Rain reaps burger reward

+ Burgers and water

As Square 1 Burgers' Stephen Massarella was preparing burgers outside the Naughty Monk Brewery for the Lakewood Ranch Young Leaders Alliance social event June 22, an unexpected rainstorm pounded down.

Massarella, and the two burgers on the grill, were drenched. So he grabbed the two patties, covered them with ketchup and started eating.  "By far that was the best part of my day," he said. "I had to save them."

+ Tortoise rewards

The Florida office of the Arizona-based Center for Biological Diversity is offering a reward to find whoever killed two gopher tortoises in Lakewood Ranch. The nonprofit will put up $5,000 for information leading to an arrest or fine.

“We want people to understand these tortoises are special and rare and it’s a serious offense when someone hurts them or kills them,” Center attorney Elise Bennett said. Anyone with information can call 888-404-3922 or email [email protected].