North Port Sun

SARASOTA COUNTY — Now that Sarasota city commissioners have abandoned the idea of a “come-as-you-are” shelter, county commissioners will have to decide if they want to continue pursuing the option as part of the 12-step plan to battle homelessness throughout the county. City commissioners decided against the shelter this week … Find out how to read more online.

LATEST LOCAL NEWS

Because it’s there
Thu Jul 24 2014 09:40AM

ENGLEWOOD — Climbing the world’s highest free-standing mountain wasn’t initially on Bud Koranchan’s bucket list, but now he doesn’t stop thinking about it. The soon-to-be 73-year-old Englewood resident wants to … Find out how to read more online.

Theatre Guild Parents’ Night Out canceled
Thu Jul 24 2014 08:00AM

NORTH PORT — A Parents’ Night Out event being sponsored by the North Port High School Theatre Guild has been canceled. The event was originally planned for 4:30 p.m. to … Find out how to read more online.

Knights donation aids local facility’s mission
Thu Jul 24 2014 08:00AM

NORTH PORT — For the second time in less than a year, the North Port Knights of Columbus Council 7997 has given a gift for a cause they feel is … Find out how to read more online.

Swiftmud agrees to partial funding — with caveat
Thu Jul 24 2014 08:00AM

PUNTA GORDA — The Southwest Florida Water Management District has agreed to earmark roughly $1.5 million in funding for preliminary water testing in connection with Punta Gorda’s proposed reverse-osmosis plant, provided … Find out how to read more online.

State, National and World News

S&P 500 ekes record high
Thu Jul 24 2014 01:19AM

NEW YORK (AP) — The stock market eked out a record high Wednesday, as investors weighed positive earnings from the technology industry against disappointing news from Boeing and other companies. Apple’s earnings topped Wall Street expectations, helped by rising shipments … read more.

40 bodies returned to Dutch soil
Thu Jul 24 2014 01:19AM

EINDHOVEN, Netherlands — Victims of the Malaysian jetliner shot down over Ukraine returned at last Wednesday to Dutch soil in 40 wooden coffins, solemnly and gently carried to 40 identical hearses, flags at half-staff flapping in the wind. The carefully … read more.

Cease-fire talks advance
Thu Jul 24 2014 01:19AM

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — The United States announced signs of progress in cease-fire talks Wednesday, but prospects for a quick end to the fighting were dim as Palestinian families fled fierce battles in southern Gaza and the death toll … read more.

US flights dodge Tel Aviv
Wed Jul 23 2014 01:19AM

JERUSALEM — A Hamas rocket exploded Tuesday near Israel’s main airport, prompting a ban on flights from the U.S. and many from Europe and Canada as aviation authorities responded to the shock of seeing a civilian jetliner shot down over … read more.

Stalemate at crash site
Wed Jul 23 2014 01:19AM

KHARKIV, Ukraine — A train bearing the dead from the downed Malaysian airliner finally reached Ukrainian government-held territory Tuesday, but the pro-Russia separatists in control of the crash site showed little willingness to allow the full-scale investigation demanded by world … read more.

Obamacare hit by ruling, but subsidies to continue
Wed Jul 23 2014 01:19AM

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama’s health care law is enmeshed in another big legal battle after two federal appeals courts issued contradictory rulings on a key financing issue within hours of each other Tuesday. A divided court panel in … read more.

11 parents of Nigeria’s abducted girls die
Wed Jul 23 2014 01:19AM

LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) — In the three months since Islamic extremists kidnapped more than 200 Nigerian schoolgirls, 11 of their parents have died, town residents say. The town where the girls were kidnapped, Chibok, is cut off by militants, who … read more.

Fla. Medicaid marketing banned
Wed Jul 23 2014 01:19AM

MIAMI — Florida has banned health insurance companies from marketing their plans directly to Medicaid recipients as the state rolls out its massive plan to privatize its health insurance program for low-income individuals and the disabled. Private companies that have … read more.

At least 21 dead in Iraq checkpoint car bombing
Wed Jul 23 2014 01:19AM

BAGHDAD (AP) — A suicide driver rammed his explosive-laden car into a police checkpoint at the entrance to Baghdad’s Khazimiyah district killing 21 people, including seven policemen manning the post. Police officials say there was a long line of cars … read more.

Wall Street stocks slip
Tue Jul 22 2014 01:19AM

NEW YORK (AP) — The stock market started the week with a slight loss on Monday as investors weighed a mixed batch of corporate earnings against mounting political turmoil. European leaders are considering tougher sanctions on Russia for its backing … read more.

Gaza death toll mounts
Tue Jul 22 2014 01:19AM

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — A high-level attempt by the U.N. chief and the U.S. secretary of state to end deadly Israel-Hamas fighting was off to a rough start Monday: Gaza’s Hamas rulers signaled they won’t agree to an unconditional … read more.

Ukraine rebels release bodies
Tue Jul 22 2014 01:19AM

HRABOVE, Ukraine — Bowing to international pressure Monday, pro-Moscow separatists released a train packed with bodies and handed over the black boxes from the downed Malaysia Airlines plane, four days after it plunged into rebel-held eastern Ukraine. With body parts … read more.

Widow: Jury sent tobacco firm $23B message
Tue Jul 22 2014 01:19AM

NEW YORK (AP) — A Florida widow awarded $23.6 billion in the death of her chain-smoking husband on Monday called the massive verdict a message to Big Tobacco, even though she likely won’t see much if any of the money. … read more.

Veteran receives Medal of Honor
Tue Jul 22 2014 01:19AM

WASHINGTON — Bleeding from both legs and his arm, Ryan Pitts kept firing at about 200 Taliban fighters, even holding onto his grenades an extra moment to ensure the enemy couldn’t heave them back. On Monday, President Barack Obama draped … read more.

$190M penalty for taped pelvic exams
Tue Jul 22 2014 01:19AM

BALTIMORE — A gynecologist who secretly used a pen-like camera to record hundreds of videos and photos of his patients’ sex organs during pelvic exams will cost one of the world’s most prestigious medical centers $190 million in a settlement … read more.

Study: Beef pollutes more than pork, poultry
Tue Jul 22 2014 01:19AM

WASHINGTON — Raising beef for the American dinner table does far more damage to the environment than producing pork, poultry, eggs or dairy, a new study says. Compared with the other animal proteins, beef produces five times more heat-trapping gases … read more.

NY building shows how mod design stacks up as cool
Mon Jul 21 2014 01:19AM

NEW YORK (AP) — In a city piled high with ambitious architecture, a seven-floor structure off the beaten path boasts a distinction of its own: It’s billed as the first multistory, modular-built apartment building to open in the nation’s apartment … read more.

Amid bloodshed, frenetic Gaza hospital improvises
Mon Jul 21 2014 01:19AM

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) — In the heart of Gaza City, as its citizens again find themselves under fire from Israeli airstrikes and artillery, the wounded and their wailing families stream into Shifa Hospital without end. Shifa, Gaza’s largest … read more.

Iraqi PM condemns jihadis’ targeting of Christians
Mon Jul 21 2014 01:19AM

BAGHDAD (AP) — Iraq’s prime minister on Sunday condemned the Islamic State extremist group’s actions targeting Christians in territory it controls, saying they reveal the threat the jihadists pose to the minority community’s “centuries-old heritage.” The comments from Nouri al-Maliki … read more.

Alleged leader of cocaine cartel arrested in Spain
Mon Jul 21 2014 01:19AM

MADRID (AP) — Spanish police have arrested one of Colombia’s most-wanted criminals, a 40-year-old man nicknamed the Rat who is one of leaders of a ruthless drug cartel linked to 400 murders and the shipment of largest amounts of cocaine … read more.

US outlines case against Russia on downed plane
Mon Jul 21 2014 01:19AM

WASHINGTON (AP) — Video of a rocket launcher, one surface-to-air missile missing, leaving the likely launch site. Imagery showing the firing. Calls claiming credit for the strike. Recordings said to reveal a cover-up at the crash site. “A buildup of … read more.

Snooty the manatee celebrates 66th birthday
Mon Jul 21 2014 01:19AM

BRADENTON, Fla. (AP) — The manatee that’s believed to be the oldest in captivity in the world is marking another birthday. Hundreds of people gathered at the South Florida Museum in Bradenton on Saturday to celebrate Snooty’s 66th birthday. Experts … read more.

Goliath grouper protections discussed in Keys
Mon Jul 21 2014 01:19AM

KEY LARGO (AP) — Fishery management experts will be meeting in the Florida Keys this week to discuss protections for the Goliath grouper. Some critics tell The Key West Citizen that the protections established in 1990 should be lifted because … read more.

Arizona man wins Hemingway look-alike contest
Mon Jul 21 2014 01:19AM

KEY WEST, Fla. (AP) — A white-bearded Arizona restaurateur has won Key West’s annual “Papa” Hemingway Look-Alike Contest on his sixth attempt. Wally Collins of Phoenix triumphed over 130 other entrants, including his son Matt Collins, late Saturday night at … read more.

Haiti’s leaders meet with expats in South Florida
Mon Jul 21 2014 01:19AM

NORTH MIAMI, Fla. (AP) — The leaders of Haiti’s government have been meeting with South Florida’s large Haitian community, which contributes to about $2 billion in remittances that support vital services in the Caribbean country. Haitian expatriates contribute to the … read more.

Fla. boy dies after being mauled by two pit bulls
Mon Jul 21 2014 01:19AM

RIVERVIEW, Fla. (AP) — A 4-year-old boy in the Tampa Bay area has died after being mauled by his uncle’s two pit bulls, authorities said Sunday. Logan Shepard was visiting the Riverview home of his aunt and uncle with his … read more.

Florida State professor wins robotics grant
Mon Jul 21 2014 01:19AM

TALLAHASSEE (AP) — A Florida State University professor has been awarded a $400,000 grant to fund research in the field of robotics. Mechanical engineering professor Jonathan Clark received the Career Award from the National Science Foundation. The award is given … read more.

Florida Gov. to highlight job creation proposals
Mon Jul 21 2014 01:19AM

TALLAHASSEE (AP) — Florida Gov. Rick Scott is pledging to permanently eliminate manufacturing equipment sales taxes and create new incentives to encourage more science and engineering graduates. Scott plans to highlight his “Jobs for the Next Generation” proposals during campaign … read more.

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More Local News

‘Ukraine needs support of the world’
Wed Jul 23 2014 08:00AM

When a Boeing 777 carrying nearly 300 people was shot down over Ukraine last week, local Ukrainians reacted with both horror and sympathy. A surface-to-air missile was fired at Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 Thursday as it flew from Amsterdam to … Find out how to read more online.

$704M school budget advances
Wed Jul 23 2014 08:00AM

SARASOTA COUNTY — The Sarasota County School Board unanimously approved a $704 million tentative budget — a reduction of $69 million from last fiscal year — and a lower millage for advertising purposes during a 20-minute meeting with little discussion Tuesday afternoon. The … Find out how to read more online.

Program to provide free breakfast in 8 Sarasota County schools
Thu Jul 24 2014 08:00AM

SARASOTA COUNTY — The Sarasota County School Board wants to make sure students have a good breakfast to start their day, and a pilot program at eight district schools will begin making that more of a reality. The universal free … Find out how to read more online.

Area home sales steady
Tue Jul 22 2014 06:18PM

The local real estate market remains strong, with homes sold last month in the Charlotte County area fetching the highest median sales price of the year, according to data released Tuesday. There were 361 single-family homes sold in the Charlotte … Find out how to read more online.

Elementary he’s not
Wed Jul 23 2014 08:00AM

NORTH PORT — Seventeen years of experience coupled with extensive municipal law knowledge gave Fort Myers-based lawyer Mark Moriarty the edge over two other candidates for North Port’s first in-house city attorney. Following one-on-one interviews with commissioners Tuesday, Moriarty was … Find out how to read more online.

Report: Injured woodpecker caused collision
Wed Jul 23 2014 08:00AM

An injured woodpecker is being blamed for a two-car collision Monday that sent an Englewood woman to the hospital. Jennifer Ellen Nemes, 48, of the 6200 block of Philco Street, was taken to Englewood Community Hospital Monday after her car … Find out how to read more online.

SCSO to privatize crossing guards
Thu Jul 24 2014 09:19AM

SARASOTA COUNTY — The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office announced this week that a private firm has been hired to perform crossing guard duties throughout unincorporated areas of the county. The SCSO selected Staffing Connection/Action Labor of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., which … Find out how to read more online.

Working out the kinks
Tue Jul 22 2014 08:00AM

When law enforcement turns to technology and social media to seek aid in solving cases, authorities run the risk of committing inadvertent errors or receiving unhelpful feedback. That’s what happened Friday afternoon when the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office was looking … Find out how to read more online.

State drops charge in strip club strangling case
Thu Jul 24 2014 08:00AM

SARASOTA COUNTY — The State Attorney’s Office declined to pursue a manslaughter charge against Brad Standford, the Bradenton man who strangled a Cheetah Lounge patron in February while working as a “floor host” at the Sarasota strip club. According to … Find out how to read more online.

City attorney candidates narrowed to 3
Tue Jul 22 2014 08:00AM

NORTH PORT — The small group of contenders for the city’s in-house attorney post got even smaller after three lawyers withdrew their names from consideration over the weekend. North Port City Manager Jonathan Lewis sent a memo to commissioners over … Find out how to read more online.

Motorcyclist injured in Saturday crash
Tue Jul 22 2014 08:00AM

NORTH PORT — A North Port motorcyclist was injured Saturday in a single-vehicle crash on San Mateo Drive, according to the North Port Police Department. At 8:39 p.m., Paul William Hays, 32, of the 4300 block of Sedberry Drive, was … Find out how to read more online.

North Port EDC hosting job fair
Tue Jul 22 2014 08:00AM

NORTH PORT — On Aug. 6, job seekers and employers will have a chance to connect at a job fair hosted by the North Port Economic Development Corporation. The event, set for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the gym … Find out how to read more online.

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