News Briefs 06.03.10

+ Friends of LWR hosts meeting
A Lakewood Ranch group opposing incorporation is taking its battle to the public spotlight.

The Friends of Lakewood Ranch will host a forum at 7 p.m., June 9, at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall, 8175 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. The group will discuss why it questions the results and assumptions of a recently-released feasibility study, among other concerns.

For information, visit www.lwrdv.com/friends.

+ Blaine Ross to get new trial
The Florida Supreme Court has overturned the murder conviction and death sentence for Blaine Ross, who was convicted in May 2007 for the murder and robbery of his parents Richard and Kathleen, in their East County home.

The court, in a 4-3 ruling, has ordered Ross to have a new trial and said the confession Ross made to Manatee County Sheriff’s Office detectives cannot be used in the proceedings. An investigator mishandled Ross’ interrogation and did not notify him of his rights, the court ruled.

Ross is believed to have beaten his parents to death with a baseball bat on Jan. 7, 2004.

+ ManaTEENs hosts Summer of Service
The ManaTEENs organization is launching an environmental stewardship program for youth throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties called Summer of Service. The program will run June 10 through Aug. 21.
The first 180 youths, who are starting sixth through ninth grades, to complete 125 hours of service and training by participating in approved activities, events and programs, will receive $500 education awards. Students can use the scholarships for up to 10 years.

Activities will include a variety of conservation activities, disaster preparedness training, landscaping and more.

For information, visit www.manateens.org or e-mail to [email protected].