News Briefs 05.05.11

+ Lakewood Ranch Rotary Club turns 10
The Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch this month celebrated its 10th anniversary.

The service group, which organizes the SunCoast Winefest, has awarded nearly $1 million to local organizations since its inception in 2001.

Club members enjoyed a special luncheon to commemorate the anniversary on April 21.

+ Students sweep TSA competition
Braden River and Lakewood Ranch high schools took top honors at the Technology Student Association State High School Championship April 30.

Braden River’s team took home the championship crown. Southeast placed second and Lakewood Ranch third.

The East County’s Nolan Middle School was named overall winner for the middle school competition. Haile Principal Janet Kerley also became the first recipient of the “Outstanding TSA School Administrator” award.

Eight of the district’s middle schools and five high schools participated in the three-day event, for which students competed in a total of 74 events.

+ Woman killed in car accident
A traffic accident at the intersection of Lockwood Ridge Road and State Road 70 on April 27 resulted in three injuries and one death.

A Florida Highway Patrol states Claudette Daigneault, 66, died in the accident, which occurred at 10:15 a.m.

Robert Daigneault, of Newport, Vt., was driving westbound on State Road 70 when turned left onto Lockwood Ridge Road and into the path of a car driven by Marc Lafferty, 20, of Sarasota. Lafferty’s 2000 Ford struck the right rear side of Daigneault’s car, causing the vehicle to spin.

Lafferty and his passenger Amanda Barnett were taken to Lakewood Ranch Medical Center with minor injuries. Robert Daigneault also suffered minor injuries in the accident.

+ Book clubs can win visit with author
Local book clubs have a chance to sit down with New York Times best-selling author Andy Andrews, writer of “The Traveler’s Gift” and “The Noticer.” Clubs can register at www.andyandrews.com/pages/bookclub for a chance to get a personal visit from Andrews. Entry deadline is June 14.

+ Adviser announces grand opening
GreyHawk Landing resident and Edward Jones Financial adviser Julie Mekhail will hold a grand opening for her new office at 2 p.m., May 4, at the office, 11053 Gatewood Drive.

“I am excited to be opening an Edward Jones office in Lakewood Ranch because I really see a need for the type of service we provide,” Mekhail said.

+ Community Fund donates $105,000
The Manatee Community Fund last month doled out more than $105,000 to 40 local charities.

Organizations receiving funds included: Cancer Support Community — Florida Suncoast ($2,500), Haile Middle School ($850), Family Network on Disabilities of Manatee/Sarasota ($3,500), Manasota B.U.D.S. ($1,700), Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy ($1,750) and more.