Sheriffs Won't Back Bill On

Home , Dick Vitale

INSIDE I OUT & ABOUT: Guide dog graduation ceremony. 5B I COMMUNITY: Baby shower hosted by Second Chance. 4B I WEATHER: Increasing rain chances for Thursday. 8B I A&E: “Mockingbird” sequel SVICTORARASOTA HULL, PUBLIC INTERESTS EDITOR, 361-4883, [email protected] Wednesday, February 4, 2015 SECTION B coming out in July. 7B Braves may have SHERIFFS WON’T an eye on Venice certainly among the favorites.” SPRING: Might t he MLB Local government leaders, including Mayor John Holic, said BACK BILL ON POT team consider a move they were unaware of any efforts VOTE: Opposed t o a st at e Petersburg, came amid the there if it exits Orlando? to recruit the Braves. group’s winter conference on The Braves have trained at Dis- proposal to allow its use Amelia Island. By MICHAELSCOTT DAVIDSON ney’s Wide World of Sports com- Association members voted and DAVID HACKETT plex in Orlando since 1998. The in limited circumstances 38-2 against endorsing the bill. Staff Writers lease ends in 2017. Atlanta is said “We have looked at the bill VENICE — A source close to to be concerned that only three By MICHAELPOLLICK from Senator Brandes and we are the Atlanta Braves says the Ma- other teams are close to the [email protected] in opposition to it,” said David jor League baseball team is look- Braves’ site, and two of those — The Florida Sheriffs Associa- Shoar, the elected sheriff of St. ing to relocate its spring training the Houston Astros and Wash- tion, which took a staunch stand Johns County and the current base when its lease in Orlando ex- ington Nationals — are consider- last year against a constitutional president of the association. pires, and Venice is a possible ing a move. amendment that would have al- After Brandes introduced the destination. Eight of the 15 Major League lowed medical marijuana, on bill, speculation arose that the “The decision is still down the clubs that train in Florida are on Tuesday said it also opposes a sheriffs’ group might support it — road, but Venice is a name that the West Coast, including the new bill that would allow can- especially if doing so would ne- keeps coming up,” said Mark Boston Red Sox and the Minne- After Sen. Jeff Brandes introduced nabis for certain conditions. gate a 2016 ballot measure on mari- Bowman, who has covered the sota Twins in Fort Myers, the the bill, speculation arose that the The sheriffs’ announcement juana. Braves on its official website at Tampa Bay Rays in Port Char- sheriffs’ group might support it. about S.B. 528, a bill proposed last The 2014 amendment proposal MLB.com since 2001. “Venice is See BRAVES on 2B ASSOCIATED PRESS / 2014 week by Sen. Jeff Brandes, R-St. See MARIJUANA on 3B

Andrea Mogensen will represent Citizens for Sunshine in the At kar aoke, lawsuit over the departure of the state’s FDLE chief. BUZZ Alocal is a celebrity. The rest attorney of the week?Lonely.

ALMETTO — The 99 South is running is in on a late tonight and the karaoke cowboy Phas already been waiting by the bus stop for two hours. He is wearing a yellowish leather jacket Scott suit with black and white cowboy boots and there is a patch glued to the front pocket of his tight blue pants that says “Indiana Jones.” FDLE FLAP: Lawyer known He has a Massachusetts police badge for work on Sunshine sticker taped to his black cowboy hat and the people who drive by must wonder who he is Law cases in Sar asota and what old Western he just By IAN CUMMINGS ONLINE: moseyed out of. [email protected] To see more His name is SARASOTA — A Sarasota at- photos and a Charles Leavens, torney known for her litigation of video of Buzz Leavens but he goes by area open government cases will in action, go to Buzz. He is 79, has take the lead in a lawsuit filed heraldtribune.com and aformofdemen- Tuesday against Gov. Rick Scott follow the link to this tia, those closest and the Florida Cabinet. story. to him say, and he Andrea Mogensen represents is trying to get the nonprofit Citi- from Palmetto to Captain Curt’s on Siesta zens for Sunshine in Key for karaoke night. the lawsuit filed It is the place that takes him from lone- Tuesday, which some cowboy to local legend and his lost claims that Scott vio- eyes will twinkle again as he sings “Cotton lated the state’s Sun- Eye Joe” in auctioneer style while cajoling all shine Law in commu- the women to join him and the tourists clap Bailey nicating with Cabi- and holler at the charmingly-strange specta- net members about a cle of it all. controversial change in leader- But there is another reason he endures the ship at the Florida Department of 1 2/2-hour, 25-mile bus ride to Captain Curt’s Law Enforcement. each Friday and Saturday night. Her name is Also joining the suit were the Teresa Phillips, and he took her to the Meet Buzz of Palmetto who was a police chief in Winchendon, Massachusetts, for four years and Associated Press, the Florida Soci- karaoke bar for their first date over 15 years on the police force for a total of 27 years. Over the years he arrested nine murderers. Now in his ety of Newspaper Editors and St. ago. retired years he likes to Karaoke at Captain Curt’s Crab and Oyster Bar on Siesta Key. Here Buzz Petersburg attorney Matthew “That was the beginning of a wonderful sings “Rocky Top, Tennessee.” STAFF PHOTO / THOMAS BENDER Weidner, who has called for an in- marriage,” he says. “But now she’s gone.” vestigation of the replacement of They were regulars at Captain Curt’s for It doesn’t matter now. Buzz misses her. his cowboy hat as he rides his bicycle FDLE Commissioner Gerald years until Teresa died in August. She was You can see it on his face and certainly hear around Palmetto. Bailey. 54. Buzz says she had a drinking problem it in his voice. His mobile home is a shrine to Disagreements over how and sometimes he would have to sleep in his her. There are cardboard collages all over ‘Cotton Eye Joe’ Bailey left his position in Decem- car for days because of it. his walls with pictures of her — pictures of “He’s lost without his wife,” says Dale ber have grown to in- Court records show there was a 2011 inci- them — at karaoke. A video cassette of their Rexford, an Elvis tribute singer from Saraso- volve other mem- dent between her and Buzz and she was wedding is on a wooden shelf. Their wed- ta. Rexford is known as “Delvis” and is about bers of the state Cab- charged with battery on someone over 65. It ding photo is on the kitchen table. the only person who has been going to Cap- inet and attracted allegedly happened on the way home from “I loved her,” he says. “Still do. I’ll never tain Curt’s longer than Buzz. When Buzz and statewide media at- Captain Curt’s one night. She had been drink- find another like her.” Teresa were married on Lido Beach, Rex- tention. The case, ing and she hit him. Sometimes he even keeps her photo under See ANDERSON on 3B filed in the 2nd Judi- Scott cial Circuit Court in Leon County, seeks arulingthattheFloridaCabinetis subject to the Sunshine Law and a Fal l revival possible prohibition on polling members about appointments and commu- nicating decisions to them before meetings. for canceled air show Mogensen often represents Cit- izens for Sunshine, which has ad- AERIAL MARVELS: Rising ing moving the show to the fall. vocated for open government The event, named one of the across the state. Most often the costs grounded Punta “Ten Best Air Shows in the group files cases in and around Sa- World” by USA Today, was rasota and Manatee counties. Citi- Gor d a sh ow in 34t h year scheduled for March 27 to 29 at zens for Sunshine became a plain- the Punta Gorda Airport. tiff in the case because it involved By CHRISTI WOMACK The board members of the non- citizen access to government deci- christi.wom [email protected] profit, which is in its 34th year, de- sion-making. CHARLOTTE COUNTY — cided Tuesday to explore the fea- “That’s the purpose of the Citing rising costs and a lack of sibility of rescheduling for Octo- group — government transparen- help from local government, the ber, when associated costs, such cy,” Mogensen said. The group board of directors of the Florida as hotel and rental car rates, will hoped the case would expose to International Air Show canceled be less expensive because it is not Stunt pilots in biplanes thrilled audiences during last year’s Florida the public a “pervasive” evasion the March event, but are consider- See AIR SHOW on 2B International Air Show. HERALD-TRIBUNE ARCHIVE / 2014 See LAWSUIT on 3B # at 5731 Bee Ridge Road at Cattlemen Road, Sarasota www.doctorsofsarasota.comDoctorsOfSarasota.com | 1.888.685.1596

You’re 1 1674905 www.heraldtribune.com S Wednesday, February 4, 2015 3B Bayshore area could be first forfunds

REDEVELOPMENT: for improvements such as stree- take 30 years to achieve all of its and other concerns. Bayshore residents are currently Tax tlights, parks and better code en- goals, County Administrator Ed “This area is one of the first exploring the possible benefits of increment dollars to start forcement and public safety. Hunzeker said. planned communities in Manatee becoming a historic district because For its first year, the county has County planner John Osborne County,” said Commissioner Rob- of the mid-century, ranch- spending within district $400,000 in tax increment dollars said it will be critical for residents in DiSabatino, whose district in- house-style architecture there. to start spending in the TIF dis- to have “skin in the game” and de- cludes Bayshore. “. . .It’s a gate- By DALE WHITE trict, which is south of Manatee termine what their neighbor- way between the east and the [email protected] Avenue, Cortez to Tallevast. hoods need. west.” that it does not include the east MANATEE COUNTY — A Although that is not a substan- The Bayshore area, west of U.S. Bayshore residents are current- Bradenton and Palmetto neighbor- new redevelopment zone span- tial amount of start-up capital, the 41 and mostly south of the State ly exploring the possible benefits hoods that he represents. ning much of Manatee County’s idea is that it will increase as im- College of Florida, may be an ap- of becoming a historic district be- “You don’t have anything in urban core could take 30 years to provements are made and proper- propriate starting point, commis- cause of the mid-century, ranch- (County Commission) District 2 achieve the improvements that ty values continue to rise. sioners said. The county could re- house-style architecture there. to remove slum and blight,” Smith neighborhoods and county com- The county can also leverage activate a 2001 improvement plan Bayshore Gardens resident Su- said. “. . .There’s no plan whatso- missioners agree are needed, with those dollars with federal and for Bayshore that it worked on zanna Young, who has been orga- ever.” the Bayshore area as the most like- state grants and “sweat equity” by with the community association nizing residents there to study in- Commissioner John Chappie ly starting point. neighborhood groups, Cheri Cor- but never fully funded and imple- frastructure and other issues, said noted that the TIF area is in the un- The county established the yea, the county’s neighborhood mented. the neighborhood is “very enthusi- incorporated county and that Southwest County Tax Incre- services director, told the commis- With much of its housing dat- astic” about the possibilities of get- much of Smith’s District 2 is in the ment Financing District last fall. sioners on Tuesday. ing to the late 1950s and its deed re- ting improvements underway. cities of Palmetto and Bradenton. When the amount of property tax- The next step is to set eligibility strictions having expired in 1982, “We’re back on track.” Chappie said the county should es collected within the district ris- criteria and start determining the Bayshore Gardens subdivi- Commissioner Charles Smith work with the two cities to im- es because of improving property what neighborhoods need priori- sion especially encountered sever- noted that the county created the prove struggling areas that span values, half of those extra taxes ty attention. al setbacks during the recession redevelopment zone prior to his the municipalities and unincorpo- will be invested back in the area Along-rangeplanislikelyto with crime, foreclosed properties election last fall. He complained rated county. On t his Mogensen in on Scott suit stage, LAWSUIT from 1B on firing the leader of the Those communications of the Sunshine Law in the FDLE. amounted to a “de facto state’s executive branch, The Cabinet is scheduled meeting of the cabinet,” the Buzz is she said. to discuss the process it lawsuit alleges, in which no Bailey resigned in Decem- uses to replaces appointees notice was given to the pub- ber and has publicly contra- when it meets Thursday in lic and no minutes or other beloved dicted Scott’s version of Tampa. records kept. events. Scott and other Scott’s office has coun- In responses to the me- ANDERSON from 1B members of the Cabinet tered claims that his staff dia, Scott’s office has de- ford sang “Can’t Help unanimously confirmed his pushed Bailey to resign im- fended its handling of Falling in Love.” replacement, Rick Swearin- mediately in December. Bailey’s resignation, citing a What Buzz can’t remem- gen, in January. Since then, The lawsuit filed Tues- “long-standing convention” ber of his life can be seen Scott and Cabinet members day acknowledges that the of communication between in photos. Inside his wallet have been criticized over FDLE commissioner serves the governor’s office and is a photo of his late fa- the details of Bailey’s oust- “at the pleasure” of the gov- the Cabinet. Scott’s office ther, Charles, an auto er. ernor and the Cabinet, but did not respond to a request mechanic. There is anoth- Scott said that the com- claims that the decision was for comment on Tuesday. er of himself from the missioner resigned, only to made in a roundabout man- Mogensen said the public 1970’s, when he was young have Bailey contradict him ner behind closed doors should be concerned that and handsome and the in statements to the Miami and then presented in pub- the governor described this Chief of Police in Herald/Tampa Bay Times lic only after Bailey re- as a common practice in Tal- Winchendon, Massachu- Tallahassee bureau, saying signed. lahassee. setts, where he investigat- “I did not voluntarily do any- The complaint accuses “If this is the way things ed nine murders. thing.” Scott of using aides or “con- are traditionally done, then On a bedroom wall Since then, Chief Finan- duits” in polling the cabinet the law really has no teeth inside his mobile home is a Buzz Leavens dances on stage with Karla Brown, another cial Officer Jeff Atwater and on “his unilateral decision and we don’t have the trans- collage of photos of his regular at Captain Curt’s karaoke nights. “He’s such a good Agriculture Commissioner to force the resignation of parency in government children. He has four. soul,” says Brown. STAFF PHOTO / THOMAS BENDER Adam Putnam have voiced the FDLE Commissioner guaranteed by the constitu- Some of the photos are of displeasure with how the and appoint a replacement tion.” his son and daughter catch- chaps, red boots, a vest always trying to set a new matter was handled. Attor- without any notice to the The suit asks that a court ing fish in Alaska. with a badge, a decorative personal record for getting ney General Pam Bondi said public.” declare the episode violated “I was always good to pistol around his neck and the most women to join she thought Scott’s staff The aides’ communica- the Sunshine Law and issue them,” he says somberly as ahatthatsays“CottonEye him. He says it’s 30 but may have acted without the tions were allegedly apermanentinjunction he looks at the photos at Joe” on the front with a “Delvis” says it’s more like governor’s knowledge. achieved verbally, allowing against “polling, discus- 1:30 a.m. “I don’t know small picture of him and 10. The FDLE commissioner the Cabinet to signal Scott sions, and communica- why the hell they don’t call Teresa in the headband. The tourists go wild and position is a Cabinet-level their approval, or non-objec- tions” about appointments me.” often pull out their cell appointment. Florida law re- tion, to removing Bailey before public cabinet meet- There are photos of him Agoodsoul phones, but when he is quires the governor and the and replacing him with ings. It also asks for pay- winning stock car races, He no longer has a driv- done singing he usually Cabinet, including Putnam, Swearingen as commission- ment of attorneys’ fees if and another when he was er’s license, and if he can’t sits quietly on a stool by Atwater and Bondi, to agree er. the suit prevails. an Honor Guard member catch a ride from someone the door and waits to hear in the Army and he was in his mobile home park, his name called again — standing watch as Presi- he will pedal his bicycle “Next up is Buzz.” dent Eisenhower boarded two miles to the bus stop “He’s such a good soul,” the presidential plane in next to the Palmetto Pub- says Karla Brown, a 1954. lix, where the manager lets karaoke regular. “He does Sheriffs won’t back pot bill And yet earlier in the him keep it in the office so nothing but want to make day he couldn’t remember no one steals it overnight. everyone smile. His pres- MARIJUANA from 1B they agreed that medical stated, adding exceptions the name of the president. He usually grabs the ence makes this place a failed to reach a 60 percent marijuana recommenda- could be instituted for the And when he went to the 6:05 bus, the 99 South, happier place.” threshold in favor, captur- tions should be limited to terminally ill. ATM he couldn’t remem- pays a dollar, and it takes She is one of the few ing 57.6 percent of the popu- medical doctors and osteo- The group also believes ber his PIN and had to go him to 1st Street and Lem- who knows the story of lar vote — 500,000 more pathic physicians — elimi- any medical marijuana in- inside for help. on Avenue in Sarasota. Buzz, the karaoke cowboy votes than Gov. Rick Scott nating chiropractors and take should be limited to pa- At karaoke he has been Then he transfers, pays from Palmetto, the man received in winning a sec- acupuncturists, as could tients with illnesses such as singing the same three another dollar, and anoth- who has just delivered ond term. have been allowed under cancer, epilepsy, HIV/ songs for years — “Cotton er bus takes him to within another rousing rendition Both Shoar and Pinellas the amendment.But the AIDS, ALS, Crohn’s disease, Eye Joe,” “Mountain Mu- ablockofCaptainCurt’s. of “Rocky Top” and now County Sheriff Bob Gualt- sheriffs’ group remains Parkinson’s disease, multi- sic” and “Rocky Top” — On Saturday nights, he must find his way back ieri, who also spoke at Tues- strongly opposed to allow- ple sclerosis, paraplegia and but sometimes he has to says the owner of the bar home. day’s press conference, said ing smokeable marijuana, quadriplegia. ask “Delvis” which songs pays someone to take him She puts her arm around they liked aspects of citing potential abuse. While more restrictive he knows because he can’t back to Palmetto. On Fri- his shoulder, tells him how Brandes’ bill, however. It also objects to the use than last year’s Amendment remember them. days he’s on his own. Last much everyone at Captain They liked that under the of medical marijuana to re- 2plan,Brandes’billwould He begins preparing for week, he paid the last Curt’s loves him, and then bill county governments lieve general pain or muscle allow medical marijuana karaoke at 4 p.m. That’s person left in the bar $30 she looks at his face and could decide whether to al- spasms. for relief of “severe and per- when he stands before his to bring him back. Every- says, “It makes his eyes low medical marijuana dis- “A patient must not re- sistent muscle spasms,” “se- closet and picks out his one else had said no. twinkle to be here.” pensaries, along with their ceive medical marijuana for vere and persistent nausea” cowboy outfit. He has On stage he is a hoot. He Contact Chris Anderson at number and location. general pain because pain is and “severe and persistent been known to wear white loves to dance and he is [email protected] The sheriffs also said not a disease,” the sheriffs pain.” Allegations reignite a sex case accounts. tors oppose the request, con- Palm Beach, where he fre- MIAMI: Clash began Instead of letting the case tending they did their best quented Donald Trump’s with claims about play out from there, the to confer with the victims exclusive seaside Mar-a- woman known as Jane Doe but that the women aren’t Lago club. Prince Andrew No. 3 hit back with a entitled to details of the “He was certainly a man 23-page affidavit detailing plea talks. about town and because of By CURT ANDERSON dates, locations and more Even if the judge rules for the fact that it is a small is- APLegalAffairsWriter about the powerful men she the women, the U.S. Justice land, he got to know a lot of MIAMI — First came the says Epstein forced her and Department wouldn’t neces- people,” Trump, who has allegations late last year the others to satisfy. sarily have to bring a case not been implicated in any that Britain’s Prince An- More than six years after against Epstein. But open- wrongdoing, told The Asso- drew and a prominent Epstein pleaded guilty to ing the “non-prosecution ciated Press recently. American lawyer took part Florida charges involving agreement” could bring fur- “When I started reading In this July 30, 2008, photo, the highly connected Jeffrey in a wealthy sex offender’s sex with underage girls, the ther embarrassment for Ep- about the different things Epstein is shown in custody in West Palm Beach. abuse of teenage girls case has erupted anew. stein and his high-profile and then things were prov- ASSOCIATED PRESS ARCHIVE aboard private jets, in luxu- Even Bill Clinton’s name friends, and provide the en, that’s a different planet, ry homes and on the finan- has resurfaced as a guest of women with leverage as that’s a different world.” yer, Roy Black, accuses Jane wards, said in an email she cier’s Caribbean island. Epstein’s, although no one they seek damages from the Although Epstein’s con- Doe No. 3’s attorneys of try- does not wish to be named. The story, part of a long- has accused the former pres- U.S. government. They con- nections with the rich and ing to inflame the case and Now a 31-year-old wife running U.S. legal fight fo- ident of impropriety. A Clin- tend their rights as victims powerful have been well wants the judge to keep the and mother, Jane Doe No. 3 cused on the rights of the ton spokesman declined to were trampled by the then- chronicled over the years, plea documents private. insists her motives are to women, gained steam when comment Friday. secret agreement. Jane Doe No. 3 is the first to Although Jane Doe No. hold the elite accountable. Buckingham Palace took Dershowitz has accused Epstein, 62, served 13 provide specific details, in a 3’s true name has been pub- “These powerful people the unusual step of issuing a Jane Doe No. 3 of making up months of an 18-month jail public court filing under lished elsewhere, The Asso- seem to think that they carefully worded denial of most or all of her claims, in- sentence in the state case oath, about her purported ciated Press does not identi- don’t have to follow the the kind of salacious claims cluding a story about seeing and was required to register sexual encounters with fy victims of sex crimes same rules as everyone else. that royal officials rarely ac- Clinton on Epstein’s island as a sex offender. He also some of them. without their consent. One That is wrong,” she said in knowledge. Defense attor- years ago. reached undisclosed finan- Epstein’s celebrity law- of her attorneys, Brad Ed- the affidavit. ney Alan Dershowitz, who Jane Doe No. 3 and three cial settlements with doz- represented the highly con- others who say Epstein vic- ens of women who made nected Jeffrey Epstein and timized them want a federal similar allegations against was himself named in the judge to make public and him, according to court doc- latest court filings, then throw out the part of Ep- uments. called the most outspoken stein’s plea deal that guaran- Before he was prosecut- of the four women a serial teed that neither he nor any ed, Epstein was a well- liar and practically dared co-conspirators would face known member of the su- her to prove her particular federal charges. Prosecu- per-wealthy enclave of INSIDE SUNDAY INTERACTIVE ART PROJECT UP TO TODAY PROFILE Noa Haim’s structures The LPGA 91-year-old Millie $242 blur the lines between Legends Tour Belden volunteers IN COUPON art and architecture, SAVINGS Handa Cup at the All Faiths artist and audi- INSIDE and more. Food Bank. 6A ence. 1E

SUNDAY, MAY 17, 2015 l $2.00 ANEDITIONOFTHESARASOTAHERALD-TRIBUNE HERALDTRIBUNE.COM HEALTH PANEL’S POWER Man of motion, IS A MATTER OF DEBATE and of FLORIDA: ture’s ability to pass a new state aimed at “taxpayer-supported” Will commission budget. hospitals, met 14 times and re- BERUFF HEADS PANEL do more than echo Scott The nine-member commission, leased a report at the end of Scott’s Some question which will be chaired by Manatee first year in office. whether emotion as special session nears? County’s Carlos Beruff, a Scott po- Not much resulted from the Manatee- litical supporter who is a develop- commission’s findings, despite the based devel- By LLOYD DUNKELBERGER er with few health care ties, is al- antipathy of Scott, a former pri- oper Carlos DICK VITALE: Whirlwind H-T Capital Bureau ready drawing questions about its vate hospital company executive Beruff was the sports analyst determined TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Rick ability to bring any direction to the who has long been skeptical about best choice to Scott’s newly formed Healthcare budget crisis, which must be re- the role of public or “tax-support- lead the com- to fight pediatric cancer and Hospital Funding Commis- solved by July 1. ed” hospitals. mission. 16A sion this week will launch itself It is also the second hospital The new commission, which By CHRIS ANDERSON into the middle of a bitter debate commission that Scott has created holds its first meeting Wednesday, [email protected] over health care funding that has since he took office in 2011. The has a broader scope. Scott says he SARASOTA — The smell of stalemated the Florida Legisla- first commission, which was See HEALTH CARE on 16A black marker permeates the room as Dick Vitale whips through book after book, each signature a personal promise that he will fight pediatric cancer by using the celebrity and stardom he has achieved. It is early afternoon at the Ritz- Carlton and Vitale is feverishly at- tempting to sign 1,000 copies of his latest book in two hours, each one to be passed out at the Dick Vi- tale Gala. The annual event, held this past Friday, raises money for pediatric cancer research, a cause Vitale says he is now obsessed with. His face, his voice, his brand, they all are among the most recog- nized in America. Everyone, it seems, loves the famed ESPN college basketball analyst and Lake- wood Ranch resident and he loves them right back. In fact, Vitale says he has never eaten a home- cooked meal because he likes talking to people in restaurants so much. Island treasures So what is it like to be Dick Vi- tale, who will be 76 next month? From the periphery it looks like it is terrific fun and a life lived in awe of the heavyweights he’s been fortunate enough to meet. for the transforming Here is a guy who has been in a for the transforming private room with the pope, talked hoops with three U.S. presidents, shook Sinatra’s hand, con- Skiers Island in Roberts Bay is one of seven spoil islands eyed by Sarasota Bay Watch for the proposed project. STAFF PHOTO / DAN WAGNER See VITALE on 8A

ONLINE: See videos, photo galleries and coverage of Friday’s 10th annual Dick Vitale Gala, and Saturday’s post party at Vitale’s Lakewood Ranch home at heraldtribune.com/vitale

THE PREAKNESS STAKES

Carrotwood. Australian Pine. Brazilian pepper. Spoil islands in Roberts Bay could become an emerald ‘necklace’ of water-accessible eco-tourism spots, with native plant life

By MICHAEL POLLICK [email protected] 41 ve SARASOTA t’s a five-minute paddle from the North SSiestaiesta Drrivei Siesta Key Bridge to Edwards Island. Big Six acres in size, the island is a prized d Edwards Island chunk of land, boasting gradual sandy SECOND JEWEL CAPTURED beaches in some areas, ecologically Little American Pharoah sets up the valuable mangrove stands in others and ian pepper, carrotwood and Australian pines Higel Roa Roberts Edwards ultimate drama in racing — a asurprisinglyhillyinterior.I look like, Stults walks up a nearby hill and Bay Island Triple Crown attempt at the Like the other five dozen-plus spoil islands waves his hands toward the interior. SSiestaiesta Belmont Stakes in three weeks. 1C that dot Southwest Florida’s bays, Edwards “Just imagine this as a native plants version Skiers’ was an afterthought when it was created in the of Selby Gardens,” said Stults. “This could be- KeyKey Island Arts...... 1E Obituaries...... 10B 1960s. The mission of the U.S. Army Corps of come a native botanical treasure.” Classified...... 1F Opinion...... 18A Engineers was simply to carve out the bottom An early retiree, Stults has taken on what STAFF MAP / JENNIFER F. A. BORRESEN Lottery...... 2A Out & About...... 6B of Sarasota Bay to create the Gulf Intracoastal some would call Mission Impossible: get Movie Log...... 11B Sports...... 1C Waterway. The fill, which is mostly high-quali- enough of a consensus from Sarasota County, ty sand, had to go somewhere. nearby homeowners, boaters and environmen- ONLINE: To learn more Larry Stults of Sarasota Bay Watch has talists to turn at least a few of the closest spoil about Blue Economy’s Gulf beached his small boat on the west side of the islands into miniature ecological gems. Coast Innovation Challenge, island. After pointing out what invasive Brazil- See ISLANDS on 7A go to gulfcoastchallenge.org OUR 90TH YEAR NUMBER 224 6 SECTIONS Jamestown 40-60% KITCHENS • Hundreds of Samples • FREE ESTIMATES ESTIMATES OFF Call Today for a all new cabinets & FREE In Home Consultation cabinet refacing 359.1166 ext. 517 1686024 8A Sunday, May 17, 2015 www.heraldtribune.com Amanofmotion and of emotion

VITALE from 1A There was a boy in the versed with Ali — at the hospital. He was a big Ken- Kentucky Derby, no less — tucky basketball fan who and was kissed by Priscilla planned to go to the game, Presley. but the day before they And yes, that was him rushed him to the hospital. dressed as Elvis at the ESPY His cancer was back. Vitale awards that time in Vegas, visited him and was sliding down from the ceil- crushed. ing on a wire while wearing Last year he visited a hos- awigandsideburnswith pital in Dallas with his Michael Jordan in the front agent, Susan Lipton, and to- Dick Vitale visits a young cancer patient at the row laughing hysterically. gether they saw a kid whose Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis That’s what being Dick eye had been devastated by In an instant, Dick Vitale can go from smiling to crying when talking about the during Final Four weekend. Vitale visits many Vitale looks like. But what cancer. fight against pediatric cancer. Jimbo Fisher, head football coach of Florida children to provide support but is often does being Dick Vitale feel “We get in the car and my State, looks on during the Dick Vitale Gala Friday. STAFF PHOTO / THOMAS BENDER reduced to tears. PHOTO PROVIDED BY DICK VITALE like? Now that’s a very dif- agent says, ‘I can’t even ferent question. imagine what these parents john of Lakewood Ranch, group. But that’s the pas- Michael Jordan, and Shep- “I’m going to be 76 years Spend a few hours in a must go through, ” Vitale who died in 2011. sionate person he is and it’s herd — what’s her name? — old on June 9, and I’m acting room with him and you’ll says. “Watching a mother and agoodthing. Cybill Shepherd caught my like I’m 12 with these kids,” hear all the fun stories. But Two days after the Final father put a child to rest, “Some people get up and wig,” Vitale says. he says. “That’s what keeps you’ll also see his lips quiv- Four, Vitale’s phone rang. It how much tougher does it talk about cancer and you “I do remember that,” Lor- me going.” er and his eyes well up as he was Lipton. get than that?” Vitale says. hear it but don’t feel it. raine says. “He was sore in One night last week, he talks about heart-wrench- “She says, ‘When I went Vitale says his face is now “He will make the audi- the groin area for weeks.” was at Tropicana Field to see ing hospital visits and funer- to the Final Four, my son synonymous with fighting ence feel it.” “Yeah, they put a harness the Rays play the Yankees — al eulogies and phone calls had been battling a fever pediatric cancer, and he be- on you,” Vitale says as he he has Rays season tickets — to shell-shocked parents and the fever wouldn’t go lieves his celebrity was giv- AjerseyforSinatra signs another book. and the following night he who have just buried a away. We tested him and he en to him for the purpose of Dickie V was the grand Vitale and his wife love to was at Game 6 of the Tampa child. Indeed, you get a very has leukemia.’ speaking to the people who marshal at the Cherry Hill go to concerts. He’s met Bay-Montreal National different perspective of the “She says, ‘I’ve been do- can give money to the Blossom Festival in Califor- Garth Brooks, Lionel Richie, Hockey League playoff se- man everyone knows as ing all this for you all the cause. nia one year and former Smokey Robinson, the Four ries. And there he was, on Dickie V. time, helping kids, and now Bristol-Myers, he says, NBA star and friend Moses Tops, the Temptations and, the Jumbotron, of course, fir- There can’t be a celebrity Ihavetobeoneofthosepar- pledged $500,000 to the V Malone was in his court. recently, James Taylor. He ing up the crowd, even in America who deals with ents.’ Foundation upon hearing After the parade Dickie V trades texts with Kenny though he knows nothing more contrasting emotions “I started crying like cra- Vitale speak. And when he and Lorraine walked into the Chesney. He never met about hockey. on a daily basis than Vitale. zy.” talks to corporations and famous Spago restaurant in Elvis, though Priscilla Pres- His nights are often excit- And as he talks about Vitale says he gets at least CEOs, nothing is scripted. Beverly Hills, one of the hard- ley once kissed him at a ing, but many mornings he them he is handed another one phone call every day All he has to do, he says, is est places in town to get a ta- Memphis game. Ashley Judd wakes up to the same images book to sign. Then another. from someone about pediat- remember the faces of the ble. kissed him recently, too — in his head — kids in a hospi- “C’mon Dick, hurry,” ric cancer, and he never kids. “I walked in there and the and she initiated it, he proud- tal, their parents hoping they Gala coordinator Mary Ke- says no to helping a kid. He “You think you have it guy says, ‘Tonight, I’m going ly says. will walk out alive. nealy says to him. “Keep go- remembers many of the tough economically?” he to put you next to Moses, ” And then there was the “I always think of these ing.” kids’ names he comes into says. “Oh really? You’re go- Vitale says. “My wife says, night he met Sinatra after a kids and their families be- contact with, and has many ing to moan and groan ‘Geez, we know Moses Mal- Detroit Pistons game he was cause I always think it could Giving it his all pictures of them on his about not making a sale? one well.’ coaching. be me,” Vitale says. “I’m sure In between assembly- phone. When he visits he Well, why don’t you come “He says, ‘Ma’am, not “I was in awe,” he says. “I there are people saying, ‘Oh, line signatures, Vitale pulls gives them gifts — but more with me to All Children’s Moses Malone, but Moses. gave him a Pistons jersey.” he’s wasting his time and out his cellphone and finds importantly, he gives them Hospital where mothers You know, Charlton In 2011, Vitale met Pope money. There’s never going aphotoofan8-year-oldgirl himself, and all the emotion and fathers sit from 7 in the Heston.’ Benedict XVI in Rome and to be a cure.’ But I can’t let named Sophia. He met her and support he can muster. morning until 11 at night “And on my left I’m rub- he blessed some rosary those people bother me. I during this year’s Final Four “We get attached,” he praying for a miracle.” bing shoulders with Peter beads Vitale now has in his know in my heart this is the college basketball tourna- says. “It’s not like a one- His wife, Lorraine, wor- Falk. We had a blast that Lakewood Ranch home. best thing I’ve ever done in ment. She has inoperable time phone call and you for- ries that Vitale gets too emo- night.” “He comes down this stair- my life.” brain cancer. get about them.” tional. The extremes in Vitale’s case and you can’t believe Dickie V is handed anoth- Vitale visited 20 rooms at Though Vitale visits as “Especially when he’s giv- life could not be more pro- what you are seeing,” Vitale er book. He quickly signs, Riley Hospital for Children many children as he can, he ing speeches about the chil- nounced. Part of his life is try- says. well on his way to what has in Indianapolis during Final does not speak at funerals dren and he can’t go on with ing mightily not to cry in the He has talked basketball to be done: 1,000 signed Four weekend, but after he every time he is asked. It is the speech,” she says. “He presence of a cancer-strick- with Presidents Clinton, books in two hours, all to saw Sophia he had to leave just too heartbreaking, he can’t remove himself. He en child, to give pep talks to Bush and Obama, and who raise money for pediatric her room. He went into the says. talks about it and he feels it. their reeling parents, and can count how many super- cancer research, and one hallway and cried his eyes For all the speaking he “I can feel it, too. When part is sliding down a wire star athletes and coaches he day, maybe, a cure. out. has done in his life, Vitale he chokes up, I choke up. I on national TV in Las Vegas has met? When he walks into “C’mon, c’mon, c’mon,” “I have five beautiful says the toughest speech he almost know his next sen- dressed as Elvis. acollegebasketballarena, Kenealy, his assistant, says. grandchildren,” Vitale says. ever gave was at the funeral tence, and when he stops I “Sitting in the front row the students almost always “Keep going. We can make “I can’t even imagine.” for 1-year-old Adrian Little- know he’s trying to re- laughing his butt off was chant his name. it.”

STOREWIDE SAVINGS EVENT!

Floor Sample SALE! AMANA WHIRLPOOL Queen 10'' Memory WASHER/DRYEWASHER/DRYER WASHER/DRYER Foam Mattress $559999 $11399399 $ Hurry While Supplies Last! AfterAfter RebateRebate 229999 FFREEREE FinancingFinancing + FREEFREE 10-Year10-Year MajorMajor ComponentComponent WarrantyWarranty OnOn AppliancesAppliances Order Your New Weber Grill TODAY!

KITCHENAID AMANA 4 PIECE PACKAGE WHIRLPOOL 4 PIECE PACKAGE 4 PIECE PACKAGE New KitchenAid models $ On Salee $ $ 11999999 44499499 22699699 AfterAft Rebate R b t Special Order Only AfterAft Rebate R b t Special Order Only FREE DELIVERYOn SELECT ITEMS Monday-Friday 9 am to 6 pm • Saturday 9 am to 5 pm • Sunday 11am to 5 pm 941-706-4987 www.SaveAtDeSears.com 3750 Tuttle Ave. S., Sarasota (Tuttle Bee Plaza, next to TJ Maxx) 1688102 SUNDAY PROFILE FOLLOWING A NEW PATH BOLTS NEED ONE UP TO Through his 41 yearsin HIS BLISS TO SAFETY MORE WIN the communications Alatecomer to art, Florida works to make Montreal tightens $561 center of the Sarasota Matt Pecson sees roads safer for pedes- the series with a IN COUPON County Sheriff’s Office, the colorsinmusic. trians and bicyclists. Game 5 victory. SAVINGS Lynn Platt has heardit Arts, 1E Local, 1B Sports, 1C INSIDE all. Page 6A

Montreal Canadiens goalie Carey Price deflects a Tampa Bay Lightning shot.

SUNDAY, MAY 10, 2015 l $2.00 HERALDTRIBUNE.COM BOOMER REVERBERATION OLDER WORKERS: Job market from curious dabblers to dedicat- are taking a full retirement, stay- ing a business, only to find that this ed strivers working for years to- ing on the job or — like Braida-Ch- is more difficult than expected. being reshaped by changes ward a certificate in the field. Her iusano — successfully combining Younger boomers may eventual- Academy of Botanical Art, based apassionwithaprofittoembark ly be offered more incentives to re- to traditional retirement in Sarasota and affiliated with Sel- on what is increasingly called an main in the workplace, as employ- by Gardens, allows her to offer dis- “encore career.” ers struggle to fill gaps created by By BARBARA PETERS SMITH tance learning and conduct work- Not so long ago, retirement was the first large wave of retirements. [email protected] shops in places like Hawaii. ariteofpassagethatfolloweda But for now — especially in a re- Her mother always thought she Born in 1948, Braida-Chiusano predictable pattern set by employ- gion like Southwest Florida, with a should be an artist, but Olivia belongs to the leading edge of the ers, pension plans and govern- generous supply of available older Marie Braida-Chiusano is glad she baby boomer generation that is ment policies. Today, with the de- workers and few large workplaces Olivia Marie Braida-Chiusano’s became a businesswoman first. forging new paths into a post-re- cision of when and how to call it to absorb them — there appears to original watercolor,Magnolia Her sales and marketing skills tirement — or nonretirement — quits left to individuals, baby be a misfit between the number of grandiflora“LittleGem”No.2 have helped Braida-Chiusano existence. The often-cited statistic boomers — those Americans born people who would like to earn (2003) is in the permanent build the kind of second career of 10,000 daily retirements in the between 1946 and 1964 — are learn- money after retirement and the collection of the Hunt Institute for many older Floridians can only United States reflects the number ing that they must forge their own number of opportunities to do so. Botanical Documentation. dream about. of boomers turning 65 each day. way into unknown territory. Some As the nation recovers from the She teaches botanical illustra- But no one seems to know how are leaving their jobs with vague Great Recession, the share of COURTESY PHOTO / FROM OLIVIA MARIE BRAIDA-CHIUSANO tion, with students who range many people in this huge cohort ideas of working part-time or start- See BOOMERS on 16A Their A money IFT and trust G for vanish FOREIGN EXCHANGE: Dashed dreams leave questions MOM about man they relied on By CHRIS ANDERSON, [email protected] By JOSH SALMAN [email protected] RADENTON — A red plastic pinwheel spins David Harding and his family in the breeze at the grave of a daughter who has sat around a small fire near Dis- finally come home. ney World, chatting away the Suddenly, a car winding its way around the evening in late 2012 with other narrow cemetery road stops, and a sprightly Christians who made the two- 84-year-oldB woman emerges wearing a stylish silk scarf. hour trip for a campout organized Her name is Isabella Ruggiero, so devout a Catholic she by their Sarasota ministry. disguises her voice at confession sometimes because she It was the last place the Hard- goes so much. ings ever expected to lose their She walks from her car in the back of Fogartyville Cem- life savings. etery to the grave near the tall swaying pine tree, the leash The Hardings were ap- of her 17-year-old dog Daisy in one hand and the can of ant proached by another churchgoer spray that she always keeps in her trunk in the other. —afatheroffour,withacharm- She sprays around the headstone and then spruces up ing smile and what seemed a the flowers. She inserts a blue and orange butterfly into the promising investment opportuni- ground and then checks the handmade rosary draped ty. He introduced himself as Brett around the small statue of Mary. Hartshorn. Some family members, including her four great-grand- Conservative investors, the Har- children, have arrived before her. When she is done tend- dings had always shied from ing to the grave, she turns to them and asks: “Did you all stocks. The middle-class family le- say hello to Theresa yet?” veraged equity in their home and The children nod. Yes, they have. Then she smiles in a years of hard work in Pittsburgh way she couldn’t for decades. to move to Florida. They were This is the gravesite of Theresa Ruggiero. still raising two children and And this is the gift to Isabella, her mother. couldn’t afford a big gamble. See MOTHER on 10A But they say they almost instant- ly trusted the dark-haired strang- er they met that night. Harding says it might have been the calm- ing nostalgia of Disney World, that they shared friends with the 48-year-old Hartshorn at the Church of Hope and that Hart- shorn’s wife directed a local reli- gious homeschool program. Soon after, the Hardings gave Hartshorn control of more than $200,000 in an online foreign exchange trading account that he opened for them. They financed Isabella Ruggiero, 84, says she can now be near her daughter, Isabella Ruggiero, 84, say’s she can now be near her daughter, Theresa the account through a line of cred- Ruggiero,Theresa and Ruggie plansro, to and be plansburied to next be bu tor iedher nextat Fogartyville to her at Foga Cemeteryrtyville in it on their Laurel Lakes home. Bradenton.Cemeter yinSomethingBradenton she — never something thought she could neve everr thought happen. would Within months, it was gone. STAFFhappen. PHOTO / BYSTAFF THOMAS PHOTO BENDER / THOMAS BENDER See EXCHANGE on 12A

Arts...... 1E Obituaries...... 8B REAL ESTATE WASHINGTON LOCAL Classified...... 1F Opinion...... 18A THE FINE ART ABILLIONAIREBEHINDRUBIO SWIMMERS Lottery...... 2A Out & About.... .6B Movie Log...... 9B Sports...... 1C OF HOME BUILDING Even in an era dominated by super- CONVERGE HERE Ahomerenovatorwith wealthy donors, billionaire auto The Sarasota Sharks abackgroundin dealer Norman Braman stands out, host hundreds of painting and sculpture given how integral he has been not swimmers from brings custom details to only to Sen. Marco Rubio’s political across the country for every project. Now his aspirations but also to his personal the YMCA Masters OUR 90TH YEAR NUMBER 217 6 SECTIONS own home is for sale. 1I finances. 5A Nationals. 1B Jamestown 40-60% KITCHENS • Hundreds of Samples • FREE ESTIMATES OFF Call Today for a all new cabinets & FREE In Home Consultation

cabinet refacing 1686022 359.1166 ext. 510 10A Sunday, May 10, 2015 www.heraldtribune.com

Christina Conley holds hands with her mother, Isabella Ruggiero, 84, who says she can now be near her deceased daughter Theresa and plans to be buried next to her at Fogartyville Cemetery in Bradenton — something she never thought would happen. The rest of the family includes Josi King, Savannah Smith, 15, Blake Smith, 15, Christine Ruggiero, Robert Ruggiero, Mason King, 7, and Bella Mae King, 4. STAFF PHOTOS / THOMAS BENDER Amother’swishfulfilled MOTHER from 1A people. there. Then they ding. At Christmas the family has as there ever a better For the last 15 had to get permis- placed a small tree there, and they sister than Theresa years she has been sion from There- have set up lights at Halloween. It’s Ruggiero? Whenever attending three fu- sa’s friends to all been done to include Theresa in Christina Conley — nerals a week of move the head- their lives again. who was 10 years people she stone because “She’s here and part of the family,” youngerW than her sister — got sick, doesn’t even they were the Isabella says. Theresa would place candy under her know. She just ones who original- Isabella says she goes to the grave pillow at night. Of course it didn’t take picks them out of ly purchased it. once or twice a week. The family long before Christina was faking her the paper. She Once it was de- thinks it’s more. Theresa’s grave is a coughs. goes for support, termined there happy place for her, nothing somber And since there were six kids in the but she’s also jeal- were remains in about it at all, and she especially likes family, Theresa was changing her sib- ous of the de- the grave, there taking her great-grandchildren. ling’s diapers when she was only 6 ceased because was also the reli- “They all know Theresa,” Isabella years old, which is why she always they are in heaven gious question as says. “She exists. Someone once told said she would never have children of already and she’s to whether her me if you don’t talk about them, her own — she had already raised her not. body could be cre- you’re saying they never existed, but mother’s. For many years, mated and she did exist.” The family lived in Columbus, Mis- she seemed con- moved. Those At the grave she does more than sissippi in the 1970s, and Christina tent in her faith, in concerns were al- spray for ants and pluck grass. She Conley still remembers Theresa’s doing everything leviated by Rus- talks to her daughter. She even thinks voice, how she kind of looked like Sal- she could for oth- sell Ruggiero, Isa- about what she would look like today, ly Field, how all of her friends would ers, but eventually bella’s son who is what she would have done with her always come over and listen to the she started hint- also a Catholic life. She would have been single, prob- same Elton John records that are now ing about Theresa priest in Braden- ably still working, with no children of framed and hanging on her guestroom and how she ton. her own because she changed too wall in Parrish. wished she was Eventually, many diapers when she was a child. In the summer of 1976, the family with her in Robert Ruggiero “I just say, ‘Hi Theresa, Daisy and I moved from Mississippi to New York Bradenton. And told Isabella of have come to visit you,’ ” Isabella but Theresa and a brother and a sister when her daugh- the plan shortly says. “It’s normal talk. I wouldn’t say stayed behind. Then one day — it was ter-in-law Chris before they went she can hear me, but maybe she does aFriday—Theresacollapsedinher heard her say it to Mississippi. hear me, I don’t know. We just talk. brother’s bathroom and was rushed to one day, she told She began to cry. ‘How is everything? How was my the hospital. Her father Fred immedi- Robert Ruggiero, “I was very, day?’ ” ately flew to Mississippi from New Isabella’s 54-year- Theresa Ruggiero is now buried very happy about Conley often stops by and does the York to be with her. old son. at Fogartyville Cemetery in Bradenton. it because for same thing, pulling out the chair she She died that night, Sept. 1, 1976, at “It must have years I always keeps in her car and talking to the old- age 20. Family members say it was been troubling her,” he says. said, ‘Oh, I would love for Theresa to er sister who used to give her candy complications from a burst appendix. And that’s when Robert came up be here,’ ” Isabella says. when she coughed. Back in New York, Christina Con- with the idea: What if we brought When Fred and Robert Ruggiero re- “She’s back in my life now,” Conley ley remembers her mother answering Theresa to Bradenton for Isabella? Af- turned to Bradenton, Chris Ruggiero says. “I’ll say, ‘Hey, I miss you. Here’s the telephone in the foyer and saying ter all, didn’t she deserve it? met them at the car and Robert hand- afavorfromtheparty.Wishyou in shock, “Oh, she did?” ed her the urn. were there.’ We just talk. She talks Isabella flew to Mississippi the next red Ruggiero has always As soon as Chris walked in the back to me. morning while the three children in wanted to go on a road trip. front door, Isabella ripped the urn “I can’t imagine what my mom New York stayed behind with rela- He even has a camper-van from her arms. feels like because I feel like all is right tives. Only the parents and the two old- with a microwave in it. One And then on July 15, 2012, nearly 36 with the world now. er siblings who were already there at- problem: he’s 86 years old years after Theresa died, the family “This was the best thing ever. It tended Theresa’s funeral. The head- Fnow. had a memorial service at Fogar- was honestly the best thing that ever stone was paid for by Theresa’s The family was worried how he’d tyville Cemetery for her. Russell Rug- happened to our family.” friends. They all chipped in. react to the idea of moving Theresa’s giero, the Catholic priest, presided As it turned out, just bringing She was buried in her white debu- remains to Bradenton, but he sur- over the service for his sister. Theresa back was not the only sur- tante’s gown, but Isabella didn’t go prised them all by embracing it. So in Christina Conley sat between Isa- prise for Isabella. Her son Russell, the near the casket because they put too June 2012, Fred Ruggiero and his son bella and her own husband. She held priest, not only arranged for There- “She’s back in my life now. . . . This was the best thing ever. It was honestly the best thing that ever happened to our family.” –ChristinaConley, sister of Theresa Ruggiero

much makeup on Theresa. Didn’t they Robert packed up a Hyundai and Isabella’s hand while she coiled up in sa’s plot at Fogartyville, but also one know? Theresa never wore makeup. took a road trip to Mississippi to get aballandsobbedintoherhusband’s for himself, Fred and Isabella. For many years the death was never Theresa. And yes, that was Fred, then chest. It wasn’t long ago that Isabella talked about in the family, or so the sib- 83, driving the whole way, even stop- As for Isabella, her daughter’s cere- thought she would never see There- lings remember, and from September ping at 1 a.m. in the middle of a high- monial homecoming elicited a very sa’s grave again. Now she will be bur- of 1976 until June of 2012, no one in the way during a rain storm. different reaction. ied next to her. family ever went back to Theresa’s Indeed, Fred gave his blessing but “She was smiling the whole time,” “I’ll see her in heaven,” she says as grave in Mississippi either. there were other complicated hur- Conley says. “She never dreamed any- she prepares to leave the cemetery. No one is really sure why. dles to overcome: The two oldest sib- one would ever do this.” And as she does, she hugs her great- lings who were in Mississippi when grandchildren goodbye, leads Daisy ow, it should be explained Theresa died were against moving few years ago, a tiny teddy by the leash to her car, puts the ant that Isabella is unlike any- her. In fact, they still are. bear the height of a golf tee spray back in the trunk and then slow- one else you will ever “It was kind of ghost-spooky for was placed next to the ly drives down the narrow cemetery meet. She attends church them but I kept telling them, ‘Mom grave. It’s still there. The road, winding her way back home. six days a week, washes and wants her down here,’ ” Robert Ruggi- bear was a bookmark given What more could a mother ask for? ironsN the church’s altar cloth, and even ero says. Ato guests at a baby shower for Isabel- It’s been another wonderful day has an altar inside her Bradenton home. They also had to find the cemetery la’s granddaughter. with her daughter. Her favorite thing is going to Hobby in Columbus — it had been nearly Conley also placed a bookmark at And the red plastic pinwheel spins Lobby for material to make rosaries for four decades since anyone had been the grave. It was a favor from her wed- in the breeze.