East County Observer 09.13.12

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bserver O

EAST COUNTY

You. Your neighbors. Your neighborhood.

SPORTS SCHOOLS

UPDATE

Willowbrook situation produces possible legislation.

+ Business Alliance seeks nominations The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance, in partnership with the East County Observer, is seeking nominations for the 2012 Sandies Awards, which recognize Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance members for their achievements. Nominations can be submitted no later than Sept. 28. Categories include Entrepreneurial Spirit, Corporate Philanthropy, Business of the Year and Lakewood Ranch Citizen of the Year. For more details or to fill out a nomination form, visit lwrba.org.

East County kids celebrate grandparents.

Injuries inspire new approach for Pirates squad. PAGE 11

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OUR TOWN

Thursday, september 13, 2012

PAGES 16-17

Heritage GAME Harbour CHANGER CDD approves GOVERNANCE

beauty and the feet

By Pam Eubanks | Managing Editor

education

By Pam Eubanks | Managing Editor

budget

The South Community Development District will stick with the new assessment methodology it adopted for FY 2012.

+ Local resident named scholar East County’s Morgan Bettes has been selected as one of 20 national 2012 Judith O’Connor Scholars by BoardSource, a national provider of resources to exceptional non-profit boards. Bettes is employed by Realize Bradenton as a creative fellow and also serves as a special assistant to the board director of Season of Sculpture. She will attend a forum Friday, Sept. 14, and Saturday, Sept. 15, in Chicago.

+ SWAT celebrates Debra Fortosis The Lakewood Ranch chapter of Successful Women Aligning Together has selected Debra Fortosis, of Elite Family Care, as “Woman of the Month” for her outstanding achievements in what she provides to SWAT networking.

SEE OUR TOWN / PAGE 2

Pam Eubanks

East County resident Bob Gagnon, assistant superintendent of teaching and learning for the Manatee County School District, became the district’s interim superintendent Sept. 10. His willingness to step into the role hinged largely on whether the district would agree to an independent audit of the 2012-2013 budget, which now has a $3.4 million deficit. “If we’re not willing to do that, I’m not willing to be superintendent for a day,” he said.

HERITAGE HARBOUR — Supervisors on the Heritage Harbour South Community Development District are sticking with a new assessment methodology, despite continued opposition from the Lighthouse Cove Homeowners Association. At a public hearing Thursday, Sept. 6, supervisors approved the methodology 3-2, with Joseph Jaudon and developer representative Tony Burdett, of Lennar, dissenting. Burdett said he believes Lennar’s original assessment methodology was OK and did not need to be changed. Most supervisors, however, believe the new methodology, as it

SEE CDD / PAGE 9

Manatee County Schools Superintendent Tim McGonegal announced his immediate resignation Sept. 10. Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Bob Gagnon will fill the role on an interim basis, as the district now faces a financial crisis. MANATEE COUNTY — At the meeting as a substitute the School Board’s budget for McGonegal during his unadoption hearing explained absence. Monday night, a new But Gagnon ended yet, familiar face the meeting as the emerged from behind interim superinthe placard for Manatendent of Manatee County Schools tee County Public Superintendent Tim Schools — at least McGonegal. for the next two Bob Gagnon, asweeks. sistant superinten“Bob Gagnon did dent of teaching and McGonegal not ask for this,” learning and a former School Board Chairadministrator of Lakewood man Harry Kinnan said. “He Ranch High School, started is stepping forward to help

this district, and we are appreciative.” McGonegal, who has served as Manatee County’s superintendent of schools since January 2009, submitted a letter of his immediate resignation Monday afternoon. On Sept. 5, he had announced his retirement, which would have taken effect Feb. 28. McGonegal’s unexpected resignation also came just

SEE GAGNON / PAGE 9

Pam Eubanks

Lighthouse Cove Homeowners Association President Joe Ramsey challenged specific line items in the budget for his community and also raised concerns about the assessment methodology the district is using for stormwater management services.

INDEX Briefs......................7 Classifieds ...........22

Cops Corner..........10 Crossword.............21

Opinion...................8 Real Estate...........20

Sports...................11 Weather................21

Vol. 13, No. 11 | One section YourObserver.com


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