News Briefs

+ Goodwill building new donation center in Lakewood Ranch
Goodwill Industries has started construction on a new donation center in Lakewood Ranch.

A center is being constructed at 9135 Town Center Parkway, adjacent to Primrose School at Lakewood Ranch. The facility, which will take items such as gently used clothing, furniture, small appliances and more, is slated to open in late November.

Goodwill currently has a nearby location, but the facility is difficult for donors to locate, Goodwill’s Director of Public Relations/Communications LuAnne Kirschner said.

“It just needed to be more visible for the Lakewood Ranch community,” she said of the donation center.

The new 2,200-square-foot facility eventually will replace the existing donation center at 9126 Town Center Parkway. Jon Swift Construction is building the center.

+ Windsor hosts Alzheimer’s conference
The Windsor of Lakewood Ranch last week hosted the University of South Florida Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute conference. The event, called “Alzheimer’s Disease: What Caregivers Need to Know,” provided caregivers with information about the disease, diagnosis, treatment and practical tips to prevent or reduce behavior issues.

Conference speakers included Amanda Smith, the medical director at USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute; Jill Ardila, assistant director of clinical research at the institute; and Eileen Poiley, director of education at the institute.

+ Neal’s Central Park celebrates first birthday
Neal Communities celebrated the first birthday of its Central Park community last weekend.
Community-wide, there are 15 model homes open; and 143 home have sold over the last year. Neal Communities was responsible for 130 of the home sales and owns 11 of 15 models available.

“We’re now seeing buyers, who were waiting to see how the market would react, are responding to prices rising and inventory shrinking,” Neal Communities President Pat Neal said. “They recognize the importance and value of buying now.”

+ Manatee County offers pet adoption promotion
To show its back-to-school spirit, Manatee County Animal Services is offering a special buy-one-get-one free pet adoption event throughout the month of August.

Individuals who adopt a dog or cat at the regular adoption fee can get a second dog or cat at no charge.

New owners may mix dogs and cats. The offer runs through August, and regular adoption fees are $80 for dogs and $60 for cats.

The special is available at both Animal Services locations. The Palmetto site, located at 305 25th St. W., is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. The Bradenton site, located at 1002 B., Manatee Ave. W., is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Call 742-5933 for more information.

+ Sheriff’s office nabs award for campaign
The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office earned a top finish in the Florida Department of Transportation’s recent Click It Or Ticket Challenge.

The sheriff’s office took first place in the Click It or Ticket Award competition out of its tier of more than 240 agencies, earning it a chance to win a 2011 Dodge Challenger R/T. A Manatee Sheriff’s Office representative drew the winning key and won the car, which will be used specifically for traffic enforcement.

The Manatee Sheriff’s Office also placed second out of 100 agencies in the Law Enforcement Challenge. It also took second in the Motor Unit Challenge Award.

+ Meridian College offers $1 haircuts for kids

Children 12 years old and younger can receive haircuts for just $1 at Meridian College’s Lakewood Ranch campus this month.

The Prime Salon at Meridian, located in the campus at 7020 Professional Parkway E., will offer $1 haircuts for children, Mondays through Thursdays, throughout the month of August.
Individuals should make appointments, but walk-ins also are welcome. Haircuts are available between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.

For more information or to make an appointment, contact the salon at 377-4880.