News Briefs

Napiers found guilty of cruelty
After an eight-day trial, former East County animal shelter owners Alan and Sheree Napier were found guilty of several charges.

A jury on Feb. 4 found Alan Napier, 52, guilty of eight counts of aggravated animal cruelty, one charge of unlawful solicitation and one scheming to defraud charge.

Sheree Napier, 46, was found guilty of eight counts of aggravated animal cruelty and one count of scheming to defraud.

Sentencing is set for March 27.

The couple faces three to 85 years in prison.

Sheree Napier is currently out on bond and Alan Napier remains in custody.

The Manatee County Sherriff’s Office raided and confiscated more than 300 animals from the Napier’s East County animal shelter, Napier Log Cabin Animal and Horse Sanctuary, Feb. 5, 2014.

Authorities cited unsanitary living conditions for the horses, pigs, dogs, cats, goats and other animals found on the property, located off State Road 64.

The raid resulted from complaints from concerned residents, as well as undercover investigations by officials.

Country Club East upgrades
Country Club East residents will soon have new and improved access to their community and more things to do within the neighborhood.

Construction is underway on a second community entrance, located on The Masters Avenue. To help traffic from the 2015 Parade of Homes, construction will likely be completed by the end of February.

The second entrance features “more of a country club sense of arrival,” with views of lakes, fountains and a golf course, said Jimmy Stewart, vice-president of sales for LWR Communities.

Building a second entrance was always part of the plan for the community, but because of recent growth in the area, the time to add another outlet for leaving and entering the community is now, Stewart said.

MEETINGS
Manatee County Commissioners Work Session — 1:30 to 5 p.m. Feb. 17, at the County Administrative
Center, 215 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton

All Manatee County offices are closed Feb. 16, in observation of President’s Day.