News Briefs 07.22.10

+ Community Fund seeks nominees
The Lakewood Ranch Community Fund now is accepting nominations for the C. John A. Clarke Humanitarian Award, which will be awarded Oct. 15.

The award, established in honor of John Clarke’s lifelong dedication to humanitarian ideals, will be bestowed upon an individual or individuals who have made outstanding, sustained and unselfish contributions to community enrichment and whose commitment and dedication exemplify the ideal of service to the community.

Past winners include Clarke, Don O’Leary, Pat Neal, Lorraine and Dick Vitale and Darrell Turner.

Nomination forms are available and can be downloaded at the Community Fund’s website, www.lwrfund.org. Nominations must be received by 5 p.m., Sept. 10.

For more information, contact Marilyn Howard at [email protected].

+ House fire under investigation
Firefighters with Southern Manatee Fire Rescue on July 15 responded to a fire in the 3600 block of The Trails subdivision.

The first unit arrived on scene within two minutes and found heavy smoke and an active fire in the master bathroom and closet with fire extension into the attic, a release states.

All occupants had exited the home prior to the fire department’s arrival. EMS personnel and representatives of the American Red Cross also responded. Authorities still are investigating the incident.