News Briefs

+ Former Arbomar building manager files suit
Kent Lagro and his wife, Heidi, filed a lawsuit Sept. 30, against the Arbomar condo association, board members Walter Major and his wife, Susan; Judith Spiezio and her husband, Gary; Ed Kaczinski and Bill Baxter; and residents Tim and Patricia McDonald.

The suit seeks damages in excess of $15,000 and lists eight causes of action, including defamation, libel and slander.

Kent Lagro, a unit owner who served as building manager until the board terminated his contract in June, has said that his dismissal was in retaliation for collaborating with unit owner Pete DiNicola, who has a lawsuit against the board that stems from alleged unlicensed contract work and an assessment that DiNicola claims was illegal.

+ Longboat Key Fire Rescue gets high marks from citizens
Longboat Key residents who used EMS services between July and September were satisfied with the care they received, according to the department’s third quarter survey.

Of the 50 patients who responded, 76%, or 38, rated the overall quality of care they received as outstanding; 22%, or 11, said they received excellent care; and one patient, representing 2% of respondents, rated his or her care as fair.

During the survey period, the department transported 95 patients, 52.6% of whom responded to the survey. The average patient age during the three-month period was 68.

+ Duncan qualifies to run for third term on commission
Vice Mayor Jack Duncan qualified to run for a third and final term on the Longboat Key Town Commission. Duncan joined the commission in 2011 and holds the District 2 seat. He confirmed earlier this month that he had reversed his decision not to run for a final term and would seek re-election.

Mayor Jim Brown will term limit out of his District 4 seat next spring. Commissioner Phill Younger has qualified to run for a final term in his at-large seat.

At press time, no other candidates had announced plans to run in the town’s March 2015 general municipal election.

The election is tentatively scheduled for March 10, 2015. Candidates must qualify to run by Nov. 17. If required, a primary election will take place Jan. 13, 2015.

+ Correction
To accommodate a record number of subscription sales, the Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning (SILL) moved its 2015 “Music Mondays” series from Holley Hall to Church of the Palms. Pianist Charlie Albright, who was highlighted in the Oct. 9 Diversions cover story, will perform at 10:30 a.m. March 2, at Church of the Palms, 3224 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota.

Meetings & agendas
Joint Town Commission and Planning and Zoning Board meeting — 9 a.m. Monday, Oct. 20

Town Commission regular workshop — 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 20

Planning & Zoning Board regular meeting — 9 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21

All meetings take place at Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road, unless otherwise noted.