Jury starts deliberating in Fla. gambling case
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Charlotte Sun ASTRONAUT SCOTT CARPENTER DIES Scott Carpenter, the second American to orbit the Earth, died from complications from a September stroke. THE WIRE PAGE 4
AN EDITION OF THE SUN VOL. 121 NO. 284
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New column services service industry Murder suspect’s testimony to continue today
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elcome to Side Dish, your home for news in the local restaurant and bar scene. This isn’t a restaurant review. … I tend to like food … lots of food … food is good … yum, yum, yum. In this column, expect to read about new hires, new beers on tap, renovations, new macaroni and cheese specials (or other food specials), etc. If you have information to Columnist share, please email me at
[email protected].
Christy
FEINBERG
By DREW WINCHESTER Staff Writer SARASOTA COUNTY — Charles Hill looked directly at the 14 people in the jury box and told them he did not shoot James Brotherton in the back, had never met the El Jobean man, and was nowhere near the Gulf Gate Library on Nov. 21, 2011, where Brotherton’s body would be discovered after his murder. Hill, 33, testified on his own
behalf Thursday at the Sarasota County Justice Center, against the advice of his attorneys, giving a very different account of the night of Brotherton’s death. The state’s key witness, Rick Rowland, testified earlier in the week that he was with Hill both prior to and after Brotherton’s death, saying that Hill vanished for nearly 90 minutes in the Gulf Gate area after the two
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Charles Hill testifies during his trial Thursday at the Sarasota County Justice Center. Hill is accused of the kidnapping and CLAIMS | 5 murder of SCAT bus driver James Brotherton in 2011.
Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Dave Derocher was recently named the new general manager of Beef ‘O’ Brady’s in Port Charlotte. “I am thrilled to have this new opportunity presented to me,” Derocher stated. “The owner and the staff has been incredibly friendly and welcoming and I am looking forward to a lasting working relationship with them.” Be sure to welcome Dave, but please forgive his poor taste in sports teams — he’s a Red Sox fan. Dave said the Port Charlotte restaurant is adding two new draft beers: Woodchuck and Corona Light. Don’t forget that kids eat free (with a paying adult) from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays. And those who like fish should check out the all-you-can-eat fish fry on Fridays for $10.99.
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Nav-A-Gator The Nav-A-Gator Grill and Marina is holding a Coconut Decorating Contest with the theme of “Freaky Chiki” to benefit the Peace River Wildlife Center. You can decorate your own coconut or pick one up at the Nav-A-Gator. Each coconut entry costs $3 and must be brought to the Nav-A-Gator by 3 p.m. Oct. 26. Each vote costs 25 cents (I’m sure there’s a political joke to insert here). The nut with the most votes wins (again, fill in your favorite political joke here). Voting ends at 2 p.m. Oct. 27. Prizes will be awarded at 4 p.m. Oct. 27. Remember: The theme is “Freaky Chiki” so get geeky with your freaky chiki. For more info, call 941-627-3474.
Ravenous Rhino Those working in the Murdock area should keep an eye out for the fun-looking Ravenous Rhino Gourmet Food Truck during the lunch hours. They plan to offer quick meals that may include: HogZilla burger, grilled chicken BLT wrap, Italian sausage and pepper sandwiches with provolone cheese, Thai shrimp or chicken soft tacos, and the Big Frankie hot dog. Prices will range from $5 to $8. Late nighters can also catch the Ravenous Rhino outside the Paddywagon Irish Pub in Port Charlotte on Fridays and Saturdays. The food truck arrives after nearby eateries are closed so they don’t affect other local businesses, according to Lee Caglioti-O’Flaherty. The Ravenous Rhino also will be at Harvest Festival Oct. 19 and 20 at the Christ Community United Methodist Church, 27000 Sunnybrook Road, Harbour Heights. “Like” the Ravenous Rhino’s Facebook page for the latest updates on their locations and food specials.
Joe Cracker Joe Cracker, near the Port Charlotte Town Center mall, now has Fat Tire on draft, according to manager Denise Shamberger. Grab a beer while Forbidden Fruit Farmers performs from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. today. Christy Feinberg is a columnist for the Sun. Email her at
[email protected].
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SUN PHOTO BY ADAM KREGER
Lt. Craig Soosh teaches Charlie Trapp, 3, how to hold a firetruck’s hose Wednesday during a Charlotte County Fire/EMS public education event at Small World Christian Learning Center in Port Charlotte. Charlotte County Fire/EMS plans to hold more than 40 similar events this month in light of National Fire Prevention Week (Oct. 6-12).
Sparking interest in fire safety By ADAM KREGER Staff Writer PORT CHARLOTTE — For Halloween this year, Charlie Trapp, 3, is going to dress as a firefighter. His father Chris Trapp said Charlie’s favorite TV show is “Fireman Sam,” his favorite book is one about firetrucks, and “there is just something about him
when he hears that siren.” Wednesday, Charlie — wearing his red firefighter shirt and a firefighter hat he made himself — lit up when Lt. Craig Soosh and other personnel from Charlotte County’s Station 1 visited him and about 15 other 2- and 3-yearolds at Small World Christian Learning Center in Port Charlotte. The public education event was one
of many that Charlotte County Fire/ EMS plans to hold this month in light of this year’s national Fire Prevention Week (Oct. 6-12). “Rather than hold one large event for Fire Prevention Week, Charlotte County Fire/EMS is providing over 40 public education events tailored to
SAFETY | 6
Prognosis not good for man refused mammogram special By GARY ROBERTS Staff Writer PORT CHARLOTTE — In pain and without health insurance, Donald Mudd tried for weeks to get an affordable mammogram to check out a lump in his chest. He thought his chances would improve during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, when many health providers promote special offers. After one hospital told him males don’t qualify for its cancer-screening
special, Mudd broke through on Thursday and had the test done. But the results weren’t good. “It looks very suspicious and needs a biopsy,” Mudd said from his Port Charlotte home, off west Edgewater Drive. “The best thing about it is we detected it early.” Mudd, 53, a pack-a-day smoker since high school who switched to electronic cigarettes in December, will go for a blood test today and is scheduled for a biopsy on Monday.
Mudd’s first indication of a problem was a tingling last month below his right nipple, which turned to tenderness, then pain. After feeling a lump he visited a physician, who confirmed there was a mass and that he needed further testing. Mudd said he initially was denied a $50 mammogram special at a local hospital because it did not apply to males. “I was in shock. I thought, ‘You can’t
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INDEX | THE SUN: Obituaries 5 | Police Beat 7 | Viewpoint 8 | Opinion 9-10 | THE WIRE: Nation 2 | World 5 | Business 6-7 | State 8 | Weather 8 | SPORTS: Lotto 2 | CLASSIFIED: Comics 9-12 | Dear Abby 12 | TV Listings 13 Look inside for valuable coupons
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The Sun /Friday, October 11, 2013
CHARLOTTE COUNTY COMMISSION — HOW THEY VOTED TUESDAY
Authorize the initiation of legal action against the Peace River/Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority regarding the cost allocation and funding for the 1991 Peace River Facility rebuild project. The authority mandated Charlotte County to fund 79 percent of the project. Charlotte County had offered to provide 49 percent, based on today’s rate of water consumption by the four member counties — Sarasota, Manatee, DeSoto and Charlotte. The authority’s decisions require a second and final vote on Dec. 4. Charlotte County maintains that the authority is violating the original 1991 interlocal agreement, when Charlotte County transferred the water plant to the authority, and that using Charlotte County money without its consent is a misappropriation of funds. Approve the contracts for the United Way of Charlotte County in the amount of $591,305, including $30,000 for the Arts & Humanities Council of Charlotte County Inc., $35,000 for the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, $15,000 for the Military Heritage Museum, and $1,334,681 for the Charlotte Behavioral Health Care. Each year, commissioners review the United Way of Charlotte County and the nonprofit services grant applications, and award grants to organizations as agreed on by the commissioners. These grants were discussed by the commissioners at the July 22, 2013, budget workshop when the tentative budget was approved. The grant amounts for all the above agencies are the same as last year, except for the Arts & Humanities Council of Charlotte County, whose award included $5,000 this year for a one-time request to create a cultural plan. Funding for this expenditure comes from the General Fund — Aids to Private Organizations and Grants. Approve the award of bid 13-392 for parking lot improvements to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, Sunland Paving Inc. of Port Charlotte, in the amount of $224,916. The purpose of the bid is to secure the services of an experienced contractor to provide construction services that include furnishing all necessary materials and completing all work, including labor, transportation, supervision, equipment, traffic control and incidentals, to complete parking lot improvements that shall include, but are not limited to, paving repairs, drainage improvements, and sealing/striping at the following locations: the Mid-County Regional Library, 2050 Forrest Nelson Blvd., Port Charlotte; Harold Avenue Park, 23400 Harold Ave., Port Charlotte; the Englewood Annex, 6868 San Casa Drive; and the Punta Gorda Library, 424 W. Henry St. Funding for this expenditure comes from the Capital Projects Fund/Community Services and Facilities — construction other than buildings. Approve and authorize the chairman to execute the fiscal year 2013/2014 County/State Department of Health contract for the operation of the Charlotte County Health Department. Funding is provided through the County Health Unit millage rate of 0.0907, which provides $956,565 budgeted in the Charlotte County Health Department Fund as the county’s share of this contract. The proposed contract between Charlotte County and the Florida Department of Health is for the operation of the health department for the term beginning Oct. 1, 2013, through Sept. 30, 2014. The contract provides that the state will pay (direct contribution, excluding any state-authorized fees or other state revenues) $2,025,799, and the county will provide $956,565 in county ad valorem taxes (direct contribution, excluding any fees or “other” local revenues) for the operation of the health department. Funds for the contract are included in the county’s operating budget for the fiscal year that began Oct. 1. Approve a letter of support for the city of Punta Gorda’s Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment Plant and Groundwater Supply Project. The project meets water-quality needs established by the Southwest Florida Water Management District using a cost-effective approach. With groundwater RO, reliance on Shell Creek will be reduced and the downstream water quality in the Charlotte Harbor Estuary will be improved. The projected cost for the five-year project is $28 million. Having reviewed the technical documents and demand need for this project, the water district approved both the project and funding in 2010. Yet due to the difficult economy, Punta Gorda’s City Council put the project on hold.
SUBSCRIPTIONS Home Delivery Rates: Newspaper designated market: City Zone- Carrier home delivered 7 days. Rates as follows plus 7% Florida Sales Tax: Monthly Bank/ Credit Card ......................... $16.47 3 Months............................ $66.51 6 Months..........................$113.05 1 Year ...............................$197.69 Does not include Waterline and TV Times. Above rates do not include sales tax.
DESOTO COUNTY RATES Monthly Bank/ Credit Card ....................... $16.40 3 Months.......................... $74.09 6 Months ....................... $119.54 1 Year ............................. $196.70 Arcadian home delivery $29.99 per year. Mail subscription rates: Rates as follows (advance payment required): 7 Days 3 Months 6 Months 1 Year $120.88 $216.81 $386.10 Sunday Only 3 Months 6 Months 1 Year $58.81 $110.56 $186.19 Single Copy rates Daily $1.00 Sunday $2.00 Unclaimed account balances under $10, inactive for 15 months, will be used to purchase newspapers for classroom use. Sun Newspapers CUSTOMER SERVICE POLICY Delivery should be expected prior to 6 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 6:30 a.m. Sunday. Customer Service hours: 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday; Saturday and Sunday 7 a.m. to noon. To subscribe or to report any problems with your service, please call 941-206-1300 or toll-free at 877-818-6204. You may visit our office at: 23170 Harborview Road, Charlotte Harbor, FL 33980.
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COLUMBUS DAY INFO In observance of the Columbus Day holiday, all post offices will be closed Oct. 14. All Charlotte County government business offices and Punta Gorda city offices will be open, as will the county and circuit courts, and the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Administrative Office and four district offices. Charlotte County Public Schools will observe regular classes that day, and Edison State College Charlotte Campus will be open.
GOVERNMENT
contemporary Christian music. 11330 Burnt Store Rd., PG. 9 am. Mon, Wed & Fri. $35 for 10 classes. Info, TODAY 941-575-2034 Mobile food pantry, Development Review, Sacred Heart Church, Punta Gorda. Committee meeting, 9 am, City Hall 10 am-noon, free food for needy. Council Chambers, 326 W. Marion 612-770-6619 Ave., PG. 941-575-3369 Bingo, 2280 Aaron St. Game Packs start at $12. Over 25 games with payouts up to $250. For more info, 941-625-4175 Bingo Mania, 11-1, TODAY 20225 Kenilworth Blvd., PC. By The A.L. Post103 Cafe, Homeless Coalition, $250 prize, door Breakfast, 7-11. Come support your prizes, lunch served, all welcome. For local Post! Check out the new lounge more info, 941-625-7571 decor. Public welcome. 2101 Taylor Rd. Deep Creek Elks 2763, 941-639-6337 Dinner, 5-8. AYCE fried fish, prime rib Sierra Club Paddle, 8:30and more. Music with Black Velvet, 12. Prairie Creek with Florida Master 6:30-9:30. 941-625-7571 Naturalist Jamie Reynolds. Boat, pfd, Stretch ‘n’ Tone, Exercise to reservation required. 941-637-8284 contemporary Christian music. 507 W. Fitness ‘n’ Fun, Exercise to Marion Ave., PG. 11 am. Mon, Wed &
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- Notice to Calendar Event Submitters -
The Sun revised the calendar events we publish in the paper and display online. All events must be entered by the person submitting them through our website. It’s easy. Go to www.yoursun.com, select an edition and click on the “Community Calendar” link on the left. Click “Submit Event,” and fill out the appropriate information. The “Print edition text” area of the form is for information intended for the print edition of the paper. Information outside of the “Print edition text” area will appear online only. Please don’t repeat the “Event Title,” as that will be included automatically. We will print a maximum of four lines per event (the Event Title plus 120 additional characters, to be included in the “Print edition text” field, up to three lines deep) at no cost to the event submitter. Your contact number must be included in these 120 characters. You may, however, purchase additional space for $10 per day, per event, per community edition. Simply choose “Paid Listing” on the Submit Event page. All paid listings will run in the location designated for the event type.
If you do not have the ability to enter your events via our website, we can type them in on your behalf at the rate of $5 per event, per community edition, but this fee does not guarantee your event will make the printed version. Please call 941-206-1180 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays to make a payment or to have us enter your event. The Sun reserves the right to exclude any submitted event that does not meet our specifications or that requires excessive editing. There is no expressed or implied guarantee that any free listing will be included in any event calendar or run in any specific location. This is on a first-come, first-served basis. Be sure to review the “Important Tips” on the Submit Event page to help ensure you get the most information in without exceeding the line limit. Remember to save the confirmation email you receive after submitting each event. If you made an error or the event gets canceled, simply click on the “Withdraw submission” noted at the bottom of that email, follow the provided instruction and then resubmit the event.
PAID ADVERTISEMENTS
Featured Events Golf Scramble - CC Republican Club, Golf Scramble, Sat., Oct. 19, starting at 7:30 am, St. Andrews South Golf Club, 1901 Deborah Dr., PG. Entry Fee of $60 per person includes 18 holes, cart, lunch, prizes, giveaways. Sponsors welcome. For info, call Jim Brown at 941-875-6781. Charlotte County Home & Garden Show, Charlotte County home values are rising. Learn how to protect the equity in your home. Get answers to all your home improvement and gardening questions from local experts. FREE Admission & Parking. 10 am-4 pm Saturday & Sunday at Charlotte Harbor Event Center in Punta Gorda. 941-444-6464. Fri. $35 for 10 classes. For more info, 941-575-2034 Punta Gorda Elks, Lunch, 11-2. Dinner, 5-8:30. Music by Tim & Roseanne, 6:30-10:30 pm. 25538 Shore Dr., PG. 941-637-2606, members & their guests Yard Dog Charlie, Live Music, 5-9 pm. Center Stage Fishermen’s Village. For more info, 941-639-8721 American Legion 103, Post roast chicken, fish/shrimp dinner, 5:30-7 pm. Music by Cheese N Krackers until 9 pm. 2101 Taylor Rd. 941-639-6337 Am Legion Post 110, Live
music and dancing. Come for dinner at our resturant and enjoy the evening. 3152 Harbor Blvd. 941-380-1034 Friday Night Dance, $7, Cultural Center. 2280 Aaron St., 7-10 pm. Full cash bar, entertainment. Band info at www.thecultural center.com, or 941-625-4175
SATURDAY A.L. Post103 Cafe, Breakfast, 7-11. Come support your local Post! Check out the new lounge decor. Public welcome. 2101 Taylor Rd. 941-639-6337
Sun newSpaperS Member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation
Chairman ..................................Derek Dunn-Rankin.....................941-206-1001 Publisher...................................David Dunn-Rankin .....................941-206-1003 Executive Editor ........................Chris Porter .................................941-206-1134 Advertising Director ..................Leslee Peth..................................941-206-1262 Circulation Director ...................Mark Yero ....................................941-206-1300 Arcadian Editor .........................Susan E. Hoffman........................863-494-0300 DeSoto General Manager ..........Joe Gallimore ..............................863-494-0300 Charlotte Sun Editor ..................Rusty Pray ...................................941-206-1168 North Port Sun Publisher ..........Steve Sachkar..............................941-429-3001 North Port Sun Editor................Lorraine Schneeberger ................941-429-3003 Englewood Sun Publisher .........Carol Y. Moore .............................941-681-3031 Englewood Sun Editor...............Clinton Burton ............................941-681-3000
CONTACT US WITH YOUR NEWS: Email Charlotte Sun Editor Rusty Pray at
[email protected], or call 941-206-1168, or email Deputy Charlotte Editor Garry Overbey at
[email protected] or call 941-206-1143. Fax to 941-629-2085. On Saturdays, contact Assistant Charlotte Editor Marion Putman at
[email protected] or 941-206-1183, or the newsroom at 941-206-1100. On Sundays, contact Garry Overbey or call the newsroom. Circulation director - Mark Yero, 941-206-1317. Business news - email
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[email protected] or write: Letter to the Editor, c/o Charlotte Sun, 23170 Harborview Road, Charlotte Harbor, FL 33980. Puzzles - 941-206-1128. Classified ads - 866-463-1638. Subscriptions - For missed papers, or to put your paper on hold, call 941-206-1300. Display advertising - 941-206-1214 The SUN (USPS 743170) is published daily at Sun Coast Media Group, Inc., 23170 Harborview Road, Charlotte Harbor, FL 33980-2100. Periodicals postage paid at Punta Gorda, FL. Postmaster: Please send address changes to the SUN, 23170 Harborview Road, Charlotte Harbor, Florida 33980-2100.
LOCAL/REGIONAL NEWS
The Sun /Friday, October 11, 2013
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Charlotte taking public transit input By STEVE REILLY Staff Writer ENGLEWOOD — Englewood East resident Ed Zubal can envision the need for a light-rail transportation system extending from Fort Myers to Tampa. After traveling in Europe, Zubal said he’s seen the value of light rail systems as efficient public transportation systems. He offered his input to Charlotte County-Punta Gorda Metropolitan Planning Organization officials at a public workshop Wednesday in Englewood. The MPO is garnering public input as part of its five-year revision of its 10-year public transportation planning. “(MPO officials) say one of the issues is
ridership,” Zubal said. “But the fact that they are building all these condominiums and (other development), I think it might be in the best interest for Southwest Florida to look at (light rail).” Working with Sarasota County MPO, Sarasota County Area Transit and other officials, the Charlotte MPO is now working on defining the need for a fixed route line on U.S. 41 between North Port and the hospitals and Parkside in Port Charlotte. MPO director Robert Herrington said the MPO will be meeting Oct. 15 with county commissioners to discuss the “latent” demand for a bus route between North Port and Parkside. The MPO survey is broader and asks the following questions:
• Do you use Charlotte County’s Dial-A-Ride or Sunshine Ride public transit system? Those who do use the existing systems are asked how often do they make use of the systems, for what reasons do they call upon Dial-A-Ride or Sunshine Ride and to evaluate the service. • Have you used public transit in the past? Residents are asked where else they would use public transit systems. • Do you think there is a need for additional public transit service in Charlotte County? Respondents to the survey are also asked whether they would likely use buses on fixed routes. • What transportation issues need to be addressed in Charlotte
County? The options included expanded doorto-door service, starting fixed route systems, weekend services, night services, express commuter services, car or van pools. The question also allows for no changes to existing services and other individual responses. • What do you think is a reasonable fare for public transit and would you support Charlotte County funding for expanded transit services. Herrington said more than 300 people have responded to its survey. More than 30 residents attended a workshop in Punta Gorda and more than 15 at the Englewood workshop. The third of three public workshops is scheduled for 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 29 in the Palm Room at the Cultural Center of
CHARLOTTE COUNTY PUBLIC TRANSIT OPTIONS The Charlotte County-Punta Gorda Metropolitan Planning Organization is now revising its 10-year public transportation plan and is seeking public input to determine what services residents want to see, what services the public will support and want. The final of three public workshops is scheduled for 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 29 in the Palm Room at the Cultural Center of Charlotte County, 2280 Aaron St., Port Charlotte. While Charlotte County does not offer any fixed-route busing now, it does have public transportation available: • Dial-A-Ride service 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and no services Sundays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, July 4, Memorial and Labor days. Fares are $3, plus $1 to cross the Peace or Myakka river bridges. Reservations for rides are expected 48 hours in advance. Call 941-575-4000. • Sunshine Ride for the disabled and wheelchair-bound, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday, door-to-door service for a $1 co-payment. To qualify, residents need to complete an application which takes two to three days to process. Reservations for rides should be made 48 hours in advance. Call 941-575-4000. Charlotte County, 2280 Aaron St., Port Charlotte. Those who have not attended or cannot attend the final public workshop can answer can respond
to the survey on the MPO’s website at www. cccmpo.com or email
[email protected] or call 941-883-3535. Email:
[email protected]
Tech Center tailors programs to fit needs MURDOCK — In preparation for her enrollment in a new program that will open Tuesday at Charlotte Technical Center, Sheila Martin, 50, has been shadowing the water and wastewater operators at the Burnt Store Water Treatment Plant. “It’s fascinating,” Martin said Monday. “There’s a lot more to it than I realized.” B.J. Holbach, the center’s job-placement specialist, suggested the program to Martin and set her up with the training, which will help her to receive licensed certification later on. The water- and wastewater-treatment programs are just two of those emerging from the Tech Center’s strategy of collaborating with the community to determine which needed skills the center can provide. By tailoring programs to fit local demand for workers, the center hopes to offer students a high chance of placement right out of school. As Tech Center Director Barney Duffy reasons, why teach something that won’t be used?
“If you go out and spend a lot of time and energy creating a class and nobody comes, or you’re trying to begin a class where there’s no demand for jobs, that’s counterproductive.” That’s why the center has been assessing the demand for jobs before deciding to create a program by “working with Charlotte County government and the Chamber of Commerce, and listening to business members in the community,” Duffy said. “I’ve met with several electrician (companies, who) say they’re crying for trained electricians, so we’re floating the idea of launching a residential electrician and wiring class at night” and are hoping to recruit an instructor to launch a program in January, he said. According to Holbach, demand for workers in the field of water treatment is high and is expected to rise because many of the current professionals are aging into retirement. Holbach said Monday, “These were needs brought to our attention from (conversations) with the county.” In this case, that’s Charlotte County
Utilities, the Englewood Water District and the city of Punta Gorda. The two, one-year, 106-hour courses are offered in the evening, in order to allow working students to participate. Upon completion of the program, students will receive a certificate, and should be ready to take a license exam. After passing the exam, they will be eligible for a class “C” license after they complete 2,080 hours of on-the-job training. Some training positions, Holbach noted, pay hourly wages. “It’s a great program because I can still work 40 hours a week at my day job and take the course,” said Aaron Isley, 27, another student enrolling in the program. “It’s a good opportunity for someone who doesn’t have the option of stopping their life to get into something else.” In filling voids in the community with the courses it offers, the Technical Center often takes on programs that aren’t offered elsewhere. One thing Martin has observed from shadowing the water-treatment
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