News Briefs

+ Authorities: vehicle fire apparent suicide
Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office officials have identified the man whose body was discovered in a burned truck as Suchart Sariya, 66, of Sarasota.

Sarasota firefighters responded to reports of a burning teal-colored pickup at around 11 a.m. Nov. 8, at Nathan Benderson Park. After extinguishing the fire, officials discovered a body in the front seat.

Sarasota Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Wendy Rose said officials suspect Sariya intentionally set the vehicle on fire in an apparent suicide.

“The vehicle fire appears to be a suicide, and that is how the investigation is proceeding,” she said.
Sariya was the owner of Dang’s Welding Shop, 2251 17th St., Sarasota.

+ Red Cross launches holiday fundraiser
East County and other residents who make contributions to the American Red Cross between now and Dec. 31 can see their financial gifts doubled through the Southwest Florida Community Challenge.
The Red Cross has secured $100,000 in matching funds and now is seeking donations from the community to qualify for the additional funds.

“We know that these are difficult times for many families and businesses in our community, but the Red Cross has seen that when Americans are in need, America always responds,” Red Cross CEO Megarie van Sickel said. “While the Community Challenge is an innovative way to make a difference while seeing your gift doubled, the leadership giving provided by the matching cabinet is the cornerstone to the success of the campaign.”

To make a financial contribution, visit www.FlwestcoastRedCross.org/CommunityChallenge or visit a local Red Cross branch. To donate by phone, call 379-9300.

+ Local car wash raises funds for child
Clear Sunset Car Wash & Detail Center on Nov. 14 will begin hosting “Mondays for Matthew.”

The car wash, 6415 S.R. 64 E., will be donating proceeds from every car wash on Mondays through Dec. 31 to the care of Matthew DeSantis.

Matthew is a 5-year-old boy who was diagnosed Sept. 28 with ALL Leukemia. He has had three blood and two platelet transfusions to date, and is undergoing chemotherapy and blood work at least once a week.

For more details, visit www.clearsunsetcarwash.com.

+ Taylor Morrison opens sales center
Taylor Morrison celebrated the opening of its sales center in the Summerfield Information Center Nov. 5.
The homebuilder has started construction on Lakewood Ranch’s newest community, Esplanade. The gated development will feature 450 maintenance-free villas and single-family homes.

“The demand for information about Esplanade has been so intense that we are extremely happy that we have been able to forge a relationship with Lakewood Ranch Communities to be able to maintain offices so near the Esplanade site,” said Cammie Longenécker, vice president of sales and marketing for Taylor Morrison West Florida. “With this central location, our sales associates will be able to take buyers and Realtors on tours without tying up much time in travel.”

Business hours for the new sales center are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and from noon to 5 p.m., Sundays.

For more information, visit www.esplanadeatlakewoodranch.com.

+ LECOM hosts annual Hospital Day
The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Lakewood Ranch campus hosted its annual Hospital Day Nov. 11.

The event served as a time for second-year LECOM medical students to learn about clinical rotations, internships and residency options that are available nationwide. Students also were able to speak with LECOM alumni about their experiences.

More than 30 institutions from eight states participated in the event, which was held at Harvest United Methodist Church.