Sarasota Herald Tribune articles from January 2008

Sarasota Herald Tribune archives from January 2008

Home prices may be leveling Buyers are paying attention as sellers are dangling real estate deals.
January 1, 2008... Byline: MICHAEL POLLICK and MICHAEL BRAGA STAFF WRITERS The state and nation are suffering lower sales rates and lower realized prices. But the Sarasota-Bradenton market fell out of bed faster than most after the boom that ended in 2005 and...

Forget a sweater dig out the parka; Growers on alert as air turns chilly today, maybe below freezing Thursday.
January 1, 2008... Byline: MICHAEL BRAGA and TODD RUGER STAFF WRITERS The wind is expected to stop, leaving perfect conditions for overnight temperatures to drop to below freezing along the coast and into the 20s inland by Thursday, the National Weather...

Resolve to fix housing market New policies and programs could avoid mistakes of the past.
January 1, 2008... In Southwest Florida, as in the state and nation, housing-related problems oppressed the economy in 2007. You know the symptoms: declining home prices; stagnant sales; job and business losses as the once high-flying industry deflated; pinched...

The old and the new Yesterday is an index of tomorrow.
January 1, 2008... Humans are self-conscious creatures. We can take knowledge of our situation, appraise the direction in which we are traveling and, if we are wise, plan a future course that takes advantage of past lessons learned and promises a safe continuance...

Emotions will run high Michigan fights for outgoing coach while Florida fights for its future.
January 1, 2008... Byline: MIC HUBER mic.huber@heraldtribune.com Florida's drive is fueled by the immediate future. Michigan's motivation is tied to its past. Each hopes its personal incentive will inspire them to embrace an otherwise meaningless bowl game....

Ducks fly past Bulls South Florida has no answer for the Oregon offense.
January 1, 2008... Byline: ALAN DELL CORRESPONDENT After getting dismantled 56-21 by Oregon on Monday in one of the most lopsided losses in USF's 11-year history, it's safe bet the Bulls won't be invited back to the Sun Bowl for a long time. But then again,...

Coaches took two different paths Bucs coach Jon Gruden rested his starters while Giants coach Tom Coughlin battled to the end.
January 1, 2008... Byline: TOM BALOG tom.balog@heraldtribune.com Tampa Bay rested its core starters and fielded a skeleton lineup while losing to two non-threatening opponents after the Giants tried in vain Saturday to keep the New England Patriots from going...

Bennett receives his day in the sun.
January 1, 2008... Byline: DENNIS MAFFEZZOLI dennis.maffezzoli@heraldtribune.com In his first extended role with Tampa Bay, the backup running backcarried 15 times for 39 yards and caught a couple of passes for 28 yards and a touchdown in the Buccaneers'...

Feig's potential may be unlimited.
January 1, 2008... Byline: CHRIS DELL CORRESPONDENT But before she learned how to shoot, Samantha learned how to set picks and dribble with both hands. She was learning basketball the right way. Getting a scholarship to play under Pat Summit at the...

Real estate agency takes over another Rooks Morris absorbs Cristello to broaden its presence across the region.
January 1, 2008... Byline: STAFF REPORT Rooks Morris plans to retain both offices of Cristello: on St. Armands Circle at 540 John Ringling Blvd. and at 3192 Fruitville Road. "We view this acquisition in a very positive light for all parties, since it...

Business Buzz.
January 1, 2008... The Bradenton native is a University of Florida graduate with a degree in public relations and three years of experience. She will maintain the association's Web site, handle all printed materials and produce the monthly newsletter...

Charter majority rule passes its first test.
January 1, 2008... Byline: Eric Ernst A market study indicated the neighborhood needs more businesses. The property fronts two busy streets with another business district within sight. No neighbors objected. And the commissioners have encouraged the...

BEST BETS.
January 1, 2008... ACT NOW Get your event considered for the Herald-Tribune community calendar. Items must be submitted online using a form at www.heraldtribune.com/calendarform. Please include how frequently your event occurs. Items without that...

Holiday show puts art forms on stage.
January 1, 2008... Byline: BETSY WILLIAMS CORRESPONDENT In between the dance and song performances, thespians from North Port High School read excerpts from seasonal favorites such as "A Christmas Carol," "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus," "Polar...

Butcher and Golden are first in 4-mile Scholarship Run.
January 1, 2008... Overall Female Masters, Bethany Heslam, 43, 26:40.2; Overall Male Masters, John Peacock, 50, 25:07.3; Overall Female Grand Masters, Linda Thurston, 65, 34:31.8; Overall Male Grand Masters, Neil Gomeringer, 55, 27:03.6; Overall Female Senior...

Obituaries.
January 1, 2008... Dec. 21, 1916 - Dec. 28, 2007 Eleanor I. Edwards, 91, Port Charlotte, formerly of Lake Hill, N.Y., died Dec. 28, 2007. Services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Roberson Funeral Home, Port Charlotte Chapel. Interment will be in Woodstock...

'Doubt' consumes after-play party talk.
January 1, 2008... Byline: Marjorie North Lessening the tension, Myrna Welch added, "We saw it in New York, but I hoped they'd changed the ending somehow." Anne Kauffman, who directed "Expecting Isabel" last season, "breathed life into the most...

Ancient crystal skull makes return visit to Englewood.
January 1, 2008... Byline: AMY HIBBERD CORRESPONDENT Parks, a diminutive blonde with a distinct Houston twang, hefts the 18-pound crystal skull with a reverent familiarity. "I guess you could call me Max's mom," said Parks. "What did you expect -- a...

BEST BETS.
January 1, 2008... SQUARE DANCING WITH RED BATES Red Bates is offering square dance workshops, classes and calling square dances at the Woodmere Park Recreation Center, 3951 Woodmere Park Blvd., South Venice. This Friday, there will be a C-dance from 10 a.m....

Philosopher and ethicist to speak to Democratic Club.
January 1, 2008... Byline: STAFF REPORT The luncheon costs $25; $20 members. Reservations due by Jan. 7. Call 379-9233 or e-mail: reserve@sarasotadems.com. Bridge series starts again The Venice Duplicate Bridge Club will repeat its "Easybridge One"...

Obituaries.
January 1, 2008... June 7, 1939 - Dec. 31, 2007 Anders Roy Andersen, 68, Nokomis since 1997, formerly of Bayville, Long Island, N.Y., died Dec. 31, 2007. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Jan. 15 at Vamo United Methodist Church. Wiegand Brothers...

Holiday closes offices.
January 1, 2008... Byline: STAFF REPORT In the unincorporated county and for most customers served by Waste Management, household garbage will be collected on Wednesday and yard waste on Saturday. Recyclables will be collected on the next regularly...

POLICE BRIEFS.
January 1, 2008... The incident began around 1 p.m. Saturday when authorities received a report of a reckless driver on University Parkway. A deputy found the motorist but apparently did not stop her on his own and did not witness the reckless driving,...

BEST BETS.
January 1, 2008... The quilts will be hung from the ceiling as an exhibit of quiltingthrough the years. They can be antique, traditional or contemporary. These are quilts that will not be entered in this year's fair competition, so they may be from any source...

School gets all grades engaged in engineering.
January 1, 2008... Byline: STAFF REPORT Learning was geared toward each grade level. Kindergartners, for example, focused on sleds, clay-aluminum boats, helicopters and balloon rockets. The fifth-graders used dragsters, double-decker boat, hot air balloons...

Obituaries.
January 1, 2008... Oct. 22, 1910 - Dec. 29, 2007 Elizabeth Mary Addotta, 97, Bradenton since 1970, formerly of Trenton, N.J., died Dec. 29, 2007. No visitation is planned. Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Manasota Memorial Park in Bradenton. Brown...

8 to watch in 2008.
January 1, 2008... Now, all eyes are on the school's new principal, Constance White-Davis, to see if she can boost performance. The lagging reading scores reflect a national trend that has high schools across the country scrambling to find ways to improve...

Whale near Tampa Bay likely to be euthanized.
January 1, 2008... Byline: TIFFANY LANKES tiffany.lankes@heraldtribune.com By the end of the day, the whale appeared to be having difficulty breathing and was not moving as quickly. The whale had also not made any effort to move to deeper waters. "At...

Holiday shuts down most government services.
January 1, 2008... Byline: STAFF REPORT Residents who live in unincorporated areas of the county and who are served by Waste Management will not have yard waste, recyclables or garbage collections today. For residents whose regular collection day is...

BEST BETS.
January 1, 2008... ACT NOW Get your event considered for the Herald-Tribune community calendar. Items must be submitted online using a form at www.heraldtribune.com/calendarform. Please include how frequently your event occurs. Items without that...

A master delivers lessons in string.
January 1, 2008... Byline: SARAH LANSKY CORRESPONDENT Students who play violins, violas and cellos receive one-on-one tutoring by professional musicians, including Perlman. The musical studies program started by Toby and Itzhak Perlman is a residence...

World Aids Day event emphasizes education.
January 1, 2008... Education and awareness are the goals of each annual World AIDS Day, an international recognition started in 1988 by the World Health Organization. This year, however, Sarasota outdid itself in recognizing the day, last month, with two...

Developer and church sign deal With parking set, Pineapple Square can move ahead.
January 1, 2008... Byline: ROGER DROUIN roger.drouin@heraldtribune.com Signed 11 days before a deadline set by the city, the deal is the final part of a complex, three-way agreement between the developer, the city and the church. A lease with the church...

Obituaries.
January 1, 2008... Oct. 31, 1950 - Dec. 26, 2007 Dennis J. Alberigo, 57, Nokomis, died Dec. 26, 2007. Services will be at noon Thursday at Church of the Incarnation in Sarasota. A celebration of life will follow at 743 Birdsong Lane on Siesta Key....

SMOKE-FREE Laser treatment helps one family end the cigarette habit.
January 1, 2008... Byline: CHRISTINE HAWES CORRESPONDENT With family pressure bearing down on him, and a discouraging record of previous attempts to quit, on Jan. 4, 2006, Moeddel tried once more to give up nicotine and cigarettes. And not only did he...

It's still an Iowa campaign This, despite Florida's aggressive efforts to snag a more influential role as a presidential 'kingmaker'.
January 2, 2008... Byline: JEREMY WALLACE H-T POLITICAL WRITER That has not happened. Candidates have made only sporadic visits to Florida, mostly to raise money. Once again, most of the speeches, rallies, advertising budgets and media attention in the...

'Clean coal' is still coal Conversion process could create new environmental problems.
January 2, 2008... In the past year, at least eight proposed clean-coal plants have been canceled, rejected or postponed, according to USA Today. That's one-third of such projects in the works. Advocates of clean-coal plants see tremendous potential in the...

Iraq's continuous toll The deadliest year for Americans, and war's end is not in sight.
January 2, 2008... The statistic is a sobering reminder that Americans, as well as Iraqis, continue to die in a war that began almost five years ago. The 2007 toll also points to why the American people want their government to find a way to end the war in...

Wolverines send Carr out the right way.
January 2, 2008... Byline: Doug Fernandes Not that Michigan head coach Lloyd Carr needed any assistance getting off the ground. He finished his coaching career Tuesday with an upset victory over the defending national champion. If not sky-high, then...

DEFENSELESS Wolverines gain 524 yards and hold off Florida.
January 2, 2008... Byline: MIC HUBER mic.huber@heraldtribune.com The Wolverines wore out Florida's defense by hitting big play after big play to roll up 524 yards in a 41-35 win in an entertaining game that sent Michigan coach Lloyd Carr into a retirement as...

Ainge leads Tennessee to 10th win of season in his final game.
January 2, 2008... Byline: JODY ROYCE jody.royce@heraldtribune.com The Vols got a big game from Erik Ainge and then made it stand in a 21-17 win over Wisconsin in the 22nd Outback Bowl. Ainge closed out his career with one of his best games. The 6-foot-6...

NOTEBOOK.
January 2, 2008... * John Jones, a Booker High graduate, played on the Gators' kickoff return team. Jones, a true freshman, played in nine games this season. "It turned out OK," Jones said about his first year as a Gator. "I came in with higher expectations than...

Wisconsin QB showed spunk in narrow loss.
January 2, 2008... Byline: Dennis Maffezzoli It was not long thereafter, Erik Ainge walked away with the MVP trophy after leading Tennessee to a 31-28 victory over Wisconsin on Tuesday in the Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Ainge's counterpart, on...

OUTBACK NOTEBOOK.
January 2, 2008... Badgers notebook Freshman WR David Gilreath's 60-yard kickoff return was his career best and the longest for a Badger in a bowl game, breaking the mark of 54 by current Bucs RB Michael Bennett in the 2000 Sun Bowl against UCLA.... When QB...

The forecast? Cold and colder still Here, at last, is a taste of winter: the 50s today, followed by some real jacket weather this evening.
January 2, 2008... Byline: MICHAEL BRAGA michael.braga@heraldtribune.com Families made their way around the put-put course at Smuggler's Cove on Tamiami Trail in shorts and T-shirts without a thought about being under-dressed. But by early afternoon,...

From the sea to science.
January 2, 2008... Byline: STAFF REPORT The decision to euthanize the whale came after researchers from Mote Marine Laboratory and several other agencies spent much of Monday tracking the animal and saw that its health was gradually declining. The whale...

BEST BETS.
January 2, 2008... ACT NOW Get your event considered for the Herald-Tribune community calendar. Items must be submitted online using a form at www.heraldtribune.com/calendarform. Please include how frequently your event occurs. Items without that...

Woman's singing gives lift to patients.
January 2, 2008... Byline: NANCY CHAPMAN CORRESPONDENT "I sing because I'm happy," Coley sang as she made the bed, "I sing because I'm free." Coley has sung all her life, but now she uses her beautiful voice to uplift others, singing hymns on request as...

Myakka River Elementary staff helps families meet their needs.
January 2, 2008... "We usually have 10 to 15 families that either come to us or we see are in need, and, through the help of local churches and organizations, they are provided for at Christmas," said guidance counselor Dale Dandy "This year, the need more than...

OBITUARIES.
January 2, 2008... April 11, 1918 - Dec. 29, 2007 Catherine V. Allegretto, 89, North Port, formerly of Punta Gorda, died Dec. 29, 2007. Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Punta Gorda. Kays-Ponger Funeral Home in Port...

BEST BETS.
January 2, 2008... CALENDAR TODAY Line dancing with Eve. 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays and Fridays. American Legion Post 113, 3436 Indiana Road, Rotonda West. 697-8733. Country Line Dancing. 10 a.m. to noon. Wednesdays and Fridays. Tringali Park,...

BEST BETS.
January 2, 2008... The World Famous Lipizzaner Stallions presents their 38th anniversary presentation of "Dancing White Stallions" for one show only at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 11 at the Turner Center in Arcadia. Over the years, more than 26 million people throughout...

Charities uniting to help families.
January 2, 2008... Byline: SARAH LANSKY CORRESPONDENT More than 500 guests dressed in colorful holiday attire enjoyed comedy, music and dancing. Most Rev. Frank J. Dewane, bishop of the Diocese of Venice, welcomed guests and discussed the commitment and...

OBITUARIES.
January 2, 2008... Aug. 6, 1923 - Dec. 31, 2007 Jean M. Dunaway, 84, Springfield, Ohio, formerly of North Port, died Dec. 31, 2007. Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday in Gulf Pines Memorial Park. Littleton and Rue Funeral Home in Springfield handled...

44th Avenue in a push toward Lakewood Ranch.
January 2, 2008... Byline: FRANK GLUCK frank.gluck@heraldtribune.com Ultimately, the day will come when an Anna Maria Island driver will be able to hop onto Cortez Road and not have to turn until reaching the heart of Lakewood Ranch. Manatee County...

BEST BETS.
January 2, 2008... CALENDAR TODAY Manasota Genealogical Society. 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Manatee County Central Library, 1301 Barcarrota Blvd. W., Bradenton. For anyone with an interest in genealogy or who might be curious about what genealogy is all...

Focused on giving seniors a center.
January 2, 2008... Byline: STEVE HEISLER CORRESPONDENT It was only natural when a survey five years ago determined that a senior center was needed that Turner would answer the call to help build one. With more than 300,000 residents, Manatee County was the...

Obituaries.
January 2, 2008... Dec. 27, 2007 Mary Addotta, 97, Bradenton, died Dec. 27, 2007. Graveside services will be held at 3 p.m. Friday at Manasota Memorial Park rotunda, Bradenton. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory, 26th Street Chapel, is in charge....

Eclectic party thanks supporters of the arts.
January 2, 2008... Byline: Marjorie North Best of all was The Ditchfield Family Singers, who gave a mini-concert for party guests, whetting appetites for their next major concerts (with the Chorus of the Keys) Feb. 9 at the Van Wezel. Bravo! The...

Fishermen quitting amid mullet market's malaise.
January 2, 2008... Byline: ZAC ANDERSON zac.anderson@heraldtribune.com He has never seen the industry, which typically derives about half of its fish from the waters between Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor, in such bad shape. "I would say it's the worst...

Mothers aim to cut number of cesareans.
January 2, 2008... Byline: CHRISTINE HAWES CORRESPONDENT Still others shared that they wished they had been told more about the option of a cesarean. Some came just to show support for other mothers and the difficult decisions they face during birth. ...

Rotary seeks old computers to refurbish for students.
January 2, 2008... Which is why Dr. Ali Tahiri and the Sarasota Sunshine Rotary Committee are calling upon the residents of Sarasota and the surrounding area to donate their old, unused computers and computer software to be refurbished and distributed to...

Obituaries.
January 2, 2008... Oct. 28, 1916 - Dec. 30, 2007 Marjorie R. Bailey, 91, Sarasota since 1983, formerly of West Chester, Pa., died Dec. 30, 2007. Private services will be later. Interment will be in Ferncliff Mausoleum in Hartsdale, N.Y. Wiegand Brothers...

Sarasota High school zone is on the way out.
January 2, 2008... Byline: ROGER DROUIN roger.drouin@heraldtribune.com Instead of crossing U.S. 41 in front of the high school, Principal Jeff Hradek has directed students to use a crosswalk a block south, at Bahia Vista Street. Currently, drivers on...

Plan for Midnight Pass is headed to Tallahassee.
January 2, 2008... Byline: ROGER DROUIN roger.drouin@heraldtribune.com Spencer Anderson, coastal program manager with the county, will unveil the county's detailed plan to plant 24 acres of sea grass beds and restore a lagoon and mangrove environment. ...

Health, served raw Restaurant doesn't lean on heat for flavor.
January 2, 2008... Byline: CATHY ZOLLO cathy.zollo@heraldtribune.com All the food served at Veggie Magic is raw. Here, the "burgers" are made from mushrooms, carrots, nuts and spices and take shape in a dehydrator. The "tuna" salad that is remarkably...

Peruvian delights await you at Javier's.
January 2, 2008... Byline: CATHY ZOLLO cathy.zollo@heraldtribune.com All of that was evident on our visit to Javier's, which my companion and I decided is an elegant but cozy place to dine. The nearly jovial waiters keep the place from being stuffy, and...

A path to treats at Cookie Walk.
January 2, 2008... Byline: CHRISTINE HAWES CORRESPONDENT "They'd be gone in a day," Jennifer Braun explained. "I've got two more at home, teenagers." The Cookie Walk is a 17-year tradition at Pine Shores and remains so popular that it brings back former...

Naughty and nice alike revel for a cause.
January 2, 2008... She was right; more than 250 folks came out to play and help raise funds for Sarasota's Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center. DJ Matt the Brat spun lively tunes and Josh Chester of the Boar's Head, also owner of Munchies 420 Cafe, grilled...

Children at hospital get visit from Santa.
January 2, 2008... The volunteer effort has stretched for more than 20 years. Sears provided the wrapped gifts, and Bruning and his "elves," Jeannie Sarason, Jennifer Sarason and Nicole Zee, delivered the presents to several children.

A big performance from a little circus.
January 2, 2008... Since 2004, the Police Athletic League of Sarasota County has sponsored the after school program. Keith Muncy, a representative of PAL, welcomed the crowd and asked for more financial support. The goal is halfway met, but the circus needs a...

Children gather for holiday tea party.
January 2, 2008... Children also nibbled on cookies and cakes and sipped on their choice of tea or hot chocolate. Harpist Bonnie Chamberlain plucked holiday tunes and gathered the youngsters for a Christmas story. Yet it was none other than Santa Claus who...

A venerable vodka steps up to the bar.
January 2, 2008... Byline: ABBY WEINGARTEN CORRESPONDENT Since September, Brand and his eight-person sales team, headed by Graham, have been vigorously touting the vodka throughout Florida. Made from a 300-year-old recipe, Szambelan was previously available...

Expecting a GREAT 2008 Area foodies' tastebuds will continue to travel as local restaurants borrow from exotic cuisines.
January 2, 2008... Byline: ABBY WEINGARTEN CORRESPONDENT THE PLAYERS * Judi Gallagher, cookbook author, restaurant consultant and former New England restaurateur and dessert company owner is a television food show host who regularly makes the rounds of...

Hoppin' John is not to be taken lightly.
January 2, 2008... Byline: Linda Brandt "Cooking: First, forget the salt pork; that's used by professional Southerners to establish their 'boneyfides.' "Second, if you can't find a hock with lots of meat, just increase the ham, preferably Cure 89. ...

A tax meltdown, and him at the molten core Property values fall, yet tax bills rise?
January 3, 2008... Byline: JEREMY WALLACE H-T POLITICAL WRITER "When I'm out and about I hear it," said Todora, a 55-year-old father of two. And it is not just on the road. When the phone rings at Todora's home, it increasingly is an irate property...

After a freeze, a burn? All that cold, dry air can leave behind abundant fuel for wildfires.
January 3, 2008... Byline: MICHAEL BRAGA and TODD RUGER STAFF WRITERS "It no longer has the moisture in it; it's almost like kindling -- it's ready to burn," said Terence McElroy, a spokesman for the state's Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services....

A different Top 10 list Stories about humanitarian crises bear repeating.
January 3, 2008... Leaders of Doctors Without Borders emphasize that the stories on their list have, in fact, been reported in a wide variety of media throughout the world, including the United States. But, they say, the stories have been underreported in...

Thanks for the bash New Year's Eve fest: big crowd on a small budget.
January 3, 2008... Five weeks ago, the downtown street party seemed destined for cancellation as merchant donations dwindled, expenses for crowd control increased and city government balked at subsidizing the event. But the community rallied. Donors came...

Lingering Halloween nightmare Drowning revealed need for equipment, training.
January 3, 2008... As the Herald-Tribune's Anthony Cormier recounted in an article published Monday, Schoolfield had drowned by the time the first rescue worker -- a paramedic -- arrived. But Thomas was still struggling in the water. The paramedic didn't...

GAME NIGHT IS FAMILY NIGHT Venice High boys basketball coach Steve Cavallaro has up to seven family members stationed throughout the gym on any given game night.
January 3, 2008... Byline: CHRIS ANDERSON chris.anderson@heraldtribune.com Scour the gym at a Venice High boys basketball game sometime, doesn't matter where, and you will see Cavallaro family members stationedthroughout. They are in the top rows of the...

Jones, Gransberry combine for 44 to topple Rutgers.
January 3, 2008... Byline: ALAN DELL CORRESPONDENT It was the inaugural conference victory for USF head coach Stan Heath and Jones. For Gransberry, the top returning rebounder in the nation, it was a game that provided hope that this year should be a lot...

Talking a good game is not enough.
January 3, 2008... Byline: MIC HUBER "Our goal is to be the New England Patriots of college football," Meyer said. "I make that clear to our players. I talk to them all the time about that." What do they say about cheap talk? How can anyone expect this...

O-line has its work cut out against Giants' front four.
January 3, 2008... Byline: TOM BALOG tom.balog@heraldtribune.com "It's going to show you a lot about this bunch, after we play this game, how we do," Penn said. "We're just going to have to recognize the best we can, communicate, fight it out and see...