News Briefs 03.31.11

+ Ranch Mom’s Group donates to All Children’s
The Lakewood Ranch Mom’s Group recently donated new toys, crafts and baby items to be used by patients at All Children’s Hospital.

The donation was a result of the group’s March community service project.

For the community service project, members and their children were asked to donate unwanted toys and clothes for the group to sell March 12 at the LWR Community Garage Sale. The sale of the unwanted items raised $279.50, which was then used to purchase the new items for All Children’s Hospital. Donated items included books, dolls, puzzles, crafts and a baby mobile.

Membership in the Lakewood Ranch Mom’s Group is open to moms of children of all ages residing in Lakewood Ranch. The group plans service projects, as well as social events for both the moms and their children.

For more information on the group, visit the group’s website, lwrmomsgroup.com.

+ Manatee deputies investigate shootings
Manatee County Sheriff’s Office investigators are searching for the suspect(s) who shot BBs from a moving van March 18-21.

According to sheriff’s office reports, the suspect(s) are responsible for about 60 incidents throughout Manatee County. In most of the incidents, the suspect(s) shot car windows.

Detectives obtained video from a resident in the Regal Oaks subdivision in the East County that shows a possible suspect vehicle. The vehicle is a white full-size van with striping down the side and tinted windows.
A second possible suspect vehicle seen in the area is a silver compact car, possibly a Toyota Camry.
Anyone with information on these incidents should call 747-3011, Ext. 2495, or Crime Stoppers at 866-634-TIPS.

+ Cancer community honors Dick Vitale
The Cancer Support Community Florida Suncoast on March 14 announced ESPN basketball analyst and philanthropist Dick Vitale would receive the organization’s highest honor.

Vitale will be awarded the Stephen H. Goldman, M.D., Keystone Award at the organization’s 2011 Celebration of Hope dinner April 13 at The Polo Grill and Bar, 10670 Boardwalk Loop. Sarasota radiation oncologist Dr. Larry Silverman also will receive the Keystone Award.

Ticket sales and event sponsorships for the 10th annual dinner will support the organization’s work. For more information, visit www.cancersupportsuncoast.org.

+ Car burglars target Cooper Creek
Manatee County Sheriff’s Office deputies are searching for suspect(s) who burglarized three vehicles March 25 on Cooper Creek Boulevard.

According to sheriff’s office reports, unknown suspect(s) entered three different vehicles and attempted a fourth vehicle by punching the driver’s side door lock. While inside the vehicles, the suspect(s) took a cell phone, a beach bag and a laptop computer.

+ Volunteers spruce up Jiggs Landing
Old Braden River Historical Society members and volunteers spent more than two hours working at Jiggs Landing Preserve March 19.

The 12 volunteers completed landscaping tasks, picked up litter and other debris, removed cobwebs and insects from the exterior of buildings and cleaning the recently donated refrigerator.