News Briefs

+ Sheriff cracks down on metal thefts
A two-week campaign meant to thwart the theft of metal to be sold as scrap has resulted in 62 arrests and recovery of more than 2,100 pounds of metals.

Operation Meltdown focused on metals stolen from air conditioners, light poles, home siding and other sources, then taken to recycling centers and sold for cash.

It also cracked down on stolen jewelry sold to pawn shops and gold buyers.

Sheriff Tom Knight said the primary reason for the theft was to support drug habits.

“It’s not the bad economy for them,” he said. “None of these people want to get jobs. They just want to steal from people in lieu of going to get a job.”

+ Scallop Search seeks volunteers
Sarasota Bay Watch is looking for volunteers to assist with the fourth annual Sarasota Bay Great Scallop Search.

Boat owners are encouraged to participate, but those without boats are also welcome to sign up as crewmembers. Kayakers are welcome, too.

The event helps monitor the number of scallops in bay waters and supports the scientists at the Florida Wildlife Research Institute.

Scallops will not be harvested, just observed.

The event runs from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13.

For more information, call 953-5333 or visit www.SarasotaBayWatch.org.

+ Vendors sought for sand sculpture event
The Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications from vendors wanting to take part in the Siesta Key Crystal Classic Master Sand Sculpting Competition.

The second event, scheduled for November, draws some of the world’s top sand sculptors.

The chamber anticipates more than 40,000 people will attend the Crystal Classic this year, as in 2010.

Based on last year’s success, the chamber has already received inquiries from vendors wanting to participate again this year, and it has opened up more even vendor space.

For more information, contact either Kevin Cooper at 349-3800 or [email protected], or Maria Bankemper at 924-4900 or [email protected].

+ YMCA selects 2011-2012 board of directors
The Sarasota YMCA has elected its board of directors for 2011-2012.

Ed Landis remains chairman for another one-year term. Rick McDaniel was named treasurer, and Fred Jacobs was selected as secretary.

General board members are George Augustin, Lynn Bonnett, James Bos, Veronica Brady, Kathy Coffey, Sharon Goodman, Lee Hawthorne, Rod Hershberger, John Hogan, former state Sen. Bob Johnson, LaRue Merrill, Louis Robison, Chris Rolle, John Ross, James Sartori, Angelo Sifakes, Vic Scully and P. Burt Veazy.

Meetings & agendas
• Community Alliance Steering Committee — 1:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 15, School Board Brown Awning Building, A/B Conference Room, 1980 Landings Blvd., Sarasota
• Sarasota City Commission — 2:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 15, City Hall, 1565 First St., Sarasota
• NOVA Republican Club — “Meet the Press” panel discussion, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 16, 234 Nippino Trail, Nokomis
• Arlington Park Neighborhood Association — 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 16, Waldemere Fire Station, 2070 Waldemere St., Sarasota