News Briefs

+ Homeowners hold protest against builder
Homeowners from across the state, including those from the East County’s Willowbrook community, united against builder KB Home in a protest Oct. 17, at Tanglewood Preserve in Gibsonton.

Frustrated homeowners sought to expose KB Home’s poor construction and unethical business practices, according to a press release from a community coordinator.

Residents have issues of sinking floors, separating window frames, wall moisture and mold due to water intrusion from balconies.

At the latest protest, homeowners from more than 12 KB Home communities said they hoped to push a law that would protect homeowners from similar situations.

+ Grant applications available for charities
Qualifying charities can now apply for a grant from the Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch. The application deadline is Dec. 31.

Annual grants are made possible by the funds raised at the Suncoast Food and Wine Fest, a fundraising event held by the Rotary Club Nov. 10.

To download the application, visit the Rotary Club’s website or contact Laurie Haberg at 358-2068.

+ Habitat for Humanity to repair, renovate homes
Manatee County Habitat for Humanity has been selected to participate in Repair Corps., an initiative that repairs and renovates homes and public facilities for veterans.

Manatee Habitat is one of 84 Habitat affiliates selected to participate in the program, a press release states.

“We are excited to participate in the launch of Habitat for Humanity’s Repair Corps program and grateful to The Home Depot Foundation for funding this project,” said Jim Frame, board president for Manatee Habitat. “It is truly an honor to work in partnership with former servicemen and women and their families.”

Repair Corps is part of a three-year, $30 million investment The Home Depot Foundation is making to multiple organizations to help ease military veterans’ burdens.

+ Report finds more problems at SCF
A report by a local accounting firm reported that officials at State College of Florida broke Florida law by using $470,000 of college money to help pay for a struggling job training program during the past two years.

The report, completed by Kerkering Barberio, states that SCF used operating funds, such as student tuition and state funding, to make up a shortfall in its Continuing Workforce Education program in 2011.

The program should have been paid for strictly from fees.

SCF’s Board of Trustees forced former President Lars Hafner to resign Oct. 30 for poor fiscal management.

Meetings & Agendas
• Manatee County Board of County Commissioners meeting — 9 a.m. Nov. 27, at the Manatee County Administration Building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton