+ Ken Quinn
comes home       
Lakewood Ranch resident Ken Quinn, second mate of the Maersk Alabama whose crew fought off a hijacking attempt by Somali pirates, received a hero’s welcome from friends and neighbors during a celebration April 21 on Lakewood Ranch Main Street.

The community welcomed Quinn home by lining the street and bringing signs and posters.  Quinn and his family ended their journey at MacAllister’s for a welcome home party. 

See The East County Observer’s Facebook page for photos of the party. 

+ Realtor charged
with grand theft
Luxury Realtor Mark P. Riley was charged with stealing more than $150,000 in fixtures from one of his homes in Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club.

According to Manatee County Sheriff’s Office reports, First Bank of Florida repossessed the $3 million home at 6959 Westchester Circle. Upon completion of the repossession, First Bank agent Ted Allen found several of the home’s fixtures missing, including the fireplace, granite counter tops, cabinets, carpets, plumbing and light fixtures, window treatments, interior doors, and appliances, the report stated.

The investigation is ongoing.

+ MCC board
OKs name change
In keeping with the debut of its first four-year program next year, Manatee Community College will be getting a new name.

The school’s Board of Trustees on April 15 voted to change the school’s name to the State College of Florida.

The change also includes a new sports mascot — a manatee waving a lance.

MCC is scheduled to start a four-year nursing degree in January 2010.

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