

Live auction items include an autographed Bucs football, half-day quail hunting trip for one person, 40-inch Toshiba HD LCD flat screen TV, three-tier wooden wine rack, cross bred Jersey- Holstein heifer calf, Hobby Campbell framed print, 20 rolls of cow hay, a custom made fire pit, saddle, I Pad II by Apple, full day offshore fishing trip for four persons, a Bokeelia fishing weekend duplex and much more.

Donations will be accepted the day of the event or can be directly made to the trust.

All checks can be made payable to Levi Dakin Trust Fund and be mailed c/o Erin Dakin Drake at 38310 Clay Gully Road, Myakka City, FL 34251. Contributions can also be made at any First America Bank location in Manatee or Sarasota counties.

$16,000 boost for Manatee Food Bank from University Park Women's Club

2012-01-30T20:19:00.000-08:00

President Cheryl Kleiman, left, with Food Bank of Manatee County representative Kristen Theisen. (provided photo)

University Park Women's Club members stepped up recently with a $16,000 donation to the Manatee Food Bank.

The money was raised at the club's 7th annual Diamond and Crystal Ball on Dec.4. In addition to the check, members donated useful items and chocolates for 250 gift bags to be delivered to Meals on Wheels recipients on Valentines Day, said Katy Arrillaga, club historian in a press release.

The check was presented to Kristen Theisen, Manatee Food Bank representative, in January at the club's "Walk The Red Carpet" general meeting, lunch and fashion show at Michael's On East Restaurant.

Tables were named for past Oscar winning movies, such as "Chariots of Fire," "Gone With The Wind," and "Schindler's List".

Club President Cheryl Kleiman introduced new members and thanked the committee for making the event an "Oscar Winning Performance."

Brenda Ottaway and Jeanie Blazey. (provided photo)

Four of the eight models relaxing before show time, from left, Fran Vaka, Michele Beni, Judy Jones and Jean Brown. (provided photo)

The locomotive from Church Street Station coming to Parrish this week

2012-01-30T12:54:00.000-08:00

Frisco engine 3749 is headed to Parrish this week. (provided photo)

Gene Hughey of the Florida Railroad Museum in Parrish reports that the locomotive -- the most eagerly awaited portion of' the train that had been at Orlando's Church Street Station for 35 years -- is due to arrive in Parrish this week.

The engine will arrive sometime late Friday and be unloaded about 9 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 4.

"The Museum is excited to accept this equipment so that it may be preserved. We will place the engine on display and plan on putting at least one railcar into service. How soon all this takes place will depend on donations, ticket sales and volunteers," he said in a press release.

The Florida Railroad Museum is located at 12210 83rd St. E., Parrish.

For more on this new addition to the museum, see our previous story:

//www.bradenton.com/2012/01/20/3806411/historic-train-car-moved-to-local.html

East Manatee students soar at science fair

2012-01-29T14:05:00.000-08:00

EAST MANATEE — Cristos G. Nikitopoulos , a student at Haile Middle School, and Jack W. Bailey, a student at Lakewood Ranch High School, were honored by the Sarasota-Manatee Chapter of the Air Force Association for their Aeronautical and Space themed projects presented at the Lockheed Martin Manatee Regional Science and Engineering Fair.

Christos’ project “Shifting Shapes” investigated how different wing shapes affected the distance a glider could travel. Jack pursued a similar tack, investigating how different shaped nose cones fitted on model rockets would affect the altitude to which they could fly.

Chapter President Mike Richardson presented each winner with an AFA Certificate of Achievement and Achievement Medal, an Atlas of Space Exploration published by the Smithsonian Institute, and a variety of Air Force promotional items provided by the United States Air Force (USAF) and the Manatee County Air Force recruiters.

Additionally, on behalf of the U.S. Air Force, the chapter recognized two honorable mention winners: Haley Weltzen of Haile Middle School and Stephen Lindsay of Braden River High School for their projects. They each received an Air Force Certificate of Achievement an assortment of Air Force items.

Roping and riding builds friendships and families

2012-01-28T16:47:00.000-08:00

First time participant in the SMR Cup cowboy Brian Jones came with twins Cady and Cooper and his wife, Cassidy. (Photo by James A. Jones Jr.)

Former Southeast High School sweethearts Cassidy and Brian Jones were there, and their twin baby girls, Cady and Cooper, too.

In addition to being a new dad, Brian Jones is also an old hand as a cowboy. He formerly worked at SMR, but for the past few years has worked at Longino Ranch in Sarasota. Brian is an old hand as a cowboy, but a rookie participant in the SMR Cup.

“I just got the opportunity this weekend. I am pretty excited,” he said.

Also present was another sure enough working cowboy, George Lusby, and his wife Jackie.

George Lusby’s cowboying days may be over. As are his 27 years with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse.

After all, he is 81.

That’s a good age to revel in the sunshine, surrounded by family and old friends. What better way to spend the day than sitting on a hay bale and watching the youngsters in your family compete in the SMR Cup?

Or to bounce Dewey David Parks, his 3-year-old great-grandson, on his knee?

“We’ve been back in these woods chasing cows,” Lusby said, recollecting his years working at the former Reagan Ranch on Upper Manatee Road.

The Lusbys said they liked the shooting and fishing competition, and what they were watching at the moment, the roping contest, all of which mix and match cowboys and polo players.

The final day of the SMR Cup is Sunday, Jan. 29, at the Sarasota Polo Club, located near the southwest corner of Lorraine Road and University Parkway.

Gates open at 10 a.m. Admission is $10. Children under 12 are admitted free. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the weather and a little polo. And look for the horse race at halftime.

For more see Sunday's Herald.

1925 Pullman sleeper arrives in Parrish

2012-01-19T17:19:00.000-08:00

How the Monte Rose got its groove back in Parrish. (Photo James A. Jones Jr.)

So, you have a vintage Pullman sleeper car in Orlando and you want to move it to Parrish.

The catch is you can't use any of the rail lines between Orlando and Parrish.

How do you get it from point A to point B? Very carefully.

Lots of heavy duty lifting required. Some assembly and disassembly as well.

But R. Johnson and Sons House and Building Movers in Parrish are old hands at this sort of thing.

They take off the steel wheels and put on rubber tires and haul it down the road.

No kidding. That's how they do it. The Monte Rosa got off the road and onto the tracks at the Florida Railroad Museum on Thursday.

Formerly part of Church Street Station in Orlando, lots of folks saw the Monte Rosa over the years as they went to a night out at Howl at the Moon. Great place.

Now a piece of Church Street Station has come to Parrish. And there's more coming.

See our story in Friday's Herald.

You never know what you'll see at the county fair

2012-01-18T18:05:00.000-08:00

Here's looking at you at the Manatee County Fair. (Photo James A. Jones Jr.)

The steer showmanship judging was at the Manatee County Fair Wednesday night.

With so many four-legged critters and young people taking part, you never know what you'll see.

There might even be steer just as curious about you as you are it.

FYI, if you haven't been to the fair yet, what are you waiting for?

The fair ends Sunday. Bet there is a corn dog or dish of strawberry shortcake with your name on it.

One of the main attractions of the fair is the steer sale. That's set for 2 p.m. Saturday. Come on out and buy one at auction, or sit a spell and watch the bidding action.

For a story on the results of the steer showmanship competition, see Thursday's Herald.

Now that's a gavel!

2012-01-11T12:20:00.000-08:00

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.

Dorothy and Toto? Timmy and Lassie?

2012-01-09T13:25:00.000-08:00

When I heard that there was going to be a pet Walk of Fame at Lakewood Ranch, I had this image of Charlie Chaplin doing that shuffling ramble he was famous for, and twirling that cane.

Maybe there will be one. Would love to see the dog twirling the cane.

There could be a Superman with his Superdog. And maybe Annie will come with Sandy.

There could be lookalikes where there are Indiana Jones, Tom Cruise, or Natalie Portman guys and dogs.

Naturals would seem to be Dorothy and Toto. Or Timmy and Lassie.

We will see 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 15, at Lakewood Ranch Main Street.

Among the awards, will be best duo, best ensemble, the sweetest, and the best resemblance to a celebrity.

Participants will walk a chalked red carpet. Winners will receive “golden bowls,” rather than Golden Globes.

Many area animal rescue groups have been invited and the event will offer an opportunity to adopt from a wide range of pets.

In addition, there will be about 65 vendors taking part.

Register at www.hslwr.org.

National lacrosse talent finds its way to Lakewood Ranch

2012-01-07T17:41:00.000-08:00

Lacrosse players warms up at Lakewood Ranch. (Photo by Jim Jones)

Some of the best young lacrosse players in the country are at Premier Sports Campus this weekend

They are here for 3d Blue Chip, a national recruiting camp.

We stopped by the fields on Saturday and talked to a group from Pittsburgh.

The sport looks like a lot of fun. The camp also represents an infusion of dollars into the local economy.

For more see Sunday's Herald. And if you're in the neighborhood, drop by and see it for yourself. No admission charge and games are set for 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Sunday.

So many bikers, so many stories to tell

2012-01-07T17:26:00.000-08:00

Richard Blake's riding vest documents the 65 years he has been riding motorcycles. (Photo by Jim Jones)

The 14th Annual Thunder by the Bay Motorcycle Festival is underway.

We visited with several bikers at Dealer Day at Bradenton's Manatee River Harley Davidson on Saturday.

Really nice people they were, too, with some fascinating stories.

Among them was Richard Blake, an 83-year-old Korean War veteran. His military service is recorded on his motorcycle.

For more, see Sunday's Herald. Lots of events are planned Sunday on Main Street in downtown Sarasota.

New to Lakewood Ranch? This one is for you

2012-01-05T07:09:00.000-08:00

Lakewood Ranch Town Hall officials will conduct a resident orientation 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall.

The orientation is designed to remove the confusion over what a community development district does, and how it differs from a home owner association. It will also explain how the Inter-District Authority fits into the mix.

Lakewood Ranch is not a city, but it nevertheless has its own elected government.

Attendance is open to any Lakewood Ranch resident. Seating is limited.

RSVP by 5 p.m. Jan. 9 to Kay DePaolo at 941- 907-0202 or via e-mail at kay.depaolo@lwrtownhall.com.

The Human Condition to perform at Music on Main

2012-01-04T14:31:00.000-08:00

The Human Condition performs at Skippers Smokehouse. (provided photo)

Baby it's cold outside.

But it should be warming up just fine for The Human Condition to perform rock and acoustic songs at the first Music on Main concert of the year at Lakewood Ranch Main Street 6-9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 6.

The Bradenton band offers a diverse set, showing influences from Led Zeppelin to Radiohead.

The public is invited to the free concert.

Proceeds from beer and wine sales go to benefit We Care Manatee, which promotes and facilitates the provision of free specialty and primary medical care to low-income, uninsured residents of Manatee County.

Music on Main is always a fun, relaxing way to end the week. Plan to check out The Human Condition.

The Human Condition. (provided photo)

Thoughts from Herald columnist Vin Mannix on the tragedy in our community

2011-12-28T06:59:00.000-08:00

First Brett Wagner.

Then Joshua Rogers.

Two 18-year-olds, best friends, Lakewood Ranch High School seniors ready to take the next great step in their young lives, gone.

Taken after a tragic vehicular accident at Rye Road and State Road 64.

On Christmas night.

My God.

Wagner died at the scene.

Rogers, Tuesday at Blake Medical Center.

Only Terron Sanders, Wagner's cousin and a passenger in the truck, survived.

Only he wore a seat belt.

If only ...

They were headed to Walmart on S.R. 64, the west side of Interstate 75 when their truck was struck by another vehicle, causing it to roll, ejecting both Wagner and Rogers.

At a time of year when people should be sharing in the joyous afterglow of a truly blessed holiday, two Myakka City families will each be preparing to bury a son.

Sad.

How unbelievably sad.

Pray for them.

Lakewood Ranch Kiwanis takes stock in children

2011-12-28T06:51:00.000-08:00

Gordon Wardell and Diana Dill. (provided photo)

The Kiwanis Club of Lakewood Ranch recently contributed $2,500 to the Leadership Prayer Breakfast for Take stock in Children.

Take Stock in Children has provided at-risk Manatee County students with scholarships, mentors since 1996.

Gordon Wardell, President of LWR Kiwanis presented the check at a recent meeting to Diana Dill, executive director of Take Stock in Children of Manatee County.

Lakewood Ranch Kiwanis supports many activities benefiting students including the Take Stock in Children Leadership Prayer Breakfast and 10K Run, LWR Kids Fishing Tournament, 9-11 Remembrance Ceremony, Project Heart, and Adopt A Family.

The club meets noon Tuesdays at the Polo Grill on Main Street in Lakewood Ranch.

Information: Gordon Wardell at 941-232-8534 or wgwardell@yahoo.com.

Getting a big hand with the laundry

2011-12-22T15:40:00.000-08:00

The Bradford family got a visit from Santa Suds. (provided photo)

Two local families celebrate Christmas early this week with the delivery to their homes of a new Whirlpool Cabrio top-load washer and high-efficiency dryer, according to a press release we received.

John and Christine Bradford were nominated for the washer-dryer giveaway by three of Christine’s fellow teachers at Robert Willis Elementary School in Lakewood Ranch.

The Bradfords, parents of four children, adopted four more children from foster care last August to keep a family of siblings from being separated. Doing laundry for a family of 10, their old machines were struggling to handle a minimum of four loads a day.

“This is the first time we’ve ever owned a new washer and dryer. We’ve always had used machines, and our current set is on its last legs,” Christine said. “This truly is a Christmas blessing."

The appliances were donated by Home-Tech, an air conditioning and major appliance sales and service provider, headquartered in Fort Myers. Home-Tech is in the process of opening a new Manatee location on Lena Road in East Manatee.

“We are an employee-owned company, and our whole team gets excited about this day,” said Steve Marino, Home-Tech founder and president. “We are happy to donate these washer-dryer sets to families who need and deserve the assistance.”

Another happy family is that of Keith Evans, the single father of an 11-year-old son and a 12-year-old daughter. Evans had been struggling since his car broke down, forcing him to take the bus to work and rely on friends and neighbors to do errands, including going to the laundromat. A co-worker at Osprey Biotechnics nominated him for the Santa Suds giveaway.

“This is going to change our lives tremendously,” Keith said. “We really appreciate it, and will treasure this day forever.”

One more local family is scheduled to receive their free washer and dryer in January.

The Evans family with their new washer and dryer. (provided photo)

54,000 loss reported in robbery of Lakewood Ranch home

2011-12-19T17:37:00.000-08:00

LAKEWOOD RANCH -- A Lakewood Ranch resident reported robbers stole more than $54,000 worth of property between 2 and 10 p.m. Friday, according to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

The victim was out of town, when an unknown person or person pried open the sliding glass door just north of the bedroom door that leads into the living room. Once inside the home, located in the 7200 block of Ashland Glen in the Country Club, the suspects removed watches from the night stand west of the bed.

The suspects also went into the walk-in closet and stole more watches, jewelry and a bag that contained a .45 caliber Glock handgun with two magazines that were loaded, the sheriff's report said.

The victim's hospital I.D. was also in the bag. The intruders fled in an unknown direction.

A crime scene unit responded and processed the scene and the gun was entered into crime data bases via serial number.

The theft was reported by the sheriff's office in a press release Monday night.

Community development supervisors have discussed steps they could take to improve security at the Ranch, ranging from improving lighting to scheduling more security and traffic patrols.

This past summer, a Bradenton man was arrested in connection with two armed invasions in the Edgewater village:

//www.bradenton.com/2011/07/29/3382977/arrest-made-in-home-invasions.html

Meet Dick Moran, newest Lakewood Ranch supervisor

2011-12-16T13:15:00.000-08:00

Dick Moran at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall. (Photo by Jim Jones)

It was only Dick Moran's second meeting Thursday as a Community Development District 2 supervisor, serving residents of Lakewood Ranch's Country Club and Edgewater villages.

He replaced Don O'Leary in November. Big shoes. O'Leary, the "unofficial mayor of Lakewood Ranch," was known for everything from feeding the hungry to community safety, and being unafraid to butt heads when necessary.

O'Leary stepped down to fill a spot on the East Manatee Fire District Commission. Makes sense, he is a retired firefighter.

Talked to Moran earlier today, and he says O'Leary deserves the unofficial mayor title for all he does.

Look for good things from Lakewood Ranch's newest supervisor.

A native of Scranton, Pa., he has lived in the Lakewood Ranch area since 1999. He knows the area well.

Moran was one of six district residents who applied for the open seat.

He retired here after a 35 year career with the Internal Revenue Service. His final assignment was as director of the Gulf Coast District, covering Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana.

Moran has been co-chairing the district safety committee four years, and seemed reassuringly able when discussing district business Thursday.

There are a lot of big issues coming up. Remember, two homes in Edgewater village were the targets of home invasion this year. One of the ways the safety and security issue will be addressed is through improved lighting.

Another issue is what to do with Washingtonia palms? They can get so tall as to be nearly impossible to keep trimmed up.

Dick Moran wanted to be in the mix with these problems and more, and figured the best place to do that was on the supervisors' side of the dais. We wish him well.

Yet another snag over Lakewood Ranch lawncare contract

2011-12-15T11:27:00.000-08:00

Losing bidder Garden Leaders has filed a protest against three of Lakewood Ranch’s community development districts in the awarding of lawn maintenance contracts totaling $932,796.

Garden Leaders protested the request for bid process, said attorney Andy Cohen, who represents two of the districts.

At the advice of their attorneys, supervisors for District 1 (Summerfield-Riverwalk), District 4 (Greenbrook) and District 5 (Country Club), agreed to request that Hamilton “Chip” Rice, former attorney for Manatee County government, serve as special master or mediator in the dispute.

Rice’s services would be used if informal discussions between Garden Leaders, a company based in Dade County, fail to reach a resolution.

Garden Leaders has the existing contract for lawn maintenance at Lakewood Ranch. The new contract with Down to Earth Lawn Care, based in Mount Dora, is set to start Jan. 3.

The Down to Earth bid represents a savings of $259,418 a year over the old contract.

For more, see Friday's Lakewood Ranch Herald.

Jim

A Leader for Life

2011-12-13T17:24:00.000-08:00

Thuy Nguyen, right, had her family present to celebrate her success on Tuesday. Photo Jim Jones

It sounded so, well, academic:

"Mission: To enable highly motivated Take Stock in Children Scholars who have demonstrated solid leadership skills, strong moral character and academic success to excel in a university environment by providing the resources that will empower them to develop their full potential as Leaders for Life."

See what I mean?

Fortunately for me, I was able to be present to watch as 17-year-old Thuy Nguyen of Braden River High School received the Leaders for Life Fellowship.

I learned just a little of the uplifting story of how this child of Vietnamese immigrants got herself on the fast track to success and overcame huge obstacles.

There's nothing academic about that. In fact, Thuy worked extremely hard on her studies, and in the family business, paying the bills and serving as translator for her parents who speak little English.

The betting is that one day Thuy will be a doctor and will saving lives. I think that's a safe bet. For more, see Wednesday's Bradenton Herald.

Jim

Lakewood Ranch, East Manatee community emergency response teams keeps on training

2011-12-08T19:44:00.000-08:00

East Manatee Fire Rescue Lieutenant Chad Gamble instructs new Lakewood Ranch CERT
member Lucy Bricker in the proper use of a dry chemical fire extinguisher. (provided photo)

The Manatee County Department of Emergency Management sponsored a training course recently for new members of area community emergency response teams (CERT). Residents from Lakewood Ranch, Heritage Harbour and University Park participated in the training that was held over two evenings and two Saturdays.

Part of a nationwide program started by the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA, volunteer CERT teams in the county provide search and rescue and emergency first aid in response to hurricanes and other disasters until trained emergency personnel are able to reach the scene.

The November training was hosted by the Lakewood Ranch Community Emergency Response Team and held at East Manatee Fire Rescue fire stations and meeting space donated by Gold Coast Eagle Distributing. Certified instructors from East Manatee Fire Rescue, Manatee County Emergency Medical services, and Lakewood Ranch CERT conducted skills training in emergency first aid, search and rescue, fire safety and disaster preparedness.

The Lakewood Ranch CERT has almost 200 members and is one of the largest CERT organizations in the state. Heritage Harbour is one of the newest CERT programs in the county and graduated their first five members during this class.

Lakewood Ranch CERT Paramedic Nina McCabe and Manatee County Paramedic Lt. Dave Byington demonstrate backboard procedures for neck and back injuries on new CERT member Robert McCabe.

'The Journey' is just the start for activities at the Ranch

2011-12-08T09:14:00.000-08:00

'Best Friends Flock Together,' one of the works of art in "The Journey' collection.

“The Journey,” a collection of original art by the group “AWE,” Artistic Women’s Expression, is on display at the ComCenter Lakewood Ranch gallery, 9040 Town Center Parkway, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Monday-Friday through Jan. 27. The public is invited at no charge.

Should you want to meet the artists, there is a reception 5:30-7:30 p.m. today. Thursday, Dec. 8. Wine and refreshments will be served.

Also for your consideration:

1. Holidays Around the Ranch is set for 6-9 p.m. Friday at Lakewood Ranch Main Street. Look for Santa riding in on his sleigh, and the lighting of a Christmas tree.

2. Taylor Morrison invites the community to enjoy a complimentary ride in a festive horse-drawn carriage at the Esplanade Sales Center in the Summerfield Information Center, 6310 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturday. Reservations are encouraged. Drinks, snacks and holiday music will be provided. The event is free for all ages.

Information or to RSVP: 941-799-5496.

3. Come to “Rock Around the Clock Tower” at San Marco Plaza 6-10 p.m. Dec. 16 as The Platters sing “Only You.” Also set to perform are the Tucci Band featuring Dan Toler from the Allman Brothers Band performing with Louie the Lip on hamonica; and The Matthew Facciolla Band.

Tickets are $10 online at www.sanmarcoplaza.eventbrite.com or $15 at the door.

Proceeds to benefit the Humane Society of Manatee County and Dan Toller Fund for ALS.

Also planned, a classic car collection, the Budweiser beer truck, and food provided by local restaurants.

Bring your pets dressed in their holiday attire for a photo contest.

University Park Women's Club donate to the "Babies Can't Wait" campaign

2011-12-05T19:09:00.000-08:00

Anne Nellis and Kris Higgerson with donated infant care products. (provided photo)

Ann Nellis and Kris Higgerson, community outreach chairs for the University Park Women's Club, recently coordinated the collection of 701 pounds in infant care items, along with handcrafted blankets, baby clothes, and stuffed toys for need families.

The supplies were donated to The Food Bank of Manatee, along with a cash donation of more than $700.

Kickoff for Relay for Life is Mondat\y

2011-12-04T15:38:00.000-08:00

LAKEWOOD RANCH -- The American Cancer Society's Relay for Life Kickoff to a Cure is set for 6-7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec.5, at the Lakewood Ranch Visitor Information Center, 6220 University Parkway.

The event will highlight details about the upcoming relay and recognize cancer survivors and caregivers. There will also be drawings for prizes, food and more.

Teams can be registered at the event or at www.relayforlife/LakewoodRanchFL.

A commitment fee of $100 should be brought for each team to the kickoff.

RSVP to Lauren Blenker at 941-328-3776.

Donate a food item, see ‘A Christmas Story’ free

2011-12-03T07:53:00.000-08:00

Lakewood Ranch Cinemas is a convenient place to help others this holiday season. (Provided photo)

LAKEWOOD RANCH — To benefit local food banks, Lakewood Ranch Cinemas, 10715 Rodeo Drive, Lakewood Ranch, will be hosting a special showing of the 1983 holiday classic, “A Christmas Story” 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 17. Admission to the movie is free with a food donation.

Throughout December, theater goers can also participate in Lakewood Ranch Cinema’s Salvation Army angel tree, Humane Society of Lakewood Ranch pet donation tree and the “Cans” Film Festival Food Bank Tree.

Needed food donations include healthy cereals, tuna and other canned meat, pasta, rice, peanut butter, canned soups and stews, canned vegetables and fruits, macaroni and cheese, flour and sugar, nutritious children’s snacks, and 100 percent fruit juice (in cans, bottles or boxes). The food banks are also in desperate need of baby cereal, formula, baby food and diapers.

Pet donations include: Science Diet dog or cat food, metal dog or cat food bowls, paper towels, bleach, rawhide bones, cat litter, and Pedigree wet dog food.

Also in keeping with the holiday traditions, 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8, Lakewood Ranch Cinema’s is also offering pictures with Santa.

Lakewood Ranch wouldn't be the first community divided by districts

2011-12-02T02:49:00.000-08:00

We reported this week that under the Florida Senate's proposed redistricting plan, Lakewood Ranch would be divided between two senate districts.

The dividing line would be the Manatee-Sarasota county line, a line that the folks of Lakewood Ranch work across and ignore every day. It's one community, but there are some things that are different north and south of the line, including which county collects the taxes, and which supervisor of elections collects the voter registrations.

It's not uncommon for a community to be divided by senate districts. Look no further than Bradenton and Palmetto, for instance.

Rep. Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton, says the redistricting plan is not set in stone. But it will be in the near future. After all, there are state elections coming up next year and the legislature is required to finalize those lines.

All that said, here are some insightful comments on the subject from my colleague, Herald Metro Editor Marc Masferrer that he recently posted in his political blog:

New Florida constitutional requirements requiring geographically compact districts for seats in the U.S. House and Florida Legislature make it less likely that identifiable areas like Lakewood Ranch, which spans across two counties, will remain in the same district.

At least that's an early conclusion that be gathered from proposed redistricting maps released this week by the Florida Senate.

All of Lakewood Ranch would remain in the 13th Congressional District, now represented by Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Sarasota.

But the proposed map for new state Senate districts, which have much smaller populations than Congressional districts, would split Lakewood Ranch among two new districts -- the northern portion in District 21, made up of most of Manatee and parts of Hillsborough and Polk counties; and the southern portion in a District 23 made up of all of Sarasota County and part of Charlotte County.

Theoretically, the maps would make it possible for two people from Lakewood Ranch to be elected to the Florida Senate. But the more likely result is that Lakewood Ranch's influence would be diluted, diminished to the point its reach in Tallahassee would be limited.

Nothing suggests that is the intent of the mapmakers. But as lawmakers work to meet the new constitutional requirements -- new districts must be geographically compact AND protect minority voting rights -- splits like what might happen to Lakewood Ranch are possible.

Another such split in the proposed Senate map affects several predominantly minority neighborhoods in Palmetto and Bradenton, which as they are now, would remain in a Senate district that extends from Tampa in order to keep it a district likely to elect a minority senator. (The district is now represented by Sen. Arthenia Joyner, D-Tampa.)

To see what some in Lakewood Ranch think of the proposed map, read the story in Tuesday's Bradenton Herald.

Lakewood Ranch students let the sunshine in . . .

2011-12-01T09:17:00.000-08:00

Pure joy is how I would describe "Back to the '80s the Totally Awesome Musical" by Roxane Caravan's theater students at Lakewood Ranch High School.

It harkens back to the days of thrift store chic as embodied by Madonna and Cyndi Lauper, and the whacky, danceable tunes of the B-52s. (Remember Rock Lobster and Love Shack?)

Who knew the kids of today would feel a connection to these golden oldies?

Take a look at our video:

http://videos.bradenton.com/vmix_hosted_apps/p/media?id=122632781

And if you would like more information -- and how could you not? -- here's a link to our story:

http://www.bradenton.com/2011/12/01/3691849/lakewood-ranch-student-talent.html

Jim

Holiday decorating, shopping, and a whole lot more

2011-11-28T09:49:00.000-08:00

It's the busy time of the year in East Manatee, and that's on top of all the holiday baking, decorating and shopping.

Should you have openings in your calendar, consider these events:

Keep 'em locked up, or enroll them in pretrial services?
LAKEWOOD RANCH — Twelfth Judicial Court Chief Judge Andy Owens has invited state lawmakers, county commissioners, law enforcement officers and the public to a Pretrial Services Symposium to highlight the value of pretrial release programs.

The symposium will be held 8:30 a.m. Friday at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall, 8175 Lakewood Ranch Blvd.

Recent proposed state legislation has suggested limiting pretrial release programs to only indigent defendants, forcing most defendants either to pay a bail bondsman or to remain in jail at taxpayers’ expense. The average cost per day to host an inmate in jail —$71 in Sarasota, $67 in Manatee — is significantly less than the cost for a defendant to enter pretrial services programs— $3.71 a day in Sarasota, $1.91 a day in Manatee.

Information or to RSVP: 941-861-7817.

Founders’ 50 plaque unveiling set
LAKEWOOD RANCH — The Lakewood Ranch Community Fund will unveil a bronze plaque on Lakewood Ranch Main Street to recognize the Founders’ 50 donors, who have established permanent charitable funds dedicated to causes and interests that impact the Lakewood Ranch community 4 p.m. Friday.

This permanent plaque will serve as a prominent centerpiece on Main Street to honor philanthropists who support the needs of the community through the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund.

Myakka Christmas parade set for Saturday
MYAKKA CITY — The Myakka City Christmas Parade will be held 4 p.m. Saturday. Wauchula Road from Bradenton/Arcadia Road north to the Myakka City Community Center at 10060 Wauchula Road will be closed 4-5 p.m.. At the conclusion of the parade at the Myakka City Community Center the festivities will continue with food and game vendors at the park.

Film on bullying to be shown
LAKEWOOD RANCH — The Sarasota Film Society and Inspired minds have teamed up to offer a free screening of The Good Kids, a short film that addresses the serious concern of bullying. The Good Kids was created by elementary, middle, and high school students during the Inspired Minds’ Film Kids Camp, and provides a student perspective on the problem of bullying.

The screening will be held at Lakewood Ranch Cinemas at 9 a.m. Saturday. This event is open to the public.

Patrick Lay Memorial Car Show set
EAST MANATEE — Patrick Lay Memorial Car Show, hosted by the Braden River High School FFA Alumni, is set for Sunday at Braden River High School, 6545 State Road 70 E.

Registration is set for 8-10 a.m. Cost for those who pre-register is $15. For those who register the day of show, the cost is $20.

The car show is named after Spc. 4 Patrick Lay, a Braden River graduate who was killed in action in Afghanistan in August.

Planned: DJ, cars, vendors, food, and more.

All proceeds benefit BRHS FFA Alumni scholarship fund. Information: Vanessa Giamannco at 941-751-8230, ext. 2141.

Decorating party for Braden River Library set
EAST MANATEE — Friends of Braden River Library are hosting a holiday decorating party 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday. Everyone is invited for fun and refreshments. Donations of Kwanzaa, Hanukkah and Christmas decorations are welcome. Food Bank donations are also accepted.

Need a stopper for that wine bottle?

2011-11-12T16:09:00.000-08:00

Wine stoppers by Silvia Engel. (Photo by Jim Jones)

We were just at the Suncoast Food & Wine Fest at Lakewood Ranch.

Coincidentally, look for our story Monday previewing the10th annual Creative Arts Association sale and show at Lakewood Ranch 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov, 19.

Why coincidentally? you ask.

The show will have paintings and sculptures and more. Among the more, pick up a very wild, and I might say, beautiful, wine stopper made by Lakewood Ranch artist Silvia Engel. Available for not very much money.

Jim

Beautiful day for a beautiful event at Lakewood Ranch

2011-11-12T14:45:00.000-08:00

Kelli Strach of Main Street Trattoria greets Jay Goodwill at the 10th Annual Suncoast Food & Wine Fest on Saturday. (photo by Jim Jones)

For a young organization, the Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch has enjoyed phenomenal success with the Suncoast Food & Wine Fest.

The 10th annual fest today was expected to push the total raised for charity past $1 million.

Originally, the event was called Suncoast Winefestival, but the name was changed in 2009 to reflect the equal emphasis on food.

Check out a gallery of photos from the event today:

////www.bradenton.com/2011/11/12/3647240/photo-gallery-10th-annual-suncoast.html#http://media.bradenton.com/smedia/2011/11/12/17/06/1ioIKm.St.69.JPG target

Lakewood Ranch residents: Here's what your elected supervisors will be doing

2011-11-11T09:47:00.000-08:00

Next week is go-to-meeting time for Lakewood Ranch district supervisors.

Here's what's on tap:

9 a.m. Tuesday, Nov.15, agenda workshop meeting.

8 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, district supervisors have their regular monthly meetings starting at 8 a.m.

The meetings are open to the public and are at Town Hall. Want to know more? Here's what's on the agenda:

District 1 agenda (Summerfield-Riverwalk)

District 2 agenda (Country Club-Edgewater)

District 4 agenda (Greenbrook)

District 5 agenda (Country Club)

Inter-District Authority District

Job connection specialist position being created at LWR

2011-11-11T07:35:00.000-08:00

The Goodwill Foundation announced it will hire a new job connection specialist at Lakewood Ranch with the help of a $5,000 grant from the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund of the Manatee Community Foundation.

The job specialist will work one-on-one with folks who have been chronically unemployed and offer guidance and encouragement with resume writing, employment applications and job interviews.

For more on the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund grants:

http://www.bradenton.com/2010/10/16/2659052/ranch-fund-awards-55k-in-grants.html

For more on the recent opening of the Goodwill donor center:

http://www.bradenton.com/2011/11/02/3617436/new-goodwill-donation-center-opens.html

Happy Veterans Day!

2011-11-11T06:19:00.000-08:00

Pictured above, from left, retired Col. Jerry L. Hearn of the Rotary District 6960, who served two tours in Vietnam; Christopher Wenzel, student at USFSM, a 21-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force; and Ross Alander, a professor in the College of Business at USF Sarasota-Manatee, who was a combat engineer during the Vietnam War. (provided photo)

In Manatee County, the big Veterans Day event today is the Veterans’ Day parade, sponsored by the Manatee County Veterans Council starting at 10 a.m. at the Manatee County Fairgrounds in Palmetto.

The parade moves to Sutton and Lamb Park. Service is set for 11 a.m. with Brad Smith, who was held as a prisoner of war for seven years in Vietnam, as featured speaker.

The Veterans Committee at USF Sarasota-Manatee hosted their second Veterans Day Ceremony this week, honoring students, staff, faculty and community members who are veterans of the United States military.

Retired Col. Jerry Hearn of Lakewood Ranch addressed the audience at the ceremony as the keynote speaker and discussed “Honor Flights,” a project run by the Rotary District 6960 that will take 60 WWII Veterans to Washington, D.C. to view the WWII and other memorials. Honor Flights are taken at no cost to the veteran and will occur in June of 2012.

For more on this project:

http://www.bradenton.com/2011/09/25/3521920/a-special-thank-you-to-world-war.html#storylink=misearch

Council's burgers are art, too, and worth risking the war zone

2011-11-08T11:03:00.000-08:00

Dwayne Johnson was installing a new water meter in front of Council's on Tuesday. (Photo Jim Jones)

Noon today, we stopped by Village of the Arts to interview a wood sculptor who will be taking part in The Creative Arts Association 10th Annual Art Show and Sale 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Nov. 19 at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall.

The need to get a story is a powerful motivator, but so is hunger. On the way back to the newsroom we stopped by Council's Recreation Parlor, 536 12th St. W., Bradenton.

For those who have never been, Council's is a pool palace with well worn linoleum floors and lots of Florida Gator and Manatee High School football memorabilia on the walls. But the burgers, served on a napkin, are the main draw. Best in town, and like they say, they were making burgers back in the day that if someone said McDonald's, you thought they were talking about a farm.

Council's sits across the street from the historic Manatee Courthouse which is undergoing renovations. It's on a street where people come who are in trouble: lots of bail bondsmen and law offices.

The Manatee Avenue widening project has many streets in the area that are torn up or blocked off. And on top of that, the sidewalk in front of Council's has a big hole in it, where Bradenton workers are installing a new water meter and backflow preventor.

In other words, it's a war zone. To get to Council's these days, it takes courage, determination and an overwhelming burger drive.

Happy to say that in spite of the difficulties, the lunch counter was packed. Lots of courthouse workers in white shirts and ties, along with blue-collar laborers and a senior citizen or two. Ah, the power of a well-made burger!

Jim

The courthouse across the street from Council's is under renovation. (Photo Jim Jones)

Dwayne Johnson stands in a hole in front of Council's where a water meter is being installed. (Photo Jim Jones)

Charlie Brown would be proud: the Great Pumpkin decorating contest

2011-11-08T08:08:00.000-08:00

Shades of Tim Burton, Danny Elfman, the Cabbage Patch Kids and Charlie Brown.

How could anyone resist the fun of Dr. Jeff Thompson's second pumpkin decorating contest.

The second-generation Bradenton orthodontist provides and delivers pumpkins to more than 20 local dental offices.

"We wanted to do something fun, unique and get the whole dental team involved. We have one rule, which is that they cannot cut, gut or carve the pumpkin. Other than that anything goes and it’s all about imagination. It’s been amazing to see all the creativity," he said in an email to the Herald.

" Two weeks prior to Halloween each of our patients vote on which pumpkin they feel is the most creatively decorated. We’ve seen everything from a red M&M to an aquarium, a beaver to Dracula, scuba diver to Jack Sparrow and a graveyard. They’ve all been incredible," he wrote.

The grand prize winner also gets their name engraved on a traveling custom made trophy,what he calls the Stanley Cup of pumpkin decorating."

It brings the community and our local dental professionals together. Then everybody’s a winner and smiling, he said.

This year's winner: Dr. Margaret Kirkland’s office.

Check out the gallery:

http://www.bradenton.com/2011/11/07/3632915/photo-gallery-dr-jeff-thompson.html#http://media.bradenton.com/smedia/2011/11/07/23/39/6e7uR.St.69.JPG

Calling all runners to Lakewood Ranch for Veterans Day Challenge

2011-11-07T11:24:00.000-08:00

Manatee Technical Institute’s Law Enforcement Academy at Lakewood Ranch will hold its third annual 5K Veterans Day Challenge and one-mile walk on Saturday, Nov. 12. Registration is at 7 a.m.; the race starts at 7:30 a.m.

The run is scheduled in honor of all veterans. Law enforcement basic recruits will be running alongside all participants. The funds raised will help send students to state and national SkillsUSA competition.

Refreshments will be provided. The first 100 to register will receive raceT-shirts. Post-race chair massages will be available to all on a first-come, first-serve basis. Pre-registration cost is $20; registration is $25 the day of the race. A $5 discount applies to all veterans, military, police, fire rescue personnel, and students. Register online at RunSignUp.com (a $2.50 fee applies).

The race will be held at MTI East Campus, 5540 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. Information: Pat Proudler, 941-751-8479, ext. 2015, or proudlerp@manateeschools.net.

Event sponsors include On a Shoestring, Suncoast Striders Walking and Running Club, Publix, New Balance, S & R Uniforms, and Road Runners Club of America.

Brunch on the Bay a winner

2011-11-06T15:15:00.000-08:00

Rebecca Gutherz and Rick Fawley show their Bulls pride at the Brunch on the Bay event for USF Sarasota-Manatee. (photo Jim Jones)

So, this is what 1,000 folks under a circus tent look like, I thought.

It was the 18th annual Brunch on the Bay at the Powel Crosley Estate, located just to the west of USF Sarasota-Manatee on Sarasota Bay.

Impressive sight today, with folks from East Manatee to Anna Maria Island and points in between coming out for a really good meal (try lobster and flank steak before morning) and helping local students with scholarships to USF.

Among those from East Manatee I spotted were John Clarke, former CEO of Schroeder-Manatee Ranch; Anila Jain and her mother Mona; Eva Rey, executive director of the InterDistrict Authority at Lakewood Ranch; Ken and Judy Larrabee; Scott Rudacille and his wife Janae; and more.

For more, see Monday's Herald.

Jim

Got a smart phone? Get your Lakewood Ranch and East Manatee news on the go!

2011-11-03T06:44:00.000-07:00

The new generation of smart phones puts the world at your disposal.

You can tweet, check your Facebook page, get travel directions with GPS, listen to your favorite music, make a web search, video something crazy you might have just seen, or take a photo.

Did I mention that, yes, you can even make a phone call?

What the smart phone does so well is to keep you in the loop, no matter where you may be.

We invite you to check out bradenton.com throughout the day for news of our local community. It's a robust, dynamic presentation of news, sports and entertainment.

For a sample of what anyone with a smart phone might see, here's a screen grab of the mobile version of the Lakewood Ranch webpage.

Check in often, let us know what you think. And we'd love to hear your news tips and suggestions for news coverage in general.

Jim

Pincher's promises to grab you

2011-11-02T16:27:00.000-07:00

Developer Schroeder-Manatee Ranch has long sought to bring a traditional American seafood restaurant to Lakewood Ranch Main Street.

Now it has one.

Pincher’s Crab Shack, what owner Greg Phelan calls the quintessential Southwest Florida seafood restaurant, is headed to Lakewood Ranch.

It's going into this vacant space next door to Lakewood Ranch Cinemas. For more, see Thursday's Herald.

New Goodwill donation center sets up shop in Lakewood Ranch

2011-11-01T16:26:00.000-07:00

A little coaching for the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the opening of a Lakewood Ranch Goodwill donation center. (Photo by Jim Jones)

Once upon a time, Goodwill was a place where persons with disabilities and other barriers to employment went to find a job.

But with the the prolonged economic slump, there's now only one criteria to seek a job at Goodwill: to be unemployed, said The Rev. Mr. Donald L. Roberts, CEO of Goodwill Manasota.

Roberts made his remarks Tuesday at the opening of the Lakewood Ranch donation center at 9135 Town Center Parkway.

The new center is expected to take in 16,000 donations a year and to create 10 "sustainable" jobs, Roberts said.

For more, see Wednesday's Herald.

So, what's Alex Sink been up to?

2011-10-27T15:12:00.000-07:00

Alex Sink was talking up a way to chart the future with her new Florida Next Foundation. (Photo by James A. Jones Jr.)

Alex Sink, former president of Florida operations for Bank of America, said she tried to retire a decade ago.

It didn’t work out.

Since then she has served as Florida’s chief financial officer and narrowly lost a gubernatorial election to Rick Scott.

Thursday, she spoke to members of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance about her new think tank, Florida Next Foundation.

Or as Sink put it, Florida Next is a “think and do tank.”

Florida Next is dedicated to reinvigorating and re-envisioning Florida’s small business and quality of life, Sink, 63, told the audience at Polo Grill.

Sink, who now serves as a senior advisor with Tampa-based Hyde Park Capital, asked audience members to imagine a newspaper headline that said local area lands new company with 500 jobs.

An even better headline would be if 500 local small businesses announced they were each hiring one new employee, she said.

Sink said she liked the notion of trying to build on businesses already in the area, rather than trying to lure large corporations that may be chasing cheap labor, and could easily move on in a few years.

“What can’t Florida be the start-up state? Why can’t Sarasota-Manatee be a startup region?” she asked.

Local communities should tap into the mentoring talents of retirees, but should also try to stem the brain drain of local youth who go elsewhere for greater opportunity, she said.

For more, see Friday's Herald.

Help for those with Parkinson's

2011-10-26T15:02:00.000-07:00

Many of us know someone with Parkinson's.

The disorder usually leads to shaking, difficulty moving, and problems with coordination. Most frequently, it appears in men and women older than 50. But I have a friend who has been diagnosed with Parkinson's, well before 50, and can no longer drive. He is looking at retirement.

For that reason, I am passing along this press release:

The Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine Center, a member of the Manatee Healthcare System is now able to offer free land-based and aquatic Parkinson’s classes thanks to funding from the USF Parkinson’s Foundation.

The funding will cover an instructor for two classes that will meet weekly starting Tuesday, Nov. 1, at The Rehabilitation and Sports Center, 6020 State Road 70 East, in Health Park East.

The land based exercise class will meet 9:30-10:30 a.m. Tuesdays and the aquatic exercise class will meet 10-11 a.m. Thursdays.

To register for either class, contact class instructor, Kathi Sims, RN, medical exercise specialist, at (941) 351-3040. For additional questions please call Rehabilitation and Sports Center at 941-745-7559.

'A Brush With Kindness'

2011-10-24T18:49:00.000-07:00

Manatee County Habitat for Humanity’s announces the availability of funding to assist qualified homeowners in East Manatee with minor exterior home repairs as part of its new program called “A Brush with Kindness.”

Qualified recipients must own and live in the home and meet income and program guidelines. Habitat volunteers partner with homeowners in small repair projects which include painting, minor repairs to roof or siding, building ramps and repairs to windows, doors and porches.

Funding is made possible through a grant from the Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch. Applications are available on line at manateehabitat.org or by calling (941) 748-9100, ext 101.

The Corcuera women are notable achievers

2011-10-23T16:08:00.000-07:00

Project Light of Manatee received a $1,356 grant for educational materials, including English in Action student and curriculum kits. Shown above are (from left) Jeff Burkee, Luz Corcuera and Lisa Ramirez. (Photo by Jim Jones)

I have long been an admirer of Luz Corcuera, president of the Project Light literacy center in Manatee County.

Luz has worked for years to constructively and compassionately address some of the problems of undocumented workers in our community, a part of a far larger issue nationwide.

I have often gone to Luz, as have many reporters at the Herald over the years, as we worked on one story or another to do with this complex issue.

But I had never met her in person until Friday at the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund grants award ceremony at Town Hall.

Luz, a gentle soul with a wonderful heart who has done much for the betterment of our community, was there to accept a $1,356 grant for Project Light. She more than lived up to my expectations. You can get to know a person very well over the phone.

During our discussion, I mentioned that I had been in touch with Luz' daughter, Mariella Corcuera, a member of the Lakewood Ranch High School graduating class of 2001, which recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of its commencement.

Mariella is working in Europe, and was unable to attend the reunion. But she wanted to share with her classmates some of what she has been doing.

I'm pleased to offer an excerpt about the impressive young woman in Mariella's own words. I know Luz is very proud.

"I arrived at LRHS in 1999 (after everyone had been there for 1 year already) from Toronto, Canada.

"LRHS placed me into Honors classes from the beginning after reviewing my Canadian course work which was a good fit and later allowed me to take AP classes and get university credit.

"Specifically, Mrs. Carole Sicard was a great calculus teacher and I even skipped my first math course class in engineering school because I had taken her honors/AP class. She would even host tutoring sessions to better prepare us and taught us that hard math was possible to conquer. LRHS also welcomed my French and science interests with open arms allowing me to win senior awards in both subjects.

"After LRHS, I decided to go to USF in Tampa since I had moved just recently; I wasn’t ready to go anywhere too far. I got great scholarships to enroll in their Engineering School, where I majored in electrical engineering.

"I did a lot of research in the biomedical devices field and was accepted to do a REU (research experience for undergraduates) at Boston University for a summer. I was then accepted into Duke University for my master’s in engineering management on a full corporate scholarship and decided it was the perfect fit for me.

Mariella Corcuera

"The MEM degree is a mix of the sciences along with MBA and some patent law classes. It allowed me to obtain my first job in 2006, a Rotational Leadership Development program in a satellite company that was looking for someone from the technical arena who was business savvy.

"The Rotational Program allowed me to rotate through various departments within the company and provided me with the opportunity to complete one international rotation in Europe. After my rotation in Europe, it was clear to me and my company that the Product Management team was the best fit for me.

"I’ve been working in this team since 2008 and focus on Reception System Technology. It’s a combination of technical and business which goes along what I always wanted to do.

"Living in Europe is amazing and I hope that I’ll be lucky enough to live here and experience its beauty forever. I’ll always hold Bradenton/Sarasota close to my heart because it’s where my family resides and it is a great place to go on vacation to a couple of times a year - the beaches are beautiful!"

Bob and Billie Delaney named Humanitarians of the Year

2011-10-21T16:26:00.000-07:00

Bob and Billie Delaney with the John A. Clarke Humanitarian of the Year Award. (Photo by James A. Jones Jr.)

Bob and Billie Delaney became the second couple to be named John A. Clarke Humanitarians of the Year by the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund on Friday.

Bob Delaney, former undercover police investigator, NBA referee, and author, may be the famous one, but he said he couldn’t do what he does without the full participation and support of his wife Billie.

In accepting the award, named after the first recipient, the former president and CEO of Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, Bob Delaney talked about the service and sacrifice of members of the American armed forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. He has visited those troops several times in the war zones and in the military hospital in Germany where many go to recover from wounds.

The willingness of those Americans to serve their country offers an example in how to serve and sacrifice for others, he said.

Check out our gallery of photos:

http://www.bradenton.com/2011/10/21/3588987/photo-gallery-lakewood-ranch-community.html#http://media.bradenton.com/smedia/2011/10/21/19/52/aeorJ.St.69.jpg

For more see Saturday's Herald.

Jim

Ranch looking for emergency volunteers

2011-10-21T07:55:00.000-07:00

A training session for emergency volunteers at Lakewood Ranch.. (provided photo)

LAKEWOOD RANCH — Knock on wood, our community has been fortunate the last few hurricane season.

We've not seen anything recently like the menace of 2004-2005.

That said, the Lakewood Ranch Community Emergency Response Team is seeking members to join neighborhood search and rescue teams.

There is a new 4-session training class is set for Nov. 3 at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall. The class will cover emergency first aid, family disaster protection, fire safety and search and rescue skills. The training will be conducted by instructors from East Manatee Fire Rescue, Manatee County Paramedics, and Lakewood Ranch CERT trainers.

The organization currently has 185 trained volunteers on 27 teams, but needs additional members to reach its goal of a team in every Lakewood Ranch neighborhood.

Membership is open to Lakewood Ranch residents who are interested in learning valuable skills to help their families and their neighbors in times of emergencies. The training and emergency equipment are provided at no cost.

To register for the course, or for more information, email lwr.cert@gmail.com.

New county parks set to open in East Manatee

2011-10-18T15:09:00.000-07:00

Four generations Tom Bennett's family are shown in this 2005 photo: (from left) Rick Bennett, Andrew Bennett, Tom Bennett and Richard Bennett. (provided photo)

In the next few months, two long anticipated county parks in East Manatee are set to open to the public.

The first phase of the 175-acre Tom Bennett regional park at Interstate 75 and Kay Road is scheduled to open 9 a.m. Nov. 12, Cindy Turner, director of Manatee County Parks and Recreation, said Tuesday.

About two months later, a 25-acre park at 7110 44th Ave. E., north of Creekwood, is expected to open, Turner said.

Tom Bennett and Creekwood will be the most significant parks to open in East Manatee since Jiggs Landing, 6106 63rd St. E., last December.

For more, see Wednesday's Herald.

Jim

Visiting with the lemurs at Myakka

2011-10-07T14:10:00.000-07:00

Baby lemur hitches a ride with mother. (Herald photo)

We were recently invited to visit the Myakka Lemur Preserve and brought this photo back.

Want to know more? Check out our story from April:

//www.bradenton.com/2011/04/04/3084399/lemur-colony-growing-at-myakka.html

Harvest Methodist pitches in to fight child hunger

2011-10-07T12:09:00.000-07:00

TIFFANY TOMPKINS-CONDIE/ttompkins@bradenton.com
Nancy Reed, Misty Pope, Ron Reed and Pat Smucker of Harvest United Methodist Church fill grocery sacks with nutritious snacks for their pack-a-sack ministry to help children in need at Samoset Elementary School.

Harvest United Methodist Church and Samoset Elementary School are nearly 14 miles apart.

The church, with its 1,200 members, is located at 14305 Covenant Way, next door to Lakewood Ranch Country Club.

The school is at 3300 19th St. E., in a struggling neighborhood, where 95 percent of the children are on free or reduced lunch.

You could say they are worlds apart.

Late last year, Harvest members learned that too many of the Samoset students arrive at school hungry. Some are technically homeless.

Volunteers pitched in to start a pack-a-sack ministry to slip a little extra food discretely into the backpacks of 60 to 80 children on Friday to help tide them over on weekends.

For more, see Saturday's Herald.

Wine tasting to benefit fight against breast cancer

2011-10-06T10:04:00.001-07:00

Winestyles Lakewood Ranch staff member Kathy Jones, a Breast Cancer survivor, and her husband Bucky, a member of "Team Inspiration." (provided photo)

LAKEWOOD RANCH — WineStyles, 8225 Nature’s Way, Suite 111, in Lakewood Ranch’s San Marco Plaza, is set to hold a special Komen fundraising wine tasting event 6-8 p.m. Oct. 14.

The cost to attend the event is $10 at the door and includes the wine tasting, appetizers, a $5 off purchase from WineStyles, and one raffle ticket to win various prizes.

Proceeds from the event will support “Team Inspiration” that is participating in the 3-day walk for the cure of breast cancer in Tampa. For more information or to purchase your ticket: (941) 306-5804.

Are you ready for a little youth football (and a blood drive)?

2011-10-06T09:50:00.001-07:00

LAKEWOOD RANCH — The Manatee Bulls Youth Sports Association is having a blood drive 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Saturday at the Lakewood Ranch High School football stadium, 5500 Lakewood Ranch Blvd.

Donors will receive a free Bulls T-shirt, cholesterol screening, a buy-one get-one voucher to the Museum of Science and Industry, and a hot dog.

Admission and all activities are free. Football games begin at 9 a.m.

Activities include a bounce house, dunk tank, face painting, concessions and raffles throughout the day.

Information: Korey Waters at (941) 302-0474, koreywsr@yahoo.com or www.manateebulls.org

Upscale mall project on University Parkway gets back on track

2011-10-05T16:11:00.000-07:00

Benderson Development Co. has turned bullish on prospects for its proposed upscale mall on the Manatee-Sarasota county line. Shown above is the Benderson buffalo, outside its headquarters in southern Manatee County. (Photo James A. Jones Jr.)

Benderson Development Co. plans to restart its upscale University Town Center mall project as early as spring.

The proposed two-level mall was originally conceived to include companies such as Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Macy’s at the southeast corner of Interstate 75 and University Parkway.

Benderson had all its approvals in hand and was anticipating a 2010 opening when the national economy tanked.

Those plans, and construction, were put on hold in December 2008.

Benderson now hopes to complete construction of the mall by 2014, said Paul Blackketter, the company’s executive director of planning.

A key component of the mall will be neighboring Nathan Benderson Park and its rowing facility. Benderson is working with Manatee and Sarasota county governments to bring national and international rowing events to the area, hosting thousands of visitors and athletes.

For more, see Thursday's Herald.

Tickets go on sale for a really good time to benefit charity

2011-10-05T11:59:00.000-07:00

Herald file photo - Ashley Wagner (left) of Johnson Brothers Liquor Co. pours wine for Renee Flansburg during the 9th Annual Suncoast Food & Wine Fest at Lakewood Ranch last year. The annual event raised more than $100,000 for charity

LAKEWOOD RANCH -- The ninth annual SunCoast Food & Wine Fest, sponsored by the Lakewood Ranch Rotary Club, is set for the Sarasota Polo Grounds from 1 to 4 p.m. Nov. 12.

This event will feature more than 300 American and international wines for tasting, specialty foods from more than 35 of the area’s finest restaurants, cooking demonstrations by well-known area chefs, live entertainment by two bands, a silent auction that includes a seven-day catamaran cruise for two to the eastern Caribbean, a six-day African safari for two, seven days in the Bahamas in an executive house and more.

Tickets are $60 a person and must be purchased in advance. Everyone will receive a goodie bag filled with all sorts of items, including a signature wine glass. Parking is free.

All net proceeds will be distributed to local charities through a grant process. To date, the Lakewood Ranch Rotary Club has donated $800,000 to nonprofit organizations in Manatee and Sarasota counties.
Information: www.suncoastfoodandwinefest.com or (941) 870-0002.

For more photos from last year's event, visit:

//www.bradenton.com/2010/11/14/2736657/suncoast-food-wine-fest-at-lakewood.html

It'll be Rangeland Parkway

2011-10-04T08:27:00.000-07:00

A sign soon to change. (Herald photo)

There was high drama for a few years about the proposed ice hockey rink and multipurpose entertainment complex at Lakewood Ranch.

DVA Sports, the developer, moved the franchise here from Columbus, Ga., and spent millions before running out of money.

After plenty of legal wrangling, developer Schroeder-Manatee Ranch reclaimed the land and knocked down the unsafe walls of the stillborn arena.

When it was all over, there remained a Center Ice Parkway. It might seemed strange to someone who didn't know the history of the place to see such a name out in the middle of what had been farmland.

This week it was announced that Taylor Morrison's Esplanade, a active lifestyle community, is going into the area at Pope Road and Center Ice Parkway.

The old name obviously no longer works and it will become Rangeland Parkway.

In case you missed the story, follow this link:

//www.bradenton.com/2011/10/04/3544609/esplanade-community-planned-at.html

More to say about Lakewood Ranch's first grads

2011-10-04T08:10:00.000-07:00

Ten years ago, the first class at Lakewood Ranch High School graduated. (Herald file photo)

Congratulations to the very first class at Lakewood Ranch High School which is celebrating the 10th anniversary of their graduation with a reunion this week.

A heart-warming aspect of this story is how the class has maintained its bonds of friendship with Southeast High School students. Before there was a Lakewood Ranch High School, most of the students from East Manatee attended Southeast. Many of the students were friends from elementary school on, and only split off as 10th graders.

After the story was published Sunday, we heard from several notables. With their permission are their comments:

Roy Larson, the first principal of Lakewood Ranch, now retired, emailed to say:

"You captured the essence of LRHS and accurately conveyed that 'pioneer spirit' to your audience. Both the exceptional staff and student body embraced the challenge of 'opening' a new school. We are all stronger because of that experience and meeting those challenges; the spirit of that staff and those students flourishes at Lakewood Ranch High School today."

We also heard from Mariella Corcuera now working in Europe. While Mariella won't be able to attend the reunion, she says her experiences at Lakewood Ranch prepared her to take her place in the modern and turbulent world.

"After LRHS, I went to USF for electrical engineering on a full scholarship, then did my Master's degree at Duke University (again on a full ride). I currently work for the biggest European satellite company in the world within the Reception Systems group. I transferred over to Europe (from Princeton, N.J.) when the recession hit in the U.S. as it would be a more secure job, and also because you can never go wrong with some international experience."

If you missed the story, take a look:

//www.bradenton.com/2011/10/02/3539835/first-mustang-graduates-left-lasting.htm

Bust that stress, and check out a few others things, too

2011-09-28T13:39:00.001-07:00

They will check your feet, your veins, your spine and more at the Lakewood Ranch Activities Health and Wellness Expo.

The expo, which has been around as long as Lakewood Ranch Medical Center — seven years — returns 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Saturday.

It’s always a magnet for folks wanting the tips on health and fitness, free screenings, freebies in general, and a dab or two of advice.

About 50 tables will be staffed by local healthcare and fitness providers in the main lobby of the hospital and admission is free of charge, said Lori Basilone, community activities manager.

For the first time, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office will be taking part to accept expired or unneeded prescription medication — pills or tablets only.

In addition, at the next table the pharmacy school from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine will offer advice on how to properly dispose of pharmaceuticals, Basilone said.

Expo attendees might also want to take the opportunity to get a stress-busting massage, have their blood pressure checked, or get a flu shot.

For more, see Thursday's Lakewood Ranch Herald.

Because they are so darn cute . . .

2011-09-28T13:11:00.000-07:00

Second graders Zoe Polivchak (left) and Haley Dragon. (provided photo)

Preschoolers Jordon Hutson (left) and Drew Franks. (provided photo)

Here are photos from the recent Braden River Elementary School sock hop which rewarded good citizenship.

They made us smile, and we thought they might brighten your day, too.

Pre-k student Alyssa Youssef. (provided photo)

Third graders Samantha Pondillo (front) and (back) Krystal Troha and Kyla Swales. Provided photo)

Super Bowl champion Ryan Nece plans Ranch appearance

2011-09-27T20:20:00.000-07:00

Ryan Nece (56) during his playing days with the Tampa Bay Bucs. (Herald file photo)

The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance will be hosting Ryan Nece, member of the Super bowl XXXVII champion Tampa Bay Bucs, at their Breakfast of Champion Series 7:30-9 a.m. Oct. 12 at the Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club.

Nece was a four-year starter on defense and special teams contributor as well.

Nece founded the Ryan Nece Foundation and has helped to develop foundation programs that strive to promote volunteerism, health and wellness and character development among young people.

The cost of this breakfast event is $20 for members, $30 for non-members. Networking is set for 7:30-8 a.m. prior to the program.

For more about Ryan Nece, check out his website:

//www.ryannece.com/

Pittsburgh Pirates step up to bat for Payton Wright

2011-09-27T19:37:00.000-07:00

Payton Wright at age 4.

The Pittsburgh Pirates will host a “Make a Difference” Celebrity/Corporate Softball Challenge and Family Fun Day on Nov. 19 at PirateCity, 1701 27th Street E., Bradenton.

The all-day event will raise funds and support for The Payton Wright Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to fighting pediatric brain cancer. All local companies are invited to participate, with corporate sponsorships ranging from $2,000 to $3,000 for a team of 12 to 15 players.

The 18-team, round-robin softball tournament will include celebrities and baseball ringers who will be announced at a later date and will be assigned to play with each of the teams.

Families can get involved and support this cause by attending the softball tournament and participating in Family Fun Day activities for $25 per adult, free for kids 12 and under.

Family Fun Day passes include food and beverages, face painting, a Pirates fun house and fast pitch, Mixon Fruit Farm’s hitting inflatable and the opportunity to get autographs of Pittsburgh Pirates players. The Family Fun Day takes place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with softball games starting at 8:30 a.m.

Companies can name their team and design their own baseball jersey. The Pirates will provide hats for each team, along with gift bags and free food and beverage passes for each player. Sign up your team at www.PaytonWright.org, or contact Holly Wright at holly@paytonwright.org or 941-228-4886.

The Payton Wright Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 2008 by Patrick and Holly Wright in memory of their daughter, Payton, who passed away at the age of 5 from brain cancer.

Headquartered in Lakewood Ranch, The Payton Wright Foundation is committed to raising awareness and funds for pediatric brain cancer research, helping families who have a child with brain cancer, and supporting organizations tied to cancer research and care. For more information, visit PaytonWright.org.

New to Lakewood Ranch?

2011-09-26T15:13:00.001-07:00

An orientation for new residents of Lakewood Ranch is set for 4-6 p.m. Oct. 12 at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall.

The informational program is designed to educate residents regarding the roles and responsibilities of Lakewood Ranch Town Hall to include the Inter-District Authority, the community development districts, and the homeowners’ associations. Residents will learn about their local governmental structure and how each of these agencies work together.

Attendance is open to any Lakewood Ranch resident interested in the program but seating is limited. RSVP by 5 p.m. Oct. 5 to Kay DePaolo at (941) 907-0202 or via e-mail at kay.depaolo@lwrtownhall.com.

Any damage out your way?

2011-09-23T09:52:00.000-07:00

Large trees were felled by high winds at Christian Retreat today. (Herald photo by Jim Jones)

High winds hit Christian Retreat about 5:05 p.m. Thursday, knocking down numerous trees, including one that fell on a mobile home.

The wind also ripped off a roof awning over a second-story patio space at the Christian Retreat hotel.

Volunteers were at work this morning with chainsaws cleaning up the debris at Christian Retreat, 1200 Glory Way Blvd., off Upper Manatee River Road.

Pastor Phil Derstine said there were no injuries.

Several persons saw what they believed to be a tornado approaching from over the Manatee River and watched it pick up lawn chairs in front of the hotel, Derstine said.

"They saw them go twirling up into the air, and decided they need to get away from the plate glass window where they were standing," he said.

Call us if you saw any damage from high winds out your way at (941) 745-7021.

'Super' news from East Manatee

2011-09-21T06:26:00.000-07:00

Just in case you missed them, there's 'super' news at www.bradenton.com and in the Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch Herald.

No. 1, a super-sized church in Branson, Mo., has bought up $6.2 million worth of property in Lakewood Ranch.

Here's the link:

://www.bradenton.com/2011/09/21/3511630/missouri-mega-church-spending.html

No. 2, there's a Walmart supercenter coming to East Manatee with a 2012 opening. It's expected to add 300 jobs. The link:

//www.bradenton.com/2011/09/21/3511609/walmart-plans-to-open-store-in.html

Air Force Association members gather at Lakewood Ranch

2011-09-19T15:00:00.000-07:00

Three generations of Air Force experience gathered to celebrate the Air Force's 64th Anniversary: (left to right) retired Senior Master Sgt. Hal Millett, who was a ball turret gunner in B-17s during WW II, retired Col. Mike Richardson, a Vietnam-era weapons system officer in the B-57G and OV-10A, and Col. Dave Pavey, a veteran of the Iraqi campaign who flys KC-135s as the commander of the 927th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill AFB. (provided photo)

Mike Richardson reports that the Air Force Association met at Lakewood Ranch on Sunday at the Polo Grill and Bar to celebrate the 64th anniversary of the United States Air Force.

It was the initial gathering of members of a proposed Sarasota – Manatee chapter of the Air Force Association.

“The Air Force Association has over 330 members in the two-county area. Today’s event was our first attempt to bring them together to organize a local chapter and the turnout was more than I had hoped,” Richardson said in a press release.

Col. David Pavey, commander of the 927 Air Refueling Wing – a unit of the Air Force Reserve at MacDill Air Force Base -- dropped in to the meeting after completing his unit’s training weekend to show his support for the start up chapter.

In response to a request from the group, he discussed the mission of his organization, the increasingly important role the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard play in Air Force operations and emphasized how local support from groups like the AFA is critical to the Air Force.

Position opening on Ranch supervisors board

2011-09-16T16:06:00.001-07:00

LAKEWOOD RANCH – Résumés are now being accepted from interested residents who live in Country Club or Edgewater villages for a vacancy on Lakewood Ranch Community Development District 2 Board of Supervisors.

The position is coming open with the resignation Thursday of long-time district supervisor Don O’Leary. O’Leary is leaving the post to accept an appointment as fire commissioner for East Manatee Fire Rescue District.

O’Leary’s resignation becomes effective Oct. 1.

All résumés will become public record. Candidates must be a resident of District 2. If selected to serve as a member of the District 2 Board of Supervisors, the successful candidate will be obligated to follow applicable laws regarding Government-in-the-Sunshine, Code of Ethics for Public Officers, and Public Records disclosure.

The deadline for submitting a résumé for this vacancy is 5 p.m., Oct. 12. Résumés may be mailed or hand delivered to Lakewood Ranch Town Hall, Attn.: Eva M. Rey, executive director, 8175 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202.

A new job for 'unofficial mayor of Lakewood Ranch

2011-09-15T14:58:00.001-07:00

Don O'Leary is also known for his support for seniors and feeding the hungry. (Herald file photo)

Toward the end of Thursday’s Community Development District 2 meeting, Don O’Leary, handed chairman Bob Stepleman a letter in a white envelope and announced he will resign from his position as a district supervisor.

O’Leary, often called the “unofficial mayor of Lakewood Ranch, is a long-time supervisor for the district serving Country Club-Edgewater. His last day in that capacity will be Oct. 1.

He is trading that job for one as commissioner for the East Manatee Fire Rescue District later this month.
“I was appointed Monday night,” O’Leary said. “It’s a good move for me. I wanted this position and it’s time for change.”

O’Leary said that new faces on the community development district will be beneficial.

“It’s time for new faces and changes,” he said. “I’ve been on the CDD board for eight years.”

O’Leary is filling the position of Glenn Davis who died in August at 63 after a long illness at Blake Medical Center.

For more, see Friday's Lakewood Ranch Herald.

-- Paradise Afshar

A river runs through it

2011-09-14T14:47:00.000-07:00

The Braden River. (Herald file photo)

East Manatee residents are particular about their rivers. The Manatee River, Braden River and the Myakka River make this river country, for sure.

The Old Braden River Historical Society has a day planned to cleanup the Braden River, a meandering waterway that shares its names with schools, churches and more, 9 a.m. - noon Sept. 24.

Registration will be at 8:30 a.m. at Linger Lodge. Boats will launch from Linger Lodge to clean the upper river and then return to Linger Lodge for lunch.

In past years, the launch site was nearby Jiggs Landing.

Participants are invited to bring their own kayak or canoe. There are a few available for loan.

Information: Bill Halstead at (941) 920-0884. More information: www.oldbradenriver.org.

Nathan Carr honored as Ranch Rotarian of the year

2011-09-13T10:55:00.000-07:00

Nathan Carr (provided photo)

This past year, Nathan Carr spearheaded the Lakewood Ranch Rotary Club's playground project at Manatee Glens, delivered full food barrels to the Food Bank of Manatee in August, and volunteered to use his truck to pull the Rotary float in the Memorial Day Parade.

For all that, he was recently named the club's Rotarian of the Year.

He is a project manager for Willis A. Smith Construction, Inc.

The award was presented by the club’s immediate past chair, Toni Milholland.

“Nathan is an outstanding young man. He is an excellent director, who is supportive and goes beyond what is expected. The most wonderful part about Nathan is that he always does whatever is needed with a smile,” said Milholland in a press release.

Carr is in his third year as a Rotarian.

Lakewood Ranch districts seek to have lawsuit tossed

2011-09-13T10:47:00.000-07:00

Supervisors at Lakewood Ranch are continuing to deal with the fallout of a lawsuit alleging a Sunshine Law violation that threw a monkey wrench into the bid process for a landscape maintenance contract.

Last month, supervisors agreed to throw out all the bids for a three-year contract and start over after Garden Leaders, the company that currently has the contract, filed the lawsuit.

The Garden Leaders’ complaint revolves around Town Hall staff members who ranked bids prior to presentation to supervisors.

Tuesday, during an agenda workshop meeting at Town Hall, Inter-District Authority attorney Scott Rudacille advised that a motion has been filed to dismiss the Garden Leaders lawsuit.

He offered no forecast on when a ruling might be forthcoming on the motion.

For more, see Wednesday's Lakewood Ranch Herald.

For previous coverage, see:

//www.bradenton.com/2011/08/31/3456835/lwr-supervisors-agree-to-rebid.html

4 sports, one big old field of green

2011-09-12T15:03:00.001-07:00

LAKEWOOD RANCH — The Premier Sports Campus will be hosting soccer, rugby, Frisbee and football this weekend.

The U.S. National U17 boys soccer team will play two exhibition games against the Clearwater Chargers on Saturday.

“These are the best young soccer players in America,” said Tim Mulqueen, Lakewood Ranch’s director of sports, in a press release from Schroeder-Manatee Ranch.

There are about 40 players on the U.S. National team, from all over the country. They will split up to play two games — one at 10 a.m. on Saturday against the Clearwater Chargers U16 team and one at noon on Saturday against the Chargers U18 team. These games are free and open to the public.

Three other sports will take place simultaneously this weekend. A rugby 10’s tournament will start on Saturday and continue on Sunday. This world cup rugby event, hosted by the Sarasota Saracens rugby team, will bring in 20-30 elite rugby teams from around the state to compete and will run from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days.

The Ultimate Frisbee world championships will also take place Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and the YMCA football league will be playing regular league games all weekend as well.

The last major event at the campus was the Labor Day soccer tournament, which brought in approximately 19,000 amateur athletes and fans, generating more than $8 million in economic impact to the region.

Growing up after 9/11

2011-09-09T15:47:00.000-07:00

Herald reporter Paradise Afshar

People always talk about the big moments from their childhood that made them feel like an adult.

For me, that happened when I was in the eighth grade in Weston, Fla., during the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. I was only 12 years old, and looking back that was the day that made me grow up quickly.

Being of Iranian descent, I had to quickly become an expert on the Middle East to answer all the questions I was getting from other students following the attacks. I had to know about Islam and its teachings, when I was still learning myself.

I remember I was asked everything from "why did this happen?" as if I knew, to "do you think they will send you to an interment camp?"

I never realized how much the event impacted my life until today. I was reporting on a luncheon for first responders at R. Dan Nolan Middle School in Lakewood Ranch and it hit me, a decade ago I was about the same age and grade as these students.

Nolan history teacher Diane Blevins-Vestrand told me that back in 2001 she had her eighth-graders write down their emotions in a journal entry. She was nice enough to invite me to her classroom to look at the letters.

As I read them, all the emotions I experienced then came pouring back. The journal entries expressed every ounce of fear, anger and confusion students felt when they first heard of the attacks.

"All that was going through my mind was 'oh my gosh we're going to die," said one student in her entry. She went on to write how she wanted justice for the victims.Yet, you could sense her feeling of helplessness. She wanted results, she wanted an end to terrorism, something we all want today.

When class started, Blevins-Vestrand read that entry to her eighth-graders, and began to explain to them what happened on 9/11. Since I covered another 9/11 event this week, I recounted to them the story of a man who was in a stairwell on the 10th floor of the South Tower when it was struck. I explained how in the chaos a maintenance worker held the door open for him and others as they walked out of the building, an example of the unity people felt that day.

Blevins-Vestrand and I also explained how great the firefighters, law enforcement officers and even the journalists were that day, going about their business to save lives and to capture the moment.

The students were asked to write down their emotions on the 10th anniversary of the attacks. I have no idea what they wrote or how the day hit them, but I hope whatever they wrote will be filled with less fear and uncertainty than the entries Blevins-Vestrand's students or I would have written a decade ago.

-- Paradise Afshar

Buchanan to Deliver 9/11 remarks at Lakewood Ranch

2011-09-09T10:41:00.000-07:00

Vern Buchanan (Herald file photo)

Rep. Vern Buchanan's office announced today that the Sarasota Republican will be delivering opening remarks at the Lakewood Ranch 9/11 ceremony 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10.

The observance is set for the Premier Sports Campus, 5895 Post Boulevard, near the Lakewood Ranch Post Office.

Wear your red, white and blue as the community pays its respects to the victims of 9/11.

For a complete schedule of events, read our East Word blog posting from Thursday.

Final accounting from the big Labor Day soccer tourney

2011-09-08T13:18:00.000-07:00

Youth soccer play from the Labor Day weekend at Lakewood Ranch. (Photo by Paul Videla)

Here are some numbers for you from the Labor Day Nike Cup Soccer Tournament at Lakewood Ranch.

In all, 19,000 amateur athletes and their families generated more than $8 million in economic impact to the region, according to a press release from Schroeder-Manatee Ranch.

“Business owners from Dunkin Donuts to Subway sandwich shop to Starbucks and Publix have all commented about how busy they were because of soccer players and their families over the weekend,” Tim Mulqueen, sports director at Lakewood Ranch, said in the press release.

For more, see Friday's Lakewood Ranch Herald.

A last hooray for Tribute to Heroes Luncheon

2011-09-08T11:00:00.000-07:00

The determination to “never forget” the deadliest attack on U.S. soil is reflected in annual observances at the Emergency Services Memorial in Bradenton's Rossi Park, nondenominational prayer services, school programs, and more.

But the annual Tribute to Heroes Luncheon Friday, Sept. 9, to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, will likely be the last.

Tickets are still available by the individual seat and by the table to the event that starts at 11:30 a.m. at Bradenton Municipal Auditorium, 1005 Barcarrota Blvd.

“We want everybody who wants to pay a tribute to those in the emergency services to attend. It’s open to the public,” said Rhoda D’Ambra, fire inspector for the Bradenton Fire Department, and a member of the Manatee County Fire Chief’s Association 9/11 coordinating committee.

“We started this luncheon because people in the community wanted to get together and express their feelings in a different way,” she said.

Coordinating committee members decided that the 10th anniversary luncheon will be the last, however, even though the observance at the Rossi Park memorial and elsewhere will continue, she said.

Tickets are $30 each and can be purchased from the Manatee Chamber of Commerce, 222 10th St., W., or by calling Cheryl Richert at 748-4842, ext. 115.

Lakewood Ranch Remembers 9/11

Lakewood Ranch has a powerful 9/11 observance planned for Saturday. Here's the full schedule at Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch as provided by Lori Basilone, Ranch community activities manager:

5 p.m. - Welcome by emcee Bob Harrigan.

5:10 p.m. - Opening comments.

5:35 p.m. - Braden River Elementary School – music program leads the Pledge of Allegiance, and "The Star Spangled Banner," with Levi Waxler signing.

5:50 p.m. - Essay winners for grades 3-5 read their papers.

6 p.m. “Kissed by a Hero.”

6:15 p.m.- Middle school essay winner reads paper.

6:30 p.m. - “Proud to be an American”

6:45 p.m. - Resident Dan Barion- reflects on the actual day in NYC.

7:15 p.m.- Lakewood Ranch High School Band plays patriotic songs.

7:30 p.m. - High school essay winner reads paper.

7:45 p.m. Moment of silence; prayer to remember

· Field of flags

· Taps

7:50 p.m. - Dedicate the flag pole- Manatee County Sheriff's Office Honor Guard ceremony to raise the flag.

7:55 p.m.- “God Bless America,” Levi Waxler to sign.

8: p.m. - Retired NYC firefighters present a wreath.

8:10 p.m. - Bag pipes play and lead silent procession of emergency vehicles.

· Fly over

· Event concludes.

For more, see Friday's Bradenton Herald and Lakewood Ranch Herald.

Got a soccer kid in the house? This news is for you

2011-09-07T11:11:00.000-07:00

The Lakewood Ranch/Clearwater Chargers have announced the 2011 fall recreational soccer program for children ages 4-18.

For the 4- and 5-year-olds, teams will meet every 9:15-10:15 a.m. Saturday mornings, beginning Oct. 1, at Premier Soccer Campus fields.

Cost: $80 for this 10-week program.

For children ages 6 - 18, teams will train one night each week beginning the week of Sept. 19. The emphasis will be on shooting/finishing, midfield passing skills, defending and goalkeeping. These sessions will be held at the Premier Soccer Campus from 6 to 7:15 p.m.

Cost for this 10-week program: $135.

To register, visit www.clearwaterchargers.com.

For more on the massive soccer tourney over the Labor Day weekend, visit:

//www.bradenton.com/2011/09/05/3468327/lwrs-mini-woodstock-massive-soccer.html

Manatee County memorial to 9/11 unveiled

2011-09-03T09:03:00.000-07:00

Now it’s hallowed ground.

The entrance to Southern Manatee Fire and Rescue District took on solemn significance today with the unveiling of a memorial to the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States.

Crafted from a 12-foot, two-ton I beam salvaged from ground zero at the World Trade Center, and more than a year in the works, the memorial has elements representing the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and Shanksville, Pa.

The memorial is located at 2451 Trailmate Drive East.

The dedication launches a week of observances around the county on the 10th anniversary of the attacks.

For more, see Sunday's Bradenton Herald and Lakewood Ranch Herald.

A whole lot of temptation

2011-09-02T19:15:00.000-07:00

Pastries by Design moved into Lakewood Ranch Main Street this week, with its magical, sweet things from the oven.

They're magical because they taste so good, and because they are so artistically and creatively made.

For more, read Saturday's Herald. And even better, stop by and see for yourself.

Also, you can take a look at our previous story from several months ago talking about the move.

//www.bradenton.com/2011/06/08/3256800/pastries-by-design-to-relocate.html

They're here...

2011-09-02T17:14:00.000-07:00

Families register for the tourney Friday night at the Holiday Inn Lakewood Ranch. (Photo James A. Jones Jr.)

Hundreds of soccer families swarmed into Manatee County Friday night for this weekend’s three-day Labor Day Nike Cup soccer tournament, hosted by The Clearwater Chargers and Fusion Futbol Club at Premier Sports Campus.

The tournament, Sept. 3-5, will make the 30 fields east of Lorraine Road and north of State Road 70 some of the most densely populated terrain in Manatee County.

The public is invited. For more, see Thursday's story, and read Saturday's Herald.

//www.bradenton.com/2011/09/01/3460320/a-soccer-boot.html

What is this mysterious thing of beauty?

2011-09-01T17:05:00.000-07:00

It looks a little like one of those photographs from deep space captured by the Hubble space telescope.

A strange, new world, perhaps?

Maybe it's a photograph inside a volcano crater with molten lava bubbling up at night.

Or possibly an image captured by an electron microscope of some very small bit of matter blown up very large.

Actually, it's none of the above, but in its own way, it's just as mysterious and interesting.

It's a portion of the surface of the wine bar at Viking Culinary Center. It's fashioned from polished slices of stalagmite, a cave formation made over eons through the dripping of water. The glow comes from lighting underneath.

You can get a closer look 6-9 p.m. Friday at an open house at the new business on Main Street at Lakewood Ranch. There is a $10 fee, but you get a tour, cooking demonstration and something tasty to eat.

There's been a lot of buzz about Viking.

Friday is also Music on Main at Lakewood Ranch. Goodbye Eddie will be performing. And there will be a couple of new businesses on the street to check out: Pastries by Design and Athletic Edge.

For more on Viking Culinary Center, see Friday's Lakewood Ranch Herald. It sounds like this will be a fun place to visit.

Straw poll results put Lakewood Ranch cityhood quest back on the shelf

2011-08-29T12:23:00.001-07:00

Jo Anne Dain, Keith Davey and Tom Thomaides lead the quest for incorporation of Lakewood Ranch. (Herald file photo)

LAKEWOOD RANCH -- More than half those who took part in a straw poll on cityhood for Lakewood Ranch opposed incorporation.

The final count submitted to members of the Manatee and Sarasota county legislative delegations showed that 2,349 of 4,154 who voted -- 56.5 percent -- opposed incorporation, according to Kerkering, Barberio & Co., Certified Public Accountants, in a press release this afternoon.

Favoring cityhood were 1,805 voters, or 43.5 percent of voters.

Less than half the 11,961 ballots mailed Aug. 1 were returned to Kerkering, Barberio by the deadline of Aug. 22.

"From the beginning of the incorporation process, our mission was to determine if incorporation was financially feasible and to educate Lakewood Ranch residents about the issue," said Keith Davey of the Lakewood Ranch Incorporation Study Group.

"We have at all times used facts as the basis of our communication process and hoped that residents would see the opportunities in becoming a city and choose this path," Davey said in a statement released after the straw poll results were made public.

"It is clear that the majority of voters participating in the straw poll believe that the time is not right for incorporation. While we are disappointed in the results of the poll, we are at the same time proud that we were able to get a very important discussion started which engaged thousands of residents in the process," Davey said.

Rob Lane, managing partner at Kerkering, Barberio, said his firm was very satisfied with the process.

"We did receive about 200 inquires from residents who had issues with not receiving ballots. Upon analysis, some were not registered voters in Lakewood Ranch, some did not receive forwarded mail and some simply did not receive a ballot. As members of the Lakewood Ranch Community, we have been pleased to provide our independent services to this very important issue," said Lane in a press release.

The Lakewood Ranch Incorporation Study Group will, as promised, be putting its efforts "on the shelf" at this time, Davey said.

"Perhaps the question will come up again in the near future and both the proponents and opponents will have benefited from what has transpired over the past few years. We thank everyone who gave us their support," Davey said.

For more, see Tuesday's Lakewood Ranch Herald.

Kids, get your sunscreen, swim suit ready for Saturday

2011-08-26T11:12:00.000-07:00

Splash Bash fun from 2010. (provided photo)

You could call it a one-day reprise of summer.

Even though students went back to school in Manatee County on Monday, they have the opportunity to recapture a little bit of free summer fun Saturday, Aug. 27, with the back-to-school Splash Bash.

Children of all ages and their parents are invited to the event 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Lakewood Ranch branch of the YMCA, 5100 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., just north of Lakewood Ranch High School.

Activities include over-sized water slides, games in the outdoor pool, a dunk tank, a slip-and slide inflatable, snow cones, and a water balloon sling shot.

For more, see Saturday's Herald.

Ranch residents feeling better about security

2011-08-25T10:57:00.000-07:00

Residents of the Edgewater and Country Club villages, which comprise Community Development District 2, had plenty to say Thursday about the district’s proposed $2.3 million budget for fiscal 2012.

Almost all of it focused on whether $15,600, which had originally been earmarked for a pilot tree project, should instead be put into a fund to study security concerns.

Those concerns stemmed from a pair of armed home invasions in gated Edgewater village. One of those occurred July 17 on Waters Edge Way, and the other on July 26 on Misty Morning Court.

Apparently those concerns began to ebb after the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office arrested a suspect on July 28.

Thursday, the majority of residents who spoke to district supervisors during a public hearing on the budget, asked that the $15,600 not be put aside for a security study.

For more on Thursday's meeting, see Friday's Lakewood Ranch Herald.

For more on the home invasion arrest, see our previous story:

//www.bradenton.com/2011/07/29/3382977/arrest-made-in-home-invasions.html

Pat Neal came away enriched, and inspired

2011-08-24T17:00:00.000-07:00

SCOPE program taught more than music and dance. (provided photo)

Lakewood Ranch-based developer Pat Neal recently came away impressed by a music and dance performance on the final day of Summer Community Outreach Program of Enrichment, held at the Ward Temple A.M.E. facility in Bradenton.

And the life lessons taught kids ages 4 to 17 in the program.

How impressed was he?

"I’m going to share the script with my sales staff,” Neal said in a press release.

"They put on an excellent performance that even included an inspiring message about not making excuses, not quitting, and believing in the impossible,” Neal said.

Neal is among the financial supporters of the program.

Pat Neal and Rev. James Golden with staff SCOPE participants. (photo provided)

Massive Labor Day soccer tourney set for Lakewood Ranch

2011-08-23T08:23:00.000-07:00


It will be wall-to-wall soccer players at Lakewood Ranch's Labor Day weekend soccer tournament at Premier Sports Campus. Shown above in a Herald file photo are a group of players from a few years ago at a big tourney at Sarasota Polo Club.

An estimated 300 teams from around Florida are expected at Lakewood Ranch's Premier Sports Campus for Labor Day weekend, Sept. 3, 4 and 5.

It will be the the biggest tournament yet at the new complex. The Clearwater Chargers and Fusion Futbol Club will be hosting the 2011 Labor Day Showcase for age groups including boys and girls 9-18 years old.

More than 18,000 athletes and fans expected over the three-day period, according to a press release from developer Schroeder-Manatee Ranch.

“The economic impact that this campus will have over the next few years, with its sheer size and capacity to host hundreds of teams, is enormous,” said Jason Puckett, director of sports for the Sarasota County Sports Commission, in the press release.

“Last year, when 170 teams competed in this event at the Sarasota Polo Grounds, the tournament produced $2.5 million of economic impact, 1,232 room nights (based on hotel reporting) and 3,230 non-local competitors. With estimates of 300 teams for this year, the projected economic impact could be $4.1 million, 2,500 room nights and 4,750 non-local competitors. It’s huge for this area,”Puckett said.

For more, visit our previous story:

//www.bradenton.com/2011/08/18/3428670/premier-sports-campus-to-light.html

News to use for Lakewood Ranch residents

2011-08-23T06:58:00.000-07:00

If you are a Lakewood Ranch resident, you probably have a complaint about water. Water pressure, maybe. Or being limited to one-day-a-week lawn irrigation while other county resident are allowed to water twice a week.

District supervisors talk frequently about water problems.

So, what's being done about it?

Officials will conduct a presentation 2 p.m. today at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall to update the public on the status of the irrigation study being conducted by Azad Shah, of the engineering firm LPA Group, Inc.

The two-year study focuses on three major categories: metering and billing, infrastructure improvements, and water pressure, including water quality improvements.

The public is invited.

Also this week, community development district supervisors have set public hearings Thursday, Aug. 25, at Town Hall for their 2012 budgets.

Times:

8 a.m. for District 4 (Greenbrook)

8:30 a.m. for District 1 (Summerfield-Riverwalk)

9 a.m. for District 2 (Country Club-Edgewater)

Again, the public is invited.

For more on Lakewood Ranch local government, follow this link:

//www.bradenton.com/2011/08/19/3431214/cost-of-legal-battle-passed-on.html

Station 400 moving into vacated Serving Spoon space

2011-08-22T15:32:00.001-07:00

LAKEWOOD RANCH — Station 400, a breakfast-and-lunch restaurant in a vintage 1852 railroad depot building at 400 N. Lemon Ave., Sarasota, is opening a second restaurant at Lakewood Ranch Main Street.

Owner Eric Bein, the 29-year-old owner of Station 400, signed the lease for the former Serving Spoon property last week, and was working with a crew Monday to clean up the space. The previous tenant, The Serving Spoon, closed in June.

“We have a lot of work to do. We are anxious to get in there and get started,” said Bein, a Cardinal Mooney High School and Culinary Institute of America graduate.

While Station 400 at Lakewood Ranch won’t be located in a renovated railroad depot, like the one in Sarasota, which was disassembled in Kentland, Ind., brought south , and reassembled, it will have plenty of rail ambience.

For more, see Tuesday's Lakewood Ranch Herald. For previous coverage, visit:

//www.bradenton.com/2011/06/09/3260058/serving-spoon-closes-other-parties.html

Tally of Lakewood Ranch incorporation ballots underway this week

2011-08-22T13:17:00.001-07:00

LAKEWOOD RANCH – Kerkering, Barberio & Co., Certified Public Accountants, will finalize its counting of the straw poll ballots this week on whether Lakewood Ranch should incorporate.

All ballots must be postmarked by Aug. 22 to be included. On the afternoon of Monday, Aug. 29, a report of the results will be provided.

Ballots were mailed to nearly 12,000 registered voters with Lakewood Ranch addresses the first week of August.

“We will be performing a final count and verification of the results this week. We will then release the outcome on the 29th to Sen. Mike Bennett’s and Rep. Greg Steube’s offices to be followed by a general press release from our firm. We are pleased to assist the Lakewood Ranch Community in obtaining an insight into how the voters feel on this issue,” said Rob Lane, managing partner, in a press release.

For more on the straw poll, visit:

://www.bradenton.com/2011/08/12/3415893/questions-raised-about-straw-poll.html

Manatee High grad hired as ShelterBox program assistant at Lakewood Ranch

2011-08-19T08:18:00.000-07:00

Heather Murray

LAKEWOOD RANCH -- ShelterBox USA, an international disaster relief organization with U.S. headquarters based in Lakewood Ranch, announces the hiring of Heather Murray, a Bradenton resident, Manatee High School grad, and recent USF graduate, as program assistant.

In her role, Murray will provide support for the charity’s volunteer and youth programs, as well as its communications initiatives, including social media and event coordination.

“Heather originally joined us as public relations and marketing intern,” said Tiffany Stephenson, communications manager in a press release. “She has an incredible work ethic and enthusiasm for our mission, and we’re looking forward to having her as a member of our team.”

Murray, a recipient of the Florida Bright Futures and local Brunch on the Bay scholarships, recently graduated from USF Sarasota-Manatee with a degree in marketing.

For more on ShelterBox USA, see:

//www.bradenton.com/2011/04/01/3079293/local-woman-takes-helm-of-shelterbox.html

Manatee students recognized in national competition

2011-08-19T08:02:00.000-07:00

Lakewood Ranch students and adviser: Briana Nelson-Canty, Kiona Poyner, Miranda Lim, Christina Rothenberger, Micaela Figueroa, and Mrs. Elaine Bowling

Here's news from Anaheim, Calif., where Manatee County students were recently recognized during the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America’s 2011 National Leadership Conference.

Braden River Middle School student Ariel Collins received a bronze medal in interpersonal communications, Marianna Haluska and Nicoletta Freer received a silver medal for chapter showcase display and Hailey Todoroff received a gold medal for recycle and redesign.

Lakewood Ranch High School students Micaela Figueroa and Kiona Poyner received a silver medal for chapter showcase display and Christina Rothenberger and Miranda Lim received a gold medal for focus on children.

Southeast High School students Madison Hubbard and Melyssa Godfrey received a gold medal for chapter showcase manual.

More than 6,300 members, advisers, alumni, and guests from across the nation attended the meeting.

District Advisors Jill Bergeron of Braden River Middle and Elaine Bowling of Lakewood Ranch High escorted the students to the National Conference.

Also representing Manatee County and the State of Florida were Micaela Figueroa, Florida FCCLA’s state president-elect; Briana Nelson-Canty, Florida FCCLA’s state secretary; and Jessica Hagood, past national VP of community service.

Throughout the year, FCCLA members tackle issues such as teen violence prevention, traffic safety, family issues, career exploration, and much more. FCCLA programs and competitions enrich student learning, improve self-esteem, and serve students with a range of ability levels, economic situations, and cultural influences.

Southeast High School students:

Madison Hubbard and Melyssa Godfrey

Braden River Middle School students and adviser: Marianna Haluska, Hailey Todoroff, Mrs. Jill Bergeron, Ariel Collins and Nicoletta Freer.

Cost of legal battle comes home to Ranch residents

2011-08-18T12:44:00.000-07:00

A long-simmering dispute over sinking storm drains in the Country Club neighborhood of Lakewood Ranch has resulted in a tax increase for residents of Community Development District 5.

Several of those residents asked district supervisors Thursday why they are facing a 7.4 percent increase in assessments for fiscal 2012, at a time of economic hardship and when many government budgets are being cut.

For more, see Friday's Lakewood Ranch Herald.