Paws step up for charity

+ Helping paws

During the July 7 Music on Main, Bradenton's Trisha Robinson-Antonelli was doing volunteer work for the animal-assisted therapy nonprofit Hand in Paw when she received a boost while selling raffle tickets.

Her dog, Phoenix, didn't want to relinquish his perch on Robinson-Antonelli's back. It actually gave her quite the boost in sales as Phoenix attracted lots of attention. Hand in Paw was the beneficiary of proceeds from the event.

+ Speak Easy 

Speaks Clam Bar, an Italian inspired seafood restaurant, plans to open in the next week at 8764 E. State Road 70 (the former Crispers location), in East County, offering Mediterranean fare.

Operations Manager Susan Masterson said the staff is working hard to get the doors open. The restaurant will seat about 200 people.

"I'm excited, but I'm tired, too," Masterson said.