ANNA MARIA -- A $3.425 million Anna Maria Island beach estate at 102 Mangrove Ave. was sold Feb. 7, the largest sale on the island since 2008. Premier Sotheby's International Realty represented the seller.

The 6,500-square-foot, four-bedroom and five-bath home was built in 2008 by Whitehead Builders. The home's features included a private, walled-in pool, with a separate spa and bar area, a private elevator, a music room/library, entertainment room and conservatory.

Premier Sotheby's International Realty sales associate Cheryl Loeffler represented the seller in the transaction. Jason Sato, ofSato Real Estate, represented the buyer in this transaction.

The Center of Integrated Medicine hosts open house

MANATEE -- The Lunar New Year is being celebrated at The Center of Integrated Medicine at its open house 1:30-4 p.m. Sunday at 9050 58th Drive E., Suite A101.

Food and appetizers will be served. There also will be free workshops on Chinese teas, women's health, Tai Chi, and Qi Gong; thermography and cold laser demonstrations.

Meet Dr. Michele Louiselle and Dr. Rene Ng, acupuncture physicians whose specialties include acupuncture, Chinese herbs, thermography, cold laser treatment, and natural facial rejuvenation.

Information: 941-752-4838 or www.cimwellness.com.

Chamber hosting customer service seminar

LAKEWOOD RANCH -- The Manatee Chamber along with C1 Bank and On A Shoestring present Beyond Customer Service: A Customer Experience Workshop by Richard Randolph, vice chair, Manasota SCORE 9-11 a.m. March 13 at the Manatee Chamber, 4215 Concept Court, Lakewood Ranch.

The cost is $25 for Manatee Chamber members; $35 non-members and $20 for non-profit Manatee Chamber members.

Reservations required to Lisa at 941-748-3411 or LisaR@ManateeChamber.com.

Crazy Quarter Auction offers businesses exposure

ELLENTON -- The Friendly Social Club at Colony Cove in Ellenton invites small local businesses to participate in the Crazy Quarter Auction held monthly at Harmony Hall, 7615 Lakeshore Drive.

A cross between a raffle and an auction, businesses display their products and services, offering up a few for bidding. The bids range from 25 cents to a dollar.

The next Crazy Quarter Auction is set for 6 p.m. Feb. 27.

Information: Rosie Lee at 941-772-370-5628 or info@floridaquarterauctions.com.

Wells Fargo donates to Family Partnership

MANATEE -- Wells Fargo has donated $5,000 to Family Partnership Center for its home parenting education program to benefit local at-risk families living in Manatee and

Sarasota counties.

The Family Partnership Center was formed in 1994 to strengthen families and prevent child abuse in at-risk families by providing comprehensive, bilingual parenting education and support. The center focuses on improving parenting skills and parents access to resources.

Sharp fall in U.S. jobless claims boosts outlook

WASHINGTON-- The outlook for the U.S. job market is brightening after a government report showed a sharp drop in the number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits.

Weekly applications fell 27,000 to a seasonally adjusted 341,000, the Labor Department said Thursday. Outside a few weeks last month affected by seasonal distortions, that's the lowest level in nearly five years.

The four-week average, which smooths week-to-week fluctuations, stayed near a five-year low.

-- Herald staff and wire reports