Sarasota Herald Tribune articles from November 2008

Sarasota Herald Tribune archives from November 2008

A long race comes down to boots on the ground THE ELECTION: Sarasota faces an all-out invasion of vote-seeking volunteers.(Info box available on microfilm or pdf)
November 1, 2008... Byline: JEREMY WALLACE and ANNA SCOTT H-T POLITICAL WRITERS They will be walking nearly every street, knocking on doors of people who have yet to vote early and making sure they can get to the polls on Tuesday. Others will be on telephones,...

E-MAIL CASE TAKES TWIST SUNSHINE LAW: Court filing contends group resorted to using code names.(Info box available on microfilm or pdf)
November 1, 2008... Byline: KIM HACKETT kim.hackett@heraldtribune.com Anthony Lorenzo, who is suing the city and a dozen current and former officials for alleged Sunshine Law violations, filed the motion to support a request for access to detailed phone...

Hangover from housing boom hurting other banks in region.
November 1, 2008... Byline: JOHN HIELSCHER john.hielscher@heraldtribune.com Bradenton's Flagship National Bank has lost $3 million so far this year as its non-accrual loans rose to $14.5 million. President/CEO Steve Jonsson said many of those borrowers...

Election recommendations A summary provided by the Herald-Tribune Editorial Board.
November 1, 2008... President and Vice President Barack Obama and Joe Biden Congressional U.S. Representative, 13th District: Vern Buchanan State Public defender, 12th Judicial Circuit: Adam Tebrugge Legislative State Senator, 23rd...

Good thing in a small package Returned land should ease disappointment over post office.
November 1, 2008... It is true that changes in technology and consumer habits have expanded the options for postal services. Stamps can be purchased at the grocery store or online. Packages can be mailed from a variety of retail businesses. Even the demand for...

Three days to go, and counting.
November 1, 2008... Issues? Yes, indeed. That's why columnists exist, and I think I have covered just about every issue that has come up in 2008 and left no doubt about my view of the merits of the positions staked out by candidates, and I hope you will remember...

Lancers tip off season STARTING OVER: MCC coach Reggie Bellamy puts last year's playoff season behind him.
November 1, 2008... Byline: ALAN DELL CORRESPONDENT "Last year is over," Bellamy said. "When the games start, last year will not affect whether we win or lose. We just want to take one game at a time and be successful, and each game will give a chance to do...

Recent cold weather kicks off camping season at Myakka State Park.
November 1, 2008... Byline: THOMAS BECNEL Brrr. Ahhh. Zzzz. In Southwest Florida, the best place to pitch a tent and light a fire is Myakka River State Park. When I reached the Myakka campground late Wednesday morning, Jim Cornell was packing up his...

Panthers reclaim district.
November 1, 2008... Byline: CHRIS ANDERSON chris.anderson@heraldtribune.com It was the sixth district title in the last seven years for Bradenton Christian. The Lady Panthers will host West Palm Beach Berean Christian in a region quarterfinal match...

BCS Florida-Georgia will shake up standings.
November 1, 2008... Byline: MIC HUBER Those fans also know that the annual border war is a rivalry that had the heat turned up a year ago when the Georgia Bulldogs held an impromptu team celebration in the end zone after scoring a touchdown, then went on to...

Seminoles' Bowden leaves Bayshore reeling SMOOTH TRANSITION: Waymon Bowden shows no trouble moving from 1A to 4A play.
November 1, 2008... Byline: TOM BALOG tom.balog@heraldtribune.com He broke off a 224-yard, three-touchdown rushing effort on 26 carries Friday night to power the Seminoles to a 28-7 victory over Bayshore in a Class 4A-District 9 game at John Kiker Memorial...

Palmetto wins title in loss DISTRICT TITLE: Booker loss gives Tigers the Class 3A-District 11 championship.
November 1, 2008... Byline: ALAN DELL CORRESPONDENT But moments after the loss, the Palmetto players and coaches learned that Booker was upset by Tampa Robinson giving the Class 3A-District 11 championship to the Tigers. Palmetto (3-0 in the district)...

PIRATES SCUTTLE BOBCATS Port Charlotte keeps focus despite pending battle against Charlotte.
November 1, 2008... Byline: CURTIS WILLIAMS CORRESPONDENT Port Charlotte, 4-4 overall and 2-2 in the district, scored on theopening possession of the game. Sam Thurston hooked up with Brian Perrault on a 12-yard touchdown pass. Sam Costa's kick gave the...

River run is ignited by Bryant COMEBACK: Pirates' star rusher has 269 yards to key come-from-behind win.
November 1, 2008... Byline: DONNIE WILKIE CORRESPONDENT How heavy? Try a school-record 269 yards on 33 carries. Try three touchdowns. Throw in DeSoto County's 41-0 rout of Avon Park, and you can move Braden River oh-so-close to a trip to the...

Tarpons top Mustangs, close in on playoff spot RUNNING MACHINE: Charlotte sophomore Bellamy gains 232 yards and scores 4 TDs.
November 1, 2008... Byline: JODY ROYCE jody.Royce@heraldtribune.com Paired with Venice's come-from-behind win over Manatee, all the Tarpons (7-1, 3-1 in 5A-11) need to do is beat rival Port Charlotte next Friday to lock up the runner-up spot -- Venice clinched...

VENICE STEPS UP Burton plays big role as Indians roar back to beat Manatee.
November 1, 2008... Byline: DENNIS MAFFEZZOLI dennis.maffezzoli@heraldtribune.com Trey Burton was more direct. "They wanted it more than we did," the Indians quarterback said. "We were scared, to tell you the truth. The coaches got us right." With...

Schopfer scores 3 TDs in Panthers' victory.
November 1, 2008... Byline: BRIAN NEWBERRY CORRESPONDENT The BCS offense was able to run out the clock from that point for a 28-26 victory. David Schopfer led the Panthers with three touchdowns on the night -- two on pass receptions from Eric Fridenberg...

South Fort Myers snaps Lemon Bay's 3-game streak OUT OF PLAYOFFS: Lopsided loss elminates Mantas from postseason.
November 1, 2008... Byline: BRUCE ROBINS CORRESPONDENT "I told the team to go out and win the game for our seniors," said South coach Grant Redhead, "regardless of what happened last week." Last week's defeat eliminated the Wolfpack from playoff...

ODA FALLS SHY IN TITLE QUEST TOO LATE: Thunder drops decision to Keswick but still qualify for playoffs.
November 1, 2008... Byline: STEVE GIBSON steve.gibson@heraldtribune.com Keswick (4-3 and 4-0) is the district champion. The game had a playoff atmosphere as the host Crusaders took a 3-0 lead at halftime following a 23-yard field goal by Kenny Lucas with...

Rams rout Falcons without needing pass or punt SLOPPY: Riverview runs for 420 yards in game marred by 10 turnovers and 23 penalties.
November 1, 2008... Byline: JASON SWANCEY jason.swancey@heraldtribune.com Riverview's leading rusher against the Falcons (1-8) was Vic Johnson, who didn't even play until the second half, when the score was already 21-0 and finished with 137 yards and...

Sarasota wins with late TD SAILOR RALLY: Desmond Hurley caps 80-yard drive with 1-yard TD run.
November 1, 2008... Byline: DOUG FERNANDES doug.fernandes@heraldtribune.com Friday night, the Sailors got their third win of the season as quarterback Sean Hurley led them on a late scoring drive in a 27-21 win over the Spartans before a sparse crowd at...

BOOKER STUMBLES Robinson capitalizes on Tornadoes' miscues in fourth quarter.
November 1, 2008... Byline: CHRIS DELL CORRESPONDENT Robinson jumped out to an early first half lead and capitalized on two fourth-quarter turnovers to keep Booker at bay. Booker (4-4, 1-2) had four turnovers overall, including four dropped passes in the final...

Injury to Phillips puts Bucs' safety Piscitelli in starting lineup.
November 1, 2008... Byline: TOM BALOG tom.balog@heraldtribune.com "I'm as ready as can be," Piscitelli said. It's a move he's been awaiting since Tampa Bay drafted the Boca Raton native in the second round out of Oregon State in 2007. "Now it's...

NEW SOTHERBY'S READY TO RISE REAL ESTATE: Brokerage will replace Sky, but fate of its agents in unclear.
November 1, 2008... Byline: AARON KESSLER aaron.kessler@heraldtribune.com Sky is ceasing operations, and Sotheby's is instead rolling out a new affiliate in the Sarasota market to be led by Judy Green, a veteran of the Southwest Florida real estate scene. ...

BUSINESS BUZZ.
November 1, 2008... Sarasota doctor serves as guest editor Dr. Russell H. Samson of Sarasota Vascular Specialists was published as the guest editor of the September issue of Seminars in Vascular Surgery, published by Elsevier Inc. The topic of the...

Youth minister uses tough-love approach.(Info box available on microfilm or pdf)
November 1, 2008... Byline: KEN HAGGERTY CORRESPONDENT Carfield is a graduate of Ball State University in Muncie, Ind., and Asbury Theological Seminary in Kentucky, but it was during her high school years that she discovered her true calling in life. ...

OBITUARIES.(Obituary)
November 1, 2008... July 4, 1947 - Oct. 29, 2008 James N. Schulte, 61, Venice, formerly of Teaneck, N.J., and California, died Oct. 29, 2008. Visitation will be on Monday from 2 to 4 p.m. with a prayer service at 4 p.m. at Farley Funeral Home, North Port...

CRASH VICTIN WAS FAMILY MAN HIT-AND-RUN: Motorcyclist is remembered as caring, selfless father and friend.(Info box available on microfilm or pdf)
November 1, 2008... Byline: HALLE STOCKTON halle.stockton@heraldtribune.com He picked a late-night shift at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, so either he or his wife could always be with their children. And he recently began driving a motorcycle to work instead...

Seeking seat on Palmetto board.
November 1, 2008... Byline: DALE WHITE dale.white@heraldtribune.com Q. What is your overall view of the financial health of the city? A. My overall view is the city is currently stable.... However, we are facing certain budgetary shortfalls in the years...

OBITUARIES.
November 1, 2008... June 27, 1938 - Oct. 29, 2008 Ronald Gibson, 70, of Parrish since 2004, formerly of Brighton, Colo., died Oct. 29, 2008. Services will be at a later date. Brown and Sons Funeral Homes and Crematory, 43rd Street Chapel, is in charge....

SECOND LOCAL BANK IS SHUT FREEDOM BANK: Regulators take action after millions of dollars in loans sour.(Info box available on microfilm or pdf)
November 1, 2008... Byline: JOHN HIELSCHER john.hielscher@heraldtribune.com Freedom is the second Bradenton bank to fail this year, falling three months after First Priority Bank. It is the nation's 17th bank failure of 2008. "In my 27 years in Florida...

A day too beautiful not to go shopping.
November 1, 2008... Byline: Rich Brooks Some might call this spate of cool, dry air Chamber of Commerce weather, or the reason the rent is so high. Whatever the reason, I'm thankful for it. The sun warms my face and the wind kisses my cheek. The...

REAL CONTENDER OR JUST A PLOY? HOUSE DISTRICT 69: The Green Party candidate has links to Republicans.(Info box available on microfilm or pdf)
November 1, 2008... Byline: TIFFANY LANKES tiffany.lankes@heraldtribune.com Rather than debunking those accusations, the fliers raise even more questions about his candidacy. The mailer -- which knocks Fitzgerald but makes no mention of Benson -- was paid...

School Avenue project's new face DEVELOPMENT: Builder's scaled-back plan sits better with neighbors.(Graphic & Map available on microfilm or pdf)
November 1, 2008... Byline: ROGER DROUIN roger.drouin@heraldtribune.com The latest plans call for 238 condos, 70,000 square feet of office space, a hotel and shops. The developer reworked the design over the past year after meeting with neighborhood...

Grounded, for now RESCUE: Wildlife facility helping two bald eagles recover in unusual year.(Info box & map available on microfilm or pdf)
November 1, 2008... Byline: KATE SPINNER kate.spinner@heraldtribune.com The eagle could not fly and had cuts on its talons when it was captured by Larry Corl, a volunteer wildlife rescuer for the center. Corl retrieved the second injured eagle at the...

POLICE BRIEFS.
November 1, 2008... Sylvia Baldwin told police she left the child, Symyia Ross, in thebathtub and went to fix breakfast for her two other children, police reports state. Baldwin said one of her other children told her to go look at Symyia, and the mother...

Realtor group jabs Democrats in Sarasota area.
November 1, 2008... Byline: ZAC ANDERSON zac.anderson@heraldtribune.com The Council for Stronger Neighborhoods purchased television ads and mailers attacking Democratic state Rep. Keith Fitzgerald and paid for mailers attacking Democrat Morgan Bentley....

Two hope to keep fire board seats.
November 1, 2008... Byline: VICTOR HULL victor.hull@heraldtribune.com Kern, a retired Venice firefighter, is competing against Charles Bray, a retired police chief from Massachusetts for Seat 4. Hawkins, public information officer for Charlotte County Fire &...

'Lost Highway' reveals Williams' musical skills.(Info box available on microfilm or pdf)
November 1, 2008... Byline: JAY HANDELMAN jay.handelman@heraldtribune.com Most musicals about composers or singers try to interweave their life and career stories into a musical retrospective of their hits. "Lost Highway" at the Manatee Players provides...

A rhapsodic launch for orchestra season.
November 1, 2008... Byline: RICHARD STORM CORRESPONDENT Gustav Holst's sensuous setting of English folk melodies, "A Somerset Rhapsody," is a different thing altogether. Modal and mysterious, especially in the magical changes of key for which Holst was...

OBITUARIES.
November 1, 2008... Sept. 1, 1931 - Sept. 30, 2008 Lois Anita Harding, 77, Roseville, Calif., formerly of Sarasota, died Sept. 30, 2008. A private committal will be in Oakdale, Mass. Survivors include daughters Jenifer Harding Culbertson of Loomis,...

Pilot's license helped broaden woman's horizons.
November 1, 2008... Byline: MARK ZALOUDEK mark.zaloudek@heraldtribune.com Barbara Huston's flying adventures ranged from day trips from her home in Wayne, N.J., to more extended trips, including retracing the trail of explorers Lewis and Clark from the...

A market's vital signs.
November 1, 2008... Byline: Harold Bubil "In places like Sarasota and Cape Coral-Fort Myers, listings continue to grow -- implying that Florida is not as far along in the mending process as some other states," according to a spokesman for Fidelity National...

Amendment 2 inflames emotions on both sides.(Info box available on microfilm or pdf)
November 2, 2008... Byline: JOE FOLLICK H-T CAPITAL BUREAU "I think it's the largest, most fundamental issue that's come across the radar in my lifetime," said Dennis Baxley, the executive director of the Christian Coalition of Florida and a former lawmaker...

Lofty Rays aim ever higher AMBITIONS: The team has won lots of new fans. Now, how can it keep them?
November 2, 2008... Byline: ANTHONY CORMIER anthony.cormier@heraldtribune.com The Rays' dramatic turnaround is paying dividends. The march to the World Series was met by rocketing merchandise sales, bigger crowds at Tropicana Field, more viewers on TV and an...

Florida's Latino voters veer away from tradition.(Info box available on microfilm or pdf)
November 2, 2008... Byline: LLOYD DUNKELBERGER H-T CAPITAL BUREAU But business is down at the steak house Romero manages and the bleak economic times led Romero to vote for Obama for president. Romero, whose mother was from Puerto Rico and whose father was...

Dear readers: We welcome all the opposing views that fit.
November 2, 2008... Byline: Thomas Tryon Did you change the headline because it helped John McCain? Another biased print by the Sarasota Herald-Tribune New York Times. -- A.B., Sarasota Dear A.B., Didn't figure that our decision to run a...

One nation divided, yet again For the next president, call for unity must be backed by deeds.
November 2, 2008... "If Bush and his administration are faithful to the speech, which recognized that 'civility is not a tactic... but a way to shared accomplishment,' they will serve the nation well and enhance their chances of achieving success." The next...

No wall can tame vagaries of the sea.
November 2, 2008... Byline: Eric Ernst We don't live directly on the Gulf. The changing shoreline does not threaten our homes. And, when seaside homeowners do build seawalls, it often eliminates our access to the part of the beach below the mean high water...

Florida's favorite birds are returning to communities.
November 2, 2008... Byline: PATTIE MIHALIK CORRESPONDENT My favorite bird is the blue heron. Before I moved here, I just about jumped up and down in excitement whenever I saw the big birds. Now that I am living here and blue herons are daily visitors to my...

OBITUARIES.
November 2, 2008... May 28, 1919 - Oct. 31, 2008 Thomas Michael Aquilina, 89, Sarasota, formerly of Charleroi, Pa., died Oct. 31. Arrangements are by the National Cremation Society and Memorial Center. Survivors include daughters Deborah, and Eileen...

Novak and Thompson get Goldman awards.
November 2, 2008... Byline: Marjorie North Ringling College president Larry Thompson received the Layperson Award for his involvement with the creation of the new Wellness Community building in the Lakewood Ranch area. The dinner was held in memory of...

Workers get free checkups at plant HEALTH: Medical alumni group screens West Coast Tomato employees.
November 2, 2008... Byline: HALLE STOCKTON halle.stockton@heraldtribune.com "This is just beautiful," said Sanchez, 57, a Puerto Rican native who does not have health insurance and only goes to a clinic for low-income people when he is very sick. ...

POLICE BRIEFS.
November 2, 2008... Trever A. Samelak, of the 5700 block of Fourth Avenue Northwest in Bradenton, was arrested on a charge of aggravated battery around 2:30 a.m. Saturday at a house in the 4300 block of Lorraine Road. According to a Manatee Sheriff's report:...

AAUW gives scholarships to 12 college students.
November 2, 2008... Byline: STAFF REPORT The recipients are Danielle Battaglia, Sue Danna, Mandy Kersey, Jeremy Lindhardt, Kawanda Lindsey, Jormarie Mere-Beauman, Guillermina Pureco, Jacquelyn Shephard, Kellie Steiner, Iris Thomas, Violeta Velazquez and Kira...

OBITUARIES.
November 2, 2008... March 31, 1922 - Oct. 31, 2008 M. Marie Kuusinen, 86, of Bradenton since 1976, formerly of Livonia, Mich., died Oct. 31. A memorial service will be at a later date. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory, 43rd Street Chapel, is in...

What good are voters who grin, not grouse?
November 2, 2008... Byline: Tom Lyons Unlike his counterparts in nearby counties, including Sarasota, Sweat provided only that one early voting station for all of Manatee County. For some people, the drive was longer than the wait in line. Early voters...

Children lift their voices before the blues begins FESTIVAL: Annual event, in its 18th year, brings more than music to town.
November 2, 2008... Byline: HALLE STOCKTON halle.stockton@heraldtribune.com Cateria Murray, 10, rattled off a list of reasons she enjoys the choir. "It's fun," Murray said. "You help other kids. You can learn songs. You make friends. And it could probably...

A late-hour tactical shift Passions surge on the streets and candidates stalk the undecided.(Maps available on microfilm or pdf)
November 2, 2008... Byline: TODD RUGER todd.ruger@heraldtribune.com About 30 seconds later, a parade of three dozen McCain supporters showed up singing "God Bless America," carrying signs or walking a dog wearing McCain T-shirts. Obama supporters started...

Endgame in races: Spend ELECTION: Parties sparing no expense to convince voters in an active year.(Info box available on microfilm or pdf)
November 2, 2008... Byline: DOUG SWORD doug.sword@heraldtribune.com And that is without including the biggest spender on the block, the Republican Party of Sarasota County. Reports had to be postmarked Friday, so not all had been turned in yet. Over...

A RED SOX HOME? IT WON'T BE HERE SPRING TRAINING: Boston finally calls, and it's bad news for boosters.
November 2, 2008... Byline: ROGER DROUIN roger.drouin@heraldtribune.com That decision was a final ending to a saga that had been playing out for much of the year, with Sarasota officials offering up several sites and promises of a $60 million stadium complex...

Praising and panning extended hours.
November 2, 2008... Byline: JOE FOLLICK & LLOYD DUNKELBERGER Asked about an anonymous quote from a Florida Republican who said the move would cost Republican John McCain the election by expanding the ability of Democrats to vote, Greer responded, "I don't...

See show and help students' education.(Info box available on microfilm or pdf)
November 2, 2008... Byline: Yvette Kimm Fashion fans look forward to the upcoming annual affair, which will be Friday at Bradenton Municipal Auditorium. Exquisite runway creations modeled by fashion show producer Carlton M. Hamilton's Vogue-Esquire models of...

COMMUNITY BRIEFS.
November 2, 2008... The students have grade point averages of 3.3 or higher. The presentation at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee on Wednesday evening will feature Jhana Martinez, a student at Manatee Community College with a scholarship from...

OBITUARIES.
November 2, 2008... May 28, 1919 - Oct. 31, 2008 Thomas Michael Aquilina, 89, Sarasota, formerly of Charleroi, Pa., died Oct. 31. Arrangements are by the National Cremation Society and Memorial Center. Survivors include daughters Deborah, and Eileen...

At 16, Meluzzi soared in circus as cannonball.
November 2, 2008... Byline: MARK ZALOUDEK mark.zaloudek@heraldtribune.com The sixth-generation circus performer, who never strayed far from the circus after retiring as a performer, died Thursday in Sarasota at 80 of heart failure. Catapulted by...

Presidential election nail-biter wins as this year's best drama.
November 2, 2008... Byline: Jay Handelman Even "Lost" and "24," two of television's most gripping dramas, don't provide this kind of nail-biting excitement. No matter how many people actually cast ballots, this presidential election cycle has captured...

Ensemble aims for the evocative.(Info box available on microfilm or pdf)
November 2, 2008... Byline: SUSAN L. RIFE susan.rife@heraldtribune.com The festival is "about as remote as you can get. It's about the artists who come there, rehearsing and performing music without the concerns of the real world. It isn't about making a big...

Fall 'Barber' is milestone for opera.(Info box available on microfilm or pdf)
November 2, 2008... Byline: JAY HANDELMAN jay.handelman@heraldtribune.com The orchestra has accompanied opera singers in several years of fall concerts that Artistic Director Victor DeRenzi described as a "build up" for this year's full production. "We...

Kirov Orchestra brings favorites.(Info box available on microfilm or pdf)
November 2, 2008... Byline: JOEL ROZEN joel.rozen@heraldtribune.com A brawny Moscow native raised in the Caucasus, Gergiev is now entering his third decade at the helm of St. Petersburg's legendary orchestra. He made his debut as assistant conductor of the...

Lifesaving? No, but it's interesting.
November 2, 2008... Byline: Susan Rife The story turns on Richard Novak, a fabulously wealthy Los Angeles day trader who lives in utter isolation in a beautiful hillside home overlooking the city. Every morning he puts on his noise-canceling headphones, steps...

Recording a loved one's interview tells them they matter and they won't be forgotten.(Info box and graphic available on microfilm or pdf)
November 2, 2008... Byline: SUSAN L. RIFE susan.rife@heraldtribune.com The stories themselves are, each in their own way, deeply moving -- in Isay's words, "extraordinary," as grandchildren interview their grandparents, sisters their brothers, friends and...

Arts Council presents awards Monday.
November 2, 2008... Byline: STAFF REPORT The honorees will receive an original sculpture designed by Arts Council member Mark Chew, who is known for his "Liquid Metal" stainless steel creations. During the ceremony, to be hosted by radio host Cliff Roles,...

Gators savor this one just a little bit longer.
November 2, 2008... Byline: Doug Fernandes The official gridiron dictionary identifies this practice as rubbing it in. But here's the rub: Urban Meyer isn't going by this book. "Just trying to... (running back Emmanuel) Moody was running the ball real...

Speculation The first cold front of fall is a signal to hit the lakes for speckled perch.
November 2, 2008... Byline: Steve Gibson When the water temperature begins to fall, that's a signal for fish to begin feeding in preparation for winter. Migratory fish such as kingfish, Spanish mackerel and little tunny will pass through the area on their...

Lancers open with victory SEASON OPENER: Shedrick Haynes and Aaron Mitchell combine for 41 points.
November 2, 2008... Byline: ALAN DELL CORRESPONDENT Mitchell scored 10 of the Lancers final 14 points and had a big assist while finishing with a team high 23 points. Playing in his first basketball game in two years, Haynes sparked the defense with six steals...

Bucs have another backup to feast upon But coach Jon Gruden says his team should not take Kansas City's quarterback, who is very athletic with a talented group of skill players to support him, lightly.
November 2, 2008... Byline: TOM BALOG tom.balog@heraldtribune.com Tampa Bay (5-3, 1-3 on the road) begins the second half of the season against a Kansas City team with a 1-6 record, starting an untested second-year quarterback -- who was a seventh-round draft...

Riverview girls and boys teams cruise to victories.
November 2, 2008... Byline: PHIL DENIS CORRESPONDENT In the boys division, Riverview topped Fort Myers 356-298 and Sarasota rounded out the Top 3 again with 271 points during the nine-school showcase. The top finishers advance to the Class 3A-Region 2...

Tarpons boys swim to another title ON A ROLL: This is Charlotte's second straight and sixth in the last eight years.
November 2, 2008... Byline: BRUCE ROBINS CORRESPONDENT Charlotte's 200 and 400 freestyle relay teams also were victorious. "We didn't fully rest for this meet," said Tarpons coach Jeff Cain, whose goal is a top ten finish in the state finals in two...

Feels just like home (maybe even better) Asolo purchases condos for visiting actors' use.
November 2, 2008... Byline: MARSHA FOTTLER CORRESPONDENT Last year Oscar lived for eight months in a hotel/condo complex in Las Vegas; before arriving at the Asolo, he was a month on Martha's Vineyard. Oscar's condominium is one of 10 that the Asolo Rep...

Bold statements at Gran Paradiso.
November 2, 2008... Byline: HAROLD BUBIL REAL ESTATE EDITOR In the not-too-distant past, press releases that announce groundbreaking ceremonies were greeted with yawns in Florida newsrooms, because there were so many. Often, newspapers do not cover them. But...

CHARLOTTE COUNTY PROPERTY TRANSFERS.
November 2, 2008... Bertolami Revocable Living Trust and Bertolami, David B. Jr., and Bertolami, Marguerite, to Contino, John A., Lot 15, Block 186, Section 14, Punta Gorda Isles, $355,000. Brady, Betty, and Brady, John, to Bank of New York and CWALT Inc....

SARASOTA COUNTY PROPERTY TRANSFERS.
November 2, 2008... Bear Stearns Abs 2006Ac1 and U.S. Bank, trustee, to Taylor, James A. and Lisa M., Lot 24, Block 1570, 32 Addition, Port Charlotte, $130,000. Bettenhausen, Kay L. and Lee L., to Variell, Dennis L. and Janice D., Lot 43, Block 2468, 49...

RECORD EARLY VOTS TURNOUT: Nearly half of Sarasota County voters have already cast ballots.(Info box available on microfilm or pdf)
November 3, 2008... Byline: DOUG SWORD doug.sword@heraldtribune.com She is projecting overall turnout will top 85 percent. In all, nearly 2.5 million Floridians had cast ballots at early voting sites through Saturday, according to the state's Division of...