Sarasota Herald Tribune articles from November 2007

Sarasota Herald Tribune archives from November 2007

More tax-cut ideas ahead As one set of breaks for homeowners heads to voters, panel considers more.
November 1, 2007... Byline: MICHAEL POLLICK michael.pollick@heraldtribune.com Does the Legislature's amendment obviate the need for the commission to look at tax reform? "Absolutely not," said John McKay, a Bradenton resident and a commission member. ...

'WE'VE GOT TO GET ALONG' Stung by state audit, nonprofit chief stresses healing.
November 1, 2007... Byline: TODD RUGER todd.ruger@heraldtribune.com A decade later, Weinrich, 63, and his management team are accused of bullying the same agencies that were supposed to be their community partners, and of brushing off criticism about how the...

Curse of the clueless regulator Consumers have reason to fear product safety chief.
November 1, 2007... And, as the day progressed, Democratic lawmakers on Capitol Hill resumed the display of their teeth -- canine and incisors, primarily -- as menacingly as possible. The object of their anger is Nancy Nord, the grin-and-bear-it interim...

Development and climate change Institute points the way toward energy-efficient land use.
November 1, 2007... Who said that? Al Gore? No, Richard M. Rosan. Rosan heads the Urban Land Institute, a nonprofit research and education organization that encourages responsible land use and development. A study and report by ULI in 2000 led to Sarasota...

Injuries taking a toll Nearly one-fourth of the 53-man roster is out of action at the halfway point of the season.
November 1, 2007... Byline: TOM BALOG tom.balog@heraldtribune.com "Getting double-teamed, I exploded off one foot, and it just cracked," Piscitelli said. He is one of 12 players who have landed on the injured reserve list for the Buccaneers, who are tied...

Area teams finish second Saint Stephen's girls and Bradenton Prep boys fail to overcome deficit.
November 1, 2007... Byline: STAFF REPORT Both teams failed to improve on their first-day scores and really never challenged the leaders. Saint Stephen's received a solid effort from Corolin Pinegger, who posted a 73, some 12 strokes better than her first-day...

Kennedy captures girls title Junior shoots second-round 69 for 2-shot victory; Sarasota's Loer fourth in boys tournament, closing with 70.
November 1, 2007... Byline: PHIL DENIS CORRESPONDENT Previous Venice champions were Sheryl Maize in 1986, and Kacie Lee Myers in 1992. Kennedy's round on Wednesday was the best of the day in the 85-player field. First-round leader Haley Millsap of Pace...

Burning passion A run with a purpose in Sahara Desert.
November 1, 2007... Byline: CHRIS ANDERSON chris.anderson@heraldtribune.com He also has undergone three surgeries to remove a brain tumor. He has a rare disease called Juvenile Pilocytic Astrocytoma, which affects about 1,000 kids a year. The tumors...

Toor powers Lemon Bay into semifinals.
November 1, 2007... Byline: DENNIS MAFFEZZOLI dennis.maffezzoli@heraldtribune.com In case that doesn't help, check the program -- she's No. 10. Her stature and actions make Becca Toor one of the most recognizable players on the volleyball court. Yet,...

Sarasota's Ord finally gets his tourney prize checks.
November 1, 2007... Byline: Bill Herald Ord finished third in handicap all-events with a score of 2,269 and 21st in handicap singles at 783. In addition, he was a member of Marty's Marawdas, a team that finished 15th at 3,453. Other team members were Marty...

DeSoto hammers Kathleen.
November 1, 2007... Byline: CURTIS WILLIAMS CORRESPONDENT It took DeSoto just 53 minutes to finish off Kathleen in a match that was never in doubt. "I thought we did a great job in the first game of picking up the first ball," DeSoto coach Dave Bremer...

Mother Nature helps build the drama at Better Ball tournament.
November 1, 2007... Byline: Mark Cardon "I was just trying to get it close," he said after it rolled into the cup. Tie ball game. After 36 holes, Klomp and his Lakewood Ranch partner Roger Osterling finally had caught first-round leaders Chris Kennedy and...

Filings of foreclosures triple along Gulf Coast Florida still among the states with the most homes in peril, a real estate data firm finds.
November 1, 2007... Byline: STEPHEN FRATER stephen.frater@heraldtribune.com Sarasota County saw the bulk of the increase, jumping to 1,406 in the July-to-September quarter, up from 365 in the third quarter of 2006, a 285 percent leap, and up 48 percent from...

BUSINESS BUZZ.
November 1, 2007... Echavarria and Lucas join Palm-Aire staff Palm-Aire Country Club of Sarasota has hired Santiago Echavarria as executive chef and Tony Lucas as food and beverage director. Roland Levy certified by counseling board Sarasota licensed...

Racetrack owner charged in tire case.
November 1, 2007... Byline: KATE SPINNER kate.spinner@heraldtribune.com If convicted, he could face a maximum $50,000 fine and five years in prison. In an interview Wednesday, Diehl denied he did anything wrong. He said a disgruntled employee buried the...

Three charged with dealing crack cocaine.
November 1, 2007... Byline: STAFF REPORT Nicholas Christian Giangrasso, 43, 8500 block of Bessemer Avenue in North Port, was charged with the sale and delivery of crack cocaine and two counts of crack cocaine possession. Ashanti D. Roundtree, 31, 1100...

Romantic comedy explores N.Y. love.
November 1, 2007... Byline: MARILYN D. CARPENTER CORRESPONDENT The play was first produced by The Jewish Repertory Theater in 1985. Movie buffs may remember it from the 1988 film adaptation that won lead Amy Irving a Golden Globe nomination. It has since...

Play imagines a meeting between Oprah and Degas.
November 1, 2007... Byline: MARILYN D. CARPENTER CORRESPONDENT The play, by Rotonda West writer and actor Susan Mulholland, will be performed by the Charlotte Players' Reader's Theatre under the direction of Janet Castro. The cast includes Ginger Abraham,...

Kay shows way in Limited Late.
November 1, 2007... Byline: STAFF REPORT Bobby Shelton finished second. Dustin Dunn was third. Rounding out the top five in the 16-car field were Randy Fox and Casey Caudill. Veteran Joe Winchell started on the pole, but headed to the back after a wreck...

BEST BETS.
November 1, 2007... Cruisin' on Dearborn: The Olde Englewood Village Association's monthly show of more than 50 antique, classic and specialty cars will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday on West Dearborn Street. The classic cars will be parked on the diagonal...

Tension over city's growth erupting Conflict between retirees and businesses a factor in Tuesday's election.
November 1, 2007... Byline: ZAC ANDERSON zac.anderson@heraldtribune.com Now the conflict has become a defining issue in Tuesday's Venice City Council election. "There's no doubt this election is about slow growth versus economic growth," said Badra...

North Port weighs mulching suit City leaders are hoping to settle with a yard waste company.
November 1, 2007... Byline: JOHN DAVIS john.davis@heraldtribune.com According to City Attorney Rob Robinson, the settlement talks are intended to avoid "potentially expensive and protracted litigation over the equipment issue." Both sides are talking...

Police raid pot-plant houses in North Port.
November 1, 2007... Byline: STAFF REPORT Officers from the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office and Venice and North Port police departments confiscated at least 250 marijuana plants and two pounds of bagged marijuana at a house in the 5900 block of Malton...

Politics and pleasure mix at the Hob Nob.
November 1, 2007... Byline: NANCY CHAPMAN CORRESPONDENT Tickets for the event were $15 for chamber members and $20 for thepublic. Mindy Tew, the chamber's executive director, said that 150 people had registered in advance for the event, which took place...

Free bus trip to Florida National Cemetery is available.
November 1, 2007... Byline: STAFF REPORT There is no charge for the trip, but reservations are required; space is limited to 50 people. The bus is restroom equipped. The bus leaves at 9:30 a.m. from Farley Funeral Home parking lot, 265 S. Nokomis Ave....

Obituaries.(Obituary)
November 1, 2007... July 27, 1920 - Oct. 28, 2007 William F. Graper, 87, Sarasota and Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada, died Oct. 28, 2007. No visitation is planned. The memorial service will be in Canada. Survivors include sons and daughters-in-law Dr....

Bartow rallies to topple Pirates in five.
November 1, 2007... Byline: JON STYF jon.styf@heraldtribune.com It was that kind of night for the Pirates. And it was a rude introduction to the world of playoff volleyball. After taking the first two games of the school's inaugural playoff match at Bartow on...

Teacher gets year in molestation The man, 26, admitted to abusing his friend, who was 15 at the time.
November 1, 2007... Byline: ANTHONY CORMIER anthony.cormier@heraldtribune.com Goodbrad apologized to the victim, a 15-year-old friend who slept at his house after an evening of watching TV and playing video games. "If there was anything I could do to make...

Smiles all around Manatee.
November 1, 2007... So this Halloween in Duette, it was not "trick or treat" but "truck or treat." Parents and other residents loaded up their pickups with candy and parked behind the Dry Prairie Baptist Church. As darkness fell, as many as 30 kids -- many...

POLICE BRIEFS.
November 1, 2007... Sergio Pierre Brooks, 19, and his father, Wayne, fought in their home in the 200 block of 37th Street Court East in Palmetto, according to arrest reports. Sergio Brooks pulled a pistol, investigators reported, and threatened to "shoot the place...

BEST BETS.
November 1, 2007... FASHIONABLE EVENT Tickets are still available for Fashionetta, "Simply Elegant: A Dinner and Fashion Show," the major fundraiser for the Lambda Omicron Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. The program, featuring Sepia Fashion...

Artist unveils her new series at Dancing Crane Gallery.
November 1, 2007... Byline: STAFF REPORT An artist reception will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the gallery, 1019 10th Ave. W., Bradenton. In the 30 new pieces, Northrop returns to the text and image, mixed-media format she has worked with since moving to...

Obituaries.
November 1, 2007... May 21, 1922 - Oct. 30, 2007 Margaret Maddox Able, 85, Bradenton, formerly of Memphis, Tenn., died Oct. 30, 2007. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. Friday at the home of Ms. Able, 6704 23rd Ave. W., Bradenton. Services...

The Frankenstein Ball was a graveyard smash for Players.
November 1, 2007... Byline: Marjorie North Next up for The Players is "Sentimental Journey" -- a USO Show hosted by Cara Herman and Russell Kennedy and featuring the "Andrew Sisters" Nov. 9-11. After that, "42nd Street" opens Nov. 29, but meanwhile, major...

Asolo's 'Misery' delivers a wicked jolt of terror.(Theater review)
November 1, 2007... Byline: JAY HANDELMAN jay.handelman@heraldtribune.com Those unfamiliar with the King novel or the 1990 film starring James Caan and Kathy Bates will get the biggest jolt from Simon Moore's stage adaptation. Others may take longer to get...

Sailors swept away by Vance, Sickles.
November 1, 2007... Byline: DONNIE WILKIE CORRESPONDENT Well, not exactly Emily. But Sara Vance, a reasonable enough -- albeit left-handed -- facsimile at 5-foot-9, with a powerful net presence that would have made the former Riverview star proud, was more...

The luster is off CEO of Sarasota YMCA.
November 1, 2007... Byline: Tom Lyons Jeb's reforms of the frequently disgraced child protection system relied much on privatizing. And Weinrich, CEO of the Sarasota YMCA, had put together what Jeb touted as a model organization. The Safe Children...

Deputies rescue driver The woman's car had gone off the road and into South Creek.
November 1, 2007... Byline: LATISHA R. GRAY latisha.gray@heraldtribune.com Arriving at the scene separately, the deputies pulled an unconscious woman from the creek. Some are calling them heroes, but the deputies said they were just doing their duty. ...

Voting audits can't vary, court says The ruling is aimed at the Sarasota County charter amendment on balloting.
November 1, 2007... Byline: JEREMY WALLACE H-T POLITICAL WRITER The court ruled that counties cannot have different auditing standards than the state. The county charter amendment required an audit of 5 percent of all precincts after an election. The state law...

Eger running for defender.
November 1, 2007... Byline: TODD RUGER todd.ruger@heraldtribune.com "I've worked my way up the ranks," Eger said Tuesday. "I think I've familiarized myself with almost every aspect of the office, from representing clients to adminstrating." The...

POLICE BRIEFS.
November 1, 2007... Winston Charles was the second person arrested in connection with the shooting death of Darryl Lamb, 19, in May 2005. Lamb was shot inside an apartment just north of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way and east of U.S. 301. Authorities...

BEST BETS.
November 1, 2007... Tailgate. Before the Sarasota-Riverview football game. The pep rally starts at 6 p.m. at Sarasota High School, in the school parking lot off of U.S. 41. Marching band, cheerleaders, spirit cheers, teacher dunking and a spirit competition. No...

Casa Santa Marta marks 25th anniversary.
November 1, 2007... Byline: LAUREN BAYLES CORRESPONDENT "I just think it's the fellowship and community, and even the gossip between them," said facility administrator Debra Greising. "We have one education program a month, potlucks, garage sales... it's a...

SCTI marks four decades with campus celebration.
November 1, 2007... Byline: LYNN KOLTERMAN CORRESPONDENT The Culinary Arts department volunteered to cater the entire anniversary party. "All I can really say is it's fun to get everyone out here to just have a good time and to truly appreciate...

Tax cut not perfect, but is more popular Opposition to plan is muted compared with earlier proposal.
November 1, 2007... Byline: LLOYD DUNKELBERGER CAPITAL BUREAU That complicated tax break was rejected by the courts and was replaced earlier this week when the Legislature voted for a new constitutional amendment that will double homestead exemptions and allow...

Obituaries.
November 1, 2007... Oct. 27, 1917 - Oct. 22, 2007 Beatrice Brintley, 89, Sarasota, formerly of Rochester, N.Y., died Oct. 22, 2007. Visitation will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at Chandler's Funeral Chapel. Services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Bethel...

Sarasota minister championed rights of humans and animals.
November 1, 2007... Byline: MARK ZALOUDEK mark.zaloudek@heraldtribune.com "She was always involved in social justice causes," said her sister, Jean Burns of Sarasota. Hyland's 2000 book, "God's Covenant with Animals," offered a biblical interpretation for...

Blues Infusion.
November 1, 2007... Byline: ROD HARMON rod.harmon@heraldtribune.com It was a testament to Guy's influence that guitarists have known all along and that the public is finally starting to recognize. Today, Guy is considered second only to B.B. King in the blues...

young gun.
November 1, 2007... Byline: STEVE ECHEVERRIA JR. steve.echeverria@heraldtribune.com Take his Fender Stratocaster, the "Voodoo Strat." Made from parts Conrad's father purchased on eBay, the wood body, covered in polyurethane, is burned and scarred --...

Bravery's new world.
November 1, 2007... Byline: ALAN SCULLEY CORRESPONDENT "I remember with the last record, like the day it came out, people being like so, 'What's the next record going to sound like?' " Endicott said in a phone interview. "So, I was waiting for that. ...

Local hip-hop scene gets its due.
November 1, 2007... Byline: ABBY WEINGARTEN CORRESPONDENT Instead, for four hours, the language of "intelligent hip-hop" will be spoken, and the roots of the genre extolled. "It's a breath of fresh air in the stale hip-hop environment that exists today,"...

Huckleberry hounds you.(Liquid Love)
November 1, 2007... Now, Mark Twain and botanical references aside, this simple libation ($5) relies on a particular vodka in order to capture its unholy taste. INGREDIENTS 1 1/4 oz. 44 North Huckleberry Vodka 1/2 packet of sugar Splash of sour...

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club revved up about new direction.(Sound recording review)
November 1, 2007... Byline: ALAN SCULLEY CORRESPONDENT Hayes and bassist/singer Robert Levon Been recorded the majority of "Howl" as a duo after the departure of drummer Nick Jago in 2004. At first, they didn't know if they would continue as a band. But...

Get comfy at Evie's sports bar.
November 1, 2007... Byline: Steve Echeverria Jr. Doesn't get any better for this sports fan. Truth is, it was hard to pass up the cheering emanating from the streetfront pub as I cruised west on Ringling Boulevard. I had to find out what the excitement...

Reeling in the years.
November 1, 2007... Byline: JAY HANDELMAN jay.handelman@heraldtribune.com "I started researching teenagers, started watching them and started talking to them and learning how much different and alike they are," Lawler said. "This has been the most fun...

Passion ties screen icon to artist.
November 1, 2007... Byline: SU BYRON CORRESPONDENT And to make things even more interesting, some of that affair played out in Sarasota. Products of the relationship will be on display Friday through Nov. 30 as part of "Skin," a new exhibit at Peter Paul...

Manatee Players work 'Swing!' shift.
November 1, 2007... Byline: JAY HANDELMAN jay.handelman@heraldtribune.com "It is a fun, uplifting, high-energy, feel-good show," said director and choreographer Rick Kerby. "I think it's a good fit for our audiences, and I think it speaks to a lot of different...

Feel like a member at The Turtle Club.
November 1, 2007... Byline: SHARYN LONSDALE CORRESPONDENT The Turtle Club focuses its attention on fresh, local seafood, which might explain why every one of the starters came from the sea. I am not normally wild about oysters, but my only problem with the...

Say thanks to all volunteers.
November 1, 2007... Byline: Christi Womack Next week, the Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch will present its sixth annual Suncoast Winefestival on Nov. 10 at the Sarasota Polo Club. Since its inception, the event has raised about $380,000 for the club's...

Rain forest project sparks enthusiasm.
November 1, 2007... Byline: PATRINA A. BOSTIC patrina.bostic@heraldtribune.com To bring the learning experience closer to home, teacher Kim Thomas' students created a rain forest in a corner of their classroom. The display is home to wild animals, plants,...

Lakewood Ranch boosting security at it's parks.
November 1, 2007... Byline: PATRINA A. BOSTIC patrina.bostic@heraldtribune.com Not so long ago, a man exposed himself to a woman who was walking in a park, District 1 Supervisor Phyllis Troy said. "We need to open up the trails so that there is more...

Race at the Ranch.
November 1, 2007... Run proceeds will benefit Dream Oaks Camp, which provides outdoor and recreational activities in East Manatee for children who are terminally ill, chronically ill, and at-risk. For more information about the club or its activities, call...

Fund distributes thousands in grants.
November 1, 2007... Byline: STAFF REPORT Grant recipients and the projects are: * American Red Cross Manatee County Chapter: $4,340.95, to expand CPR classes at the Mid-County branch. * Braden River Soccer Club Inc.: $2,500 to help fund a soccer...

A silent fellowship Wheel of the Year supper honors memory of those who have died.
November 1, 2007... Byline: CHRISTOPHER O'DONNELL chris.odonnell@heraldtribune.com "We call upon our ancestors, our loved ones, the ones who have gone before," Kissell said. "We ask that you join us again here in the sacred space." The words marked the...

SHERIFF'S REPORTS.
November 1, 2007... Authorities say a man used a fake driver's license as identification to cash a counterfeit check. The check, written for $1,684, was cashed recently at Sun Trust in the 5800 block of Whitfield Avenue, according to the Manatee County...

Photo club learns lighting.
November 1, 2007... James Johnson, director of the education department, said he believes the "safari" dimension complements the classroom experience. The benefit for students is access to the professional equipment and studio facilities of the staff...

BUSINESS BRIEFS.
November 1, 2007... Terra Ceia-based Home Loans by Lighthouse, in business for three years, is expanding. The company will open its second office today in the La Maison Homes Building at 8405 U.S. 301 N., Parrish. Lighthouse focuses on residential...

COMMUNITY BRIEFS.
November 1, 2007... Myakka City Elementary is preparing more than a dozen children's games for its Fall Festival. The event will be from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday at the school, 3720 S. Manatee Ave., Myakka City. The variety of activities for children will...

Parrish celebrates new facilities with festival.
November 1, 2007... The event, which was Saturday afternoon behind Parrish United Methodist Church, 12180 U.S. 301 N., was in celebration of the opening of a new community center and the establishment of YMCA programs. Festival activities included hay rides, a...

Pirates came, they saw, they believed and they started winning.
November 1, 2007... Byline: Jon Styf They were mad that this tiny woman, Nikki Vaporis -- who was supposed to be the JV coach -- was now telling them what to do. One senior, Brooke Guy, had transferred from Lakewood Ranch to Braden River before her junior...

Ranch's Latham applying pressure Mustangs inch closer to playoffs behind tough defense.
November 1, 2007... Byline: JON STYF jon.styf@heraldtribune.com If he did, he certainly did not expect to play much. Right now, that does sound crazy. Because after six sacks in the past two games, the 6-foot-3 and 195 pound sophomore defensive end is...

Reid qualifies in two events.
November 1, 2007... Byline: CHRIS DELL CORRESPONDENT Reid's dedication in the water has paid off in full. The Lakewood Ranch High freshman recently qualified for the state meet in the 200-meter individual medley and 100-meter breaststroke. A competitive...

Juniors gain mental edge.
November 1, 2007... Byline: ALAN DELL CORRESPONDENT The two juniors know how to have fun on the course, which is half the battle in a game most experts say is 90 percent mental. Both girls have their own way of finding happiness on the course, even on a bad...

Rage U-11 girls take Halloween Havoc title.
November 1, 2007... Byline: STAFF REPORT They took part in the festivities of the tournament over the Oct. 20-21 weekend at the club's fields, which are located next to Lakewood Ranch High School. Since last season, the team added a couple of players from...

Rage U-12 wins Seminole Girls Fall Classic.
November 1, 2007... Byline: STAFF REPORT They saved their most impressive effort for the finish, when they beat previously undefeated FC America 3-1 in the title match. The team is made up of Danielle Allen, Kavisa Baughn, Daryl Bell, Hannah Christiansen,...

Ranch girls hope to run to regional meet.
November 1, 2007... Byline: Alan Dell Seminole High is the clearcut favorite. Six will move on to the Region 3 meet. Kailand Cosgrove from Tarpon Springs and Katelyn Homme of Seminole are the individual favorites. Lakewood Ranch's biggest challenge...

Jazzy day coming to Ranch.
November 1, 2007... Byline: STEVE HEISLER CORRESPONDENT Ken Navarro headlines this year at the event that annually brings 2,000-plus to the Sarasota Polo Club. The well-known jazz guitarist continues a trend of national acts who have graced the stage since the...

Tropicana to donate railcar to museum.
November 1, 2007... Byline: CHRISTOPHER O'DONNELL chris.odonnell@heraldtribune.com Now a small piece of that local railroad history is making its way to the Florida Railroad Museum. Tropicana will donate a retired railcar to the Parrish museum. The...

Family fault line: Sarasota schism is reflected in father-son debate Kirschners often have opposing views on issues about the future.
November 2, 2007... Byline: CAROL E. LEE carol.lee@heraldtribune.com "We're letting the citizens vote on this," Kelly Kirschner says to his father while discussing ballot initiatives one evening over paella and caldo de mariscos. "So if the citizens think...

Call it a children's story. But call it a mystery, too. A HECK OF A PLOT TWIST; Susan Carter's book was to debut at the Sarasota Reading Festival. What happened? Turn the page.
November 2, 2007... Byline: BILL HUTCHINSON bill.hutchinson@heraldtribune.com One day, Carter promised, she would write her very own book, with Jenna at the center of the action as a young girl living in "Lizardville," as Carter thought of Florida, a warm...

'Best' isn't good enough Property tax proposal fails the tests of effective leadership.
November 2, 2007... But the proposal and process that led to it fail the tests of good government and effective leadership. The amendment would not solve the most pressing problems related to property taxes, yet it would compound other problems. Furthermore, it is...

Parker makes impact at FSU.
November 2, 2007... Byline: JON STYF jon.styf@heraldtribune.com But this spring, when new offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher first saw Parker, he could not believe his eyes. It seemed like every time his offense got Parker the ball, the 6-foot,...

Tarpons have dominated this rivalry They battle Pirates tonight while the Bulldogs take on the Wildcats.
November 2, 2007... Byline: DENNIS MAFFEZZOLI dennis.maffezzoli@heraldtribune.com Price's Wildcats will be home for the longest continuous rivalry in Florida, playing host to DeSoto County. Hoffer has been part of the Port Charlotte-Charlotte game as a...

Calm amid the storm Stevens has found a niche with Bucs while dealing with off-field issues.
November 2, 2007... Byline: TOM BALOG tom.balog@heraldtribune.com Stevens has caught six passes for 64 yards in the past two games since starter Alex Smith has been out with an ankle injury. He has eight receptions for 78 yards (9.8 yards per catch) on the...