News Briefs 11.25.10

+ Lakewood Ranch unveils Wildwood Cellar
The Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club last week announced its new wine room, the Wildwood Cellar.
The new room includes an antique wine press, smelling oils, antique cork removers, wine urns, artwork, the silhouette of an etched wine vineyard on the large arched glass front entry and oak barrels that were shipped from the Deloach Vineyards in California. The ceiling features a hand-painted mural that brings the sky into the room and gives one the feeling of being outdoors.

“At the beginning of the project, we challenged ourselves to engage all five senses in the development of the room,” said General Manager Wayne Piazza. “It would not be just a room where we could serve fine dinners and wines, but one that would involve guests in taste, smell, sight and sound, resulting in an overwhelming feeling of what it is like to be immersed in a signature room dedicated to the enjoyment of fine wine and food.”

The Wildwood Cellar is named after the various woods used in its development and is available to area businesses and the community for private parties and special events.

+ Lockheed Martin donates $100,000
Lockheed Martin Corp., a global security company, has again showed its support for educating Manatee County youth in science, math and engineering.

The company recently donated $100,000 to the Manatee County School District to support the cause.

“Lockheed Martin is a great friend to education in Manatee,” Manatee Education Foundation Director Mary Glass said. “They are involved in many areas of the School District, including the Manatee Regional Science and Engineering Fair and the Technology Student Association District Competition.”

Lockheed also is an annual sponsor of the Space Day event involving Kinnan and Abel elementary schools.

+ Ranch Car Show benefits soldiers
A car, truck and motorcycle show benefiting veterans will be held from noon to 4 p.m., Nov. 28 in front of Ed’s Tavern, 10719 Rodeo Drive, on Lakewood Ranch Main Street.

The event will include trophies, door prizes, a 50/50 raffle and more. It will benefit Manasota Operations Troop Support, better known as MOTS. For more information, call Lance, 377-1061.

+ Swiftmud declares water shortage
The Governing Board of the Southwest Water Management District has voted to enter into a Phase 1 Water Shortage Order for Manatee County.

The “Phase 1” declaration means conditions are drier than normal. All water users, whether utilities or residents, should review their current uses and procedures for water usage and incorporate conservation measures.

+ Sarasota County opens new fire station
The Sarasota County Commission and Sarasota County Fire Department celebrated the opening of the county’s new Fire Station 10 with a special ceremony Nov. 23.

Authorities dedicated the new facility to longtime former fire chief Brian Gorski.

Gorski, who retired in 2009 after 32 years of service, now acts as the fire chief of the Englewood Fire Control District.

The 5.5-acre campus of Fire Station 10 is located at 35 Vic Edwards Road.