News Briefs

+ SMART hosts grand opening
The Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy welcomed the public to its new facility during a housewarming party March 31.

The East County-based organization also celebrated its 25th anniversary.

SMART’s new location, at 4640 C.R. 675, includes a two-story home with a wrap-around front porch that offers the perfect space both for SMART’s administrative needs, as well as kitchen and dining space, plenty of storage and rooms for future therapy sessions with children. Outside, a fire pit and a covered outdoor-grilling area provides space for family fun days and barbecues when the organization hosts horse shows on the property.

Two barns nearby, with a total of 20 stalls, provide housing for the program’s horses, and a warehouse provides space for horse trailers, tractors, carts and other equipment.

SMART provides physical, emotional, and cognitive growth of individuals with special needs through an educational and recreational therapeutic horseback-riding and carriage-driving program.

For more information, visit SMART’s website, www.smartriders.org.

+ Premier Sotheby’s opens Ranch office
Premier Sotheby’s International Realty opened a new office in Lakewood Ranch.

The office, at 8141 Lakewood Main St., Suite N101, will be overseen by Managing Broker Jodi Emrick. The office will allow direct access for clients and prospective buyers to view listings and speak with agents on a daily basis while also providing access to the extraordinary Sotheby’s International Realty global network.

“The new Lakewood Ranch office is a significant component of our continued expansion through the Gulf Coast and is a strong community with a proven track record,” said President and CEO Judy Green.
Premier Sotheby’s International Realty achieved sales of $1.73 billion in 2011, an 18% increase compared to 2010.

For more information, visit premiersothebysrealty.com.

+ Tara Elementary wins $4,000 grant
Tara Elementary School is one of 13 schools statewide to receive a $4,000 gift from the Dairy Council of Florida for its participation in Fuel Up to Play 60.

Fuel Up to Play 60 is a national, in-school health-and-wellness program that encourages children to eat nutrient-rich foods and achieve at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. The program is a collaboration among the National Dairy Council, the National Football League and the United States Department of Agriculture.

The $4,000 was donated to the schools to help increase awareness and access to nutrient-rich foods and provide increased opportunities for physical activity for students.

Meetings & Agendas
• Manatee County Board of County Commissioners Land-Use Meeting — 9 a.m. Thursday, April 5, Manatee County Administrative Building’s first-floor commission chambers, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.
• Manatee County School Board Regular Meeting — 5:45 p.m. April 9, at 215 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton
• Greenbrook Safety Meeting — 7 p.m. April 9, at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall, 8175 Lakewood Ranch Blvd.
• Manatee County Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting — 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 10, Manatee County Administrative Building’s first-floor commission chambers, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.
• Manatee County Planning Commission Meeting — 9 a.m. Thursday, April 12, Manatee County Administrative Building’s first-floor commission chambers, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.