Court tosses arena appeal

LAKEWOOD RANCH — With any fine print, asterisks or riders, Schroeder-Manatee Ranch officially is the sole owner of the community’s hockey arena.

The Court of Appeals in Lakeland yesterday dismissed construction firm Walbridge Aldinger’s plea to have its second lien on the DVA sports arena in Lakewood Ranch trump the first lien held by SMR. Circuit Judge Paul Logan had granted SMR a summary judgment last year and Walbridge Aldinger sought to have that ruling overturned.

For complete coverage, be sure to pick up the May 14 edition of The East County Observer.