NEWS BRIEFS

+ County delays decision on tax relief for seniors
The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners delayed a decision on a draft ordinance that would give an additional homestead exemption from property taxes to long-term, low-income seniors.

At its meeting Aug. 27, the commission voted unanimously to put the topic on its legislative agenda for next year, hoping lawmakers would close loopholes in the proposal by then.

In July, the commission had asked the Manatee County Attorney’s Office to draft an ordinance after voters approved a constitutional amendment about it in 2012. 

That amendment automatically permitted a city or county to provide for an additional or alternative exemption covering the entire assessed value of homestead property, valued up to $250,000, for seniors who had lived there for at least 25 years.

+ Lakewood Ranch vehicle burglaries are not a trend
The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office reported a flurry of vehicle burglaries Aug. 29 on one street in Lakewood Ranch.

Deputies responded to four vehicle burglaries on the 11000 block of Rivers Bluff Circle.

The incidents go against a trend of decreased vehicle burglaries in Manatee County the last two years — after a stretch of several years where the crime happened more frequently — said Dave Bristow, sheriff’s office public information officer.

“This is just another reminder that, if your car is exposed, lock it, and if it is locked, make sure nothing valuable is visible,” Bristow said. “We’ve been on a campaign to inform people of these things the last few years, and it’s working somewhat, but there are just so many targets.”

The “campaign” has included public service announcements, roadway signs and other measures.
Bristow said, generally, more than half of vehicle burglaries involve unlocked cars. 

The sheriff’s office, which often finds young people ages 16 to 24 responsible for the burglaries, has had recent success putting burglars in jail with the help of witnesses. 

Bristow also said Lakewood Ranch has not seen an inordinate amount of vehicle burglaries compared to other parts of the county.

“But Lakewood Ranch has cars like everywhere else,” Bristow said. 

+ Rosedale begins construction on its ‘pristine’ new models
Rosedale Construction has broken ground on a new model home in Rosedale Links, a recently opened phase located in the Rosedale Golf & Country Club.

 The new model, The Pristine VI, will include 2,395 square feet of living space with two bedrooms, a great room, dining room, kitchen, den, covered lanai, laundry room and two-car garage with golf cart parking.

The home will be also have standard features such as granite countertops in the kitchen and bath, tile in all main living areas, impact-resistant windows and doors, a brick driveway and General Electric kitchen appliances.

Construction crews have also begun work on two new spec homes in Rosedale Links – another Pristine VI and a slightly smaller design called the Rosa.

The Rosa has 1,993 square feet of living space that includes a kitchen overlooking a great room and nearby dining room.

A master bedroom features double closets and vanities.

The homes also include a guest room, den, second bath, laundry room, a covered lanai and a two-car garage with golf cart parking.

Rosedale expects all three homes to be complete this fall.

The new Pristine VI model will be open for public viewing by Oct. 31.

Meetings & Agendas
• Manatee County Board of County Commissioners Land-use Meeting — 9 a.m. Sept. 5, at the Manatee County Government Administrative Center, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton
• Manatee County School Board Meeting and Public Hearing to adopt 2013-14 budget — 5:45 p.m. Sept. 9, at 215 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton
• Manatee County Board of County Commissioners Meeting — 9 a.m. Sept. 10, at the Manatee County Government Administrative Center, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton
• Manatee County Board of County Commissioners Budget Public Hearing — 6 p.m. Sept. 10, at the Manatee County Government Administrative Center, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton