News Briefs

+ East County mourns sudden loss of community member
The Lakewood Ranch business community is mourning the unexpected death of Michael Miele, most recently of MGA Insurance Group.

Miele, 44, was a member of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance and Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch. He died July 23.

“He was just always so friendly to everyone,” said friend Ted Lindberg, who knew Miele through involvement with the Lakewood Ranch Rotary Club. “He worked so hard at our Winefest, helping Rotary and at the same time helping our community.

“I remember coming back to the Winefest hours after it ended,” he said. “Mike was still there, helping to clean up, doing the tough job of getting things back onto the truck. All I remember is just a friendly word, making me feel comfortable. That was Mike.”

A celebration of life service was held July 30 at Christ Church of Bradenton.

Miele, who spent more than 20 years in the financial industry, was born in Norwalk, Conn.

He is survived by his wife, Kimberly Parody Miele, and their two sons, Jake, 10, and Maximus, 4, as well as his sister and brother-in-law Ashley Marie and Jamie Letarte, 16 nieces and nephews and friends.

He was the son of Joseph and Mary Miele and son-in-law to Donald and Nancy Parody.

+ Sashay Dance Club closes 
Sashay Dance Club, located in San Marco Plaza, has closed.

Owner Sandra Danu, a former ballroom dancer, opened the business about three years ago with the hope of bringing together current and former dancers for socializing in a relaxed setting.

She hoped to receive a better response from the public, especially the local dance community, she said in a press release. Rental fees surpassed her income, she said.

Individuals interested in the space should call 306-5850.

+ County accepting applications for criminal-nuisance board
Manatee County needs to fill five openings on its criminal nuisance abatement board.

The board hears cases regarding criminal annoyances on premises located in unincorporated areas of the county, including Ellenton, Parrish, Myakka City and Lakewood Ranch, among others.

Two seats are one-year terms, and three are for two-year terms.

Applicants should be interested in providing administrative oversight with authority to impose fines and other penalties. Familiarity with the county’s land and development code is a plus.

Applicants must be Manatee County residents. The application deadline is Aug. 14. The required forms are located at mymnatee.org/advisory_boards.

For more information, call 748-2071 or email [email protected].

Meetings &agendas
Manatee County School District Budget Hearing — 5:45 to 8 p.m. July 31, at 215 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

Manatee County Board of County Commissioners Land Use Meeting — 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 7, at the County Administrative Center, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.