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Today's Top Stories

News Alerts:

Friday, January 27, 2012

Woodley announces retirement

Outgoing Acting City Manager Nancy Woodley didn’t waste any time this week clearing out her desk to make room for the next city manager. On Tuesday she announced her retirement. Her last day in office was Friday. She will be on leave until March 2, when her retirement officially takes effect. … Find out how to read more Online.

LATEST LOCAL NEWS

Term-limits case sent to high court
Wed Jan 25 2012 08:09AM

The state Supreme Court is a step closer to deciding whether term limits are constitutional for Sarasota County commissioners. The Second District Court of Appeal in Lakeland on Tuesday handed … Find out how to read more Online.

New utility rates set
Wed Jan 25 2012 08:09AM

Look for Venice water/sewer utility rates to increase 6 percent overall in 2012 and 3 percent annually for the next four years. That was the recommendation of a stakeholder group and utilities … Find out how to read more Online.

VHS baseball team fined, sanctioned for rules violations
Wed Jan 25 2012 08:09AM

After more than nine months of investigation, the Florida High School Athletic Association levied fines totally more than $10,000 on the Venice High baseball program for violations dating as far … Find out how to read more Online.

Key bypass vote Monday
Sat Jan 21 2012 08:08AM

Monday is a day of reckoning for the Sarasota-Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization. That’s when the MPO will finally decide whether to widen a section of the U.S. 41 Venice Bypass … Find out how to read more Online.

State, National and World News

Grandmother’s remains found inside storage unit
Fri Jan 27 2012 09:38AM

CLEARWATER (AP) — The manager of U-Stor Self Storage heard a bizarre tale when he notified a woman that the items stored in Unit B8 would be auctioned because she’d fallen behind on rent. Manager Kevin McKeon says the woman … Find out how to read more Online.

Tired and broke, Santorum heads home to do taxes
Fri Jan 27 2012 09:38AM

PUNTA GORDA (AP) — Rick Santorum is tired, almost broke — and going home. The former Pennsylvania senator is taking a pause from Florida campaigning just days before the Tuesday primary that even he expects to deal him a third … Find out how to read more Online.

Economy grew modest 2.8 pct. in Q4, best in 2011
Fri Jan 27 2012 09:38AM

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. economy grew at a 2.8 percent annual rate in the final three months of last year, the fastest growth in 2011. Americans spent more on cars and trucks, and companies restocked their shelves at the … Find out how to read more Online.

Women, children killed in violence-torn Syria city
Fri Jan 27 2012 09:38AM

BEIRUT (AP) — Fresh violence erupted Friday in the besieged Syrian city of Homs, a day after armed forces loyal to President Bashar Assad barraged residential buildings with mortars and machine-gun fire, killing at least 30 people including a family … Find out how to read more Online.

Thu Jan 26 2012 10:14PM

JACKSONVILLE — Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich sparred over illegal immigration here Thursday night, with the former Massachusetts governor saying it was “repulsive” for the former House speaker to have characterized him as “the most anti-immigrant” candidate in the GOP … Find out how to read more Online.

Iran is ready to return to nuclear talks
Thu Jan 26 2012 10:14PM

TEHRAN, Iran — Iran is ready to revive talks with the U.S. and other world powers, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Thursday, but suggested that Tehran’s foes will have to make compromises to prevent negotiations from again collapsing in stalemate. Iran’s … Find out how to read more Online.

User-friendly health plan summaries at risk
Thu Jan 26 2012 10:14PM

WASHINGTON (AP) — One of the most popular provisions of President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul — consumer-friendly summaries of what your insurance plan covers — suddenly seems to be at risk. Consumer groups say it’s not Republican opposition they’re … Find out how to read more Online.

Why is investment income taxed less than wages?
Thu Jan 26 2012 07:36PM

WASHINGTON (AP) — Why do Mitt Romney and other wealthy investors pay lower taxes on the income they make from investments than they would if they earned their millions from wages? Because the tax code, has long treated investment more … Find out how to read more Online.

Prison privatization headed to senate floor
Thu Jan 26 2012 10:14PM

TALLAHASSEE — A legislative proposal to privatize about 30 prisons in most of the southern part of the state is headed for the Senate floor after a vote in the Budget Committee that angered prison guards who feel they’re not … Find out how to read more Online.

Study: 7 percent of US adults, teens carry HPV in mouths
Thu Jan 26 2012 10:14PM

LOS ANGELES — An estimated 7 percent of American teens and adults carry the human papilloma virus in their mouths, an infection that puts them at heightened risk of developing cancer of the mouth and throat, researchers said Thursday. Their … Find out how to read more Online.

Taxpayers still owed $133B
Thu Jan 26 2012 10:14PM

WASHINGTON — Companies that were bailed out during the financial crisis still owe U.S. taxpayers nearly $133 billion. Treasury’s plans to recoup that money have been slowed by the volatile stock market and weakness among smaller banks. Some of the … Find out how to read more Online.

Workforce board bill gives Scott firing authority
Thu Jan 26 2012 09:25PM

TALLAHASSEE (News Service of Florida) — A bill giving Gov. Rick Scott and future governors more control over regional workforce boards passed its first Senate stop on Thursday in response to a series of embarrassing incidents regarding mismanagement at the … Find out how to read more Online.

Panetta: US ground forces would be cut by 100,000
Thu Jan 26 2012 05:56PM

WASHINGTON (AP) — Pentagon leaders outlined a plan Thursday for absorbing $487 billion in defense cuts over the coming decade by shrinking U.S. ground forces, slowing the purchase of a next-generation stealth fighter and retiring older planes and ships. In … Find out how to read more Online.

Gold Advances to Seven-Week High on Fed Statement
Thu Jan 26 2012 07:36PM

(Bloomberg) — Gold futures rose to a seven-week high Thursday as the Federal Reserve’s pledge to keep U.S. borrowing costs low drove the dollar down, boosting demand for precious metals as alternative assets. Silver jumped to a two-month high. The … Find out how to read more Online.

Dow opens near post-crisis peak but ends lower
Thu Jan 26 2012 07:36PM

(AP) — A brief morning rally Thursday pushed the Dow Jones industrial average above its highest close since the financial crisis of 2008, but disappointing economic data tempered traders’ optimism later in the day, and stocks finished lower. Solid news … Find out how to read more Online.

No backing for the word ‘fracking’
Thu Jan 26 2012 05:54PM

NEW YORK (AP) — A different kind of F-word is stirring a linguistic and political debate as controversial as what it defines. The word is “fracking” — as in hydraulic fracturing, a technique long used by the oil and gas … Find out how to read more Online.

Administration unveils new plan for national forests
Thu Jan 26 2012 05:54PM

LOS ANGELES (LA Times) — New guidelines to manage some 193 million acres of national forest lands will focus on protecting watersheds and wildlife and will require a tougher scientific standard in balancing the competing demands of industry and conservation … Find out how to read more Online.

Bill Gates pledges $750 million for global AIDS fund
Thu Jan 26 2012 05:54PM

DAVOS, Switzerland (Deutsch Presse-Agentur) — Software billionaire Bill Gates announced Thursday that his foundation would give $750 million to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. The pledge, made in Davos, Switzerland, came after the fund’s director Michel … Find out how to read more Online.

Calif. poised to vote on new ‘clean car’ regs
Thu Jan 26 2012 05:54PM

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The head of California’s air quality board on Thursday called proposed rules that would require automakers to build less-polluting cars and trucks by 2025 a historic move for a cleaner environment. California Air Resources Board Chairman … Find out how to read more Online.

Public needs to back austerity, EU leaders say
Thu Jan 26 2012 05:34PM

DAVOS, Switzerland (AP) — Cash-strapped governments in Europe must persuade skeptical citizens to accept severe austerity measures if their countries are to recover and thrive in an increasingly tough global economic environment, European leaders said Thursday. They warned at the … Find out how to read more Online.

Egypt bans travel for US official’s son, 9 others
Thu Jan 26 2012 05:33PM

CAIRO (AP) — Egypt banned at least 10 Americans and Europeans from leaving the country, including the son of U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray Lahood, hiking tensions with Washington over a campaign by Egypt’s military against groups promoting democracy and human … Find out how to read more Online.

Officials: Captain lost precious time
Thu Jan 26 2012 05:33PM

ROME (Deutsch Presse-Agentur) — The wasting of a “precious hour” by the captain of the Costa Concordia jeopardized the timely evacuation of all those aboard the stricken cruise liner, a top Italian coast guard officer said Thursday. The head of … Find out how to read more Online.

Security contractors see opportunities, and limits, in Mexico
Thu Jan 26 2012 05:33PM

MEXICO CITY (Washington Post) — With the Iraq war over and the American presence waning in Afghanistan, U.S. security contractors are looking for new prospects in Mexico, where spreading criminal violence has created a growing demand for battle-ready professionals. After … Find out how to read more Online.

Pakistan accuses Iran of killing 6 on border
Thu Jan 26 2012 05:33PM

QUETTA, Pakistan (AP) — A Pakistani government official says Iranian security forces have killed six Pakistani traders taking goats into Iran. Abdur Rehman said the incident happened Thursday on the Iranian side of the border near the Pakistani town of … Find out how to read more Online.

Mutiny in Papua New Guinea fails
Thu Jan 26 2012 05:33PM

SYDNEY (Deutsch Presse-Agentur) — A Papua New Guinea military rebellion lasted less than a day Thursday with most of the rebel soldiers rounded up, their top-brass hostage freed and their leader being “dealt with” by the government. The Defense Force … Find out how to read more Online.

3 dead, 16 missing in collapse of Rio de Janeiro buildings
Thu Jan 26 2012 05:33PM

RIO DE JANEIRO (Deutsch Presse-Agentur) — Rescue workers in Rio de Janeiro on Thursday recovered the bodies of three people from the rubble of three collapsed buildings, with at least 16 more people still believed to be missing. A loud … Find out how to read more Online.

Sales tax holiday could be back
Thu Jan 26 2012 09:25PM

TALLAHASSEE (News Service of Florida) — Florida’s sales-tax holiday could return to a mall near you in August. The House Finance and Taxation Committee on Thursday approved a bill (HB 737) that would schedule the tax-free shopping period from Aug. … Find out how to read more Online.

Fla. university students oppose tuition increase
Thu Jan 26 2012 09:25PM

TALLAHASSEE (AP) — Florida university students say it’s time to stop annual tuition increases. Scores of students representing the state’s 11 public universities rallied in front of the old Capitol building in Tallahassee on Thursday. They also spoke out against … Find out how to read more Online.

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More Local News

Former cop to be next city manager
Wed Jan 18 2012 05:52AM

Retired Newport, R.I., city manager and former police administrator Edward F. Lavallee has been selected to be the next Venice city manager. City council voted unanimously at a special meeting on Saturday to offer Lavallee a contract. Council members joked … Find out how to read more Online.

Rise in school millage likely
Sat Jan 21 2012 08:08AM

During a Tuesday workshop session at North Port City Hall, Sarasota County School Board members learned that the millage rate for 2012-13 is expected to increase by 0.271 mill — meaning higher taxes for some homeowners. The news was part … Find out how to read more Online.

Circus project has another setback
Sat Jan 21 2012 08:08AM

The Venice Economic Development Advisory Board has withdrawn its support to rebuild Circus Arena, saying it would compete with the planned performing arts center at Venice High. Over the past few years the board was generally supportive of rebuilding the … Find out how to read more Online.

Venice pics former cop as next city manager
Tue Jan 17 2012 05:08PM

Retired Newport, Rhode Island city manager and former police administrator Edward F. Lavallee has been selected to be the next Venice city manager. City council voted unanimously at a special meeting on Saturday to offer Lavallee a contract. Council members … Find out how to read more Online.

P-cards get second look
Wed Jan 18 2012 05:52AM

The city of Venice is revving up to take a second look at its purchasing card program. An audit of the “P-card” will likely be on city council’s agenda at its next meeting. Former Mayor Isaac Turner resigned in 2010 … Find out how to read more Online.

Opinions vary on Ripken Baseball’s allegiance to county
Wed Jan 18 2012 05:52AM

One reason for the euphoria county officials and baseball fans felt in July 2009, when commissioners and the Baltimore Orioles agreed to a $31.2 million deal to bring the Orioles to Ed Smith Stadium, was the notion that Ripken Baseball would establish … Find out how to read more Online.

Projects worry Oscar Scherer manager
Wed Jan 18 2012 05:52AM

The manager of Oscar Scherer State Park in Osprey is troubled by three proposed projects: the Energy Economic Zone near the intersection of Interstate 75 and State Road 681; the Town Center, also near I-75/S.R. 681; and the relocation of … Find out how to read more Online.

Manager candidates interviewed
Sat Jan 14 2012 08:01AM

Today’s interviews with finalists for the position of Venice city manager will include a latecomer. Earlier this week council added Acting City Manager Nancy Woodley to the mix. Council voted 4-3 on Tuesday to allow Woodley to interview, even though … Find out how to read more Online.

Code board wants to stay off the grass
Sat Jan 14 2012 08:01AM

The Venice Municipal Code Enforcement Board wants to do away with tall-grass cases, one type of what is referred to in city ordinances as “offensive accumulations.” Bobby Young, board chair, informed city council of the board’s intentions in his annual … Find out how to read more Online.

Rent unpaid at Snook Haven
Sat Jan 14 2012 08:01AM

Two partners in a company that serves as concessionaire at Snook Haven Park have requested an extension to pay their rent to the county, which owns the facility. Citing the poor economy, the record cold of 2009-10, the BP oil … Find out how to read more Online.

Company expanding to Venice this fall
Sat Jan 14 2012 08:01AM

Enzymedica Inc., a high-tech company currently located in Port Charlotte, has acquired property in Venice for a major expansion, with hirings planned when it makes its projected move in September. Nationally known as the Enzyme Experts, the company provides enzyme-focused … Find out how to read more Online.

County, city in stalemate over roads
Sat Jan 14 2012 08:01AM

Sarasota County officials have finally placed a price tag on what it would take to bring 11.4 miles of county-maintained roads within Venice’s boundary up to city standards — $31 million. In 2010 the county requested the city re-enter negotiations … Find out how to read more Online.

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