Port Manatee holds Trucker Appreciation Day
PALMETTO -- Port Manatee's first Trucker Appreciation Day has so impressed professional drivers that officials of the Florida Gulf Coast port are looking to make the free lunch event an annual happening.
Nearly 200 truck drivers and even a few members of their families who were attended the lunch May 6. The picnic-style event was held just outside Port Manatee's main gate.
Port Manatee's Executive Director Carlos Buqueras said port staff are "truly grateful for the hard work and commitment of the drivers who contribute to the success of our port." The event was held in recognition of the truck drivers' work.
Trucker Appreciation Day sponsors included terminal operation and stevedoring firms Logistec Corp., Federal Marine Terminals Inc., Kinder Morgan Port Manatee Terminal LLC and Gulf Coast Bulk Equipment Inc.
Manatee clerk warns of solicitation letter
MANATEE -- According to the Manatee County Clerk's Office, some homeowners are receiving letters from companies offering to sell them a copy of their deed and property assessment profile. The copies are being offered for prices ranging from $50 to $100 per deed. The letters periodically appear in Manatee County and are often concentrated in a specific zip code or neighborhood, so that neighbors receive the letters at the same time.
Clerk Angelina "Angel" Colonneso said such an expense is unnecessary. Deeds can be found on the clerk's website and can be printed at no charge. Property owners needing certified copies can obtain them from the clerk's office typically for less than $5.
Colonneso said the mailed offering does not appear to be illegal, but offers a service that is unnecessary and expensive.
The Manatee County Clerk's Office can be contacted at 941-741-4040 or by email at clerkscopycenter@ManateeClerk.com.
Neal home sales in region stay high, steady in April
LAKEWOOD RANCH -- Neal Communities experienced a steady sales pace in April, notching 101 new home sales in communities spanning from Hillsborough to Collier counties.
Notable communities in April included Villages of Milano in Venice with 10 sales, Grand Palm in Venice with nine sales, Boca Royale Golf & Country Club in Englewood with eight sales, and Silverleaf in Parrish with seven sales.
Michael Storey, president of the Lakewood Ranch-based homebuilder, said April tends to bring slowing sales. He credited low interest rates and other favorable buying conditions with keeping the sales number high.
This month, the builder expects to sell out of three communities, Woodbrook in Sarasota, Central Park in Lakewood Ranch and Forest Creek in Parrish.
In 2015, Neal Communities hit a major milestone
by closing 989 homes for families in Florida -- the most since its 1970 inception and pulled permits for more than 1,200 homes in Sarasota and Manatee counties.
Penney to expand sales of major appliances
PLANO, Texas -- J.C. Penney says it will start to sell major appliances online and expand its rollout of the category to nearly 500 stores, or almost half of its stores, this summer. The move comes after a successful test of offering major appliances such as washing machines and refrigerators in 22 markets in February. Penney got out of the major appliance business more than 30 years ago.
Penney is looking to rebuild sales, particularly in the home area, after a catastrophic reinvention plan under former CEO Ron Johnson resulted in sales and profits in free fall in 2012 and 2013. Business has been stabilized since then. But revenue has still not returned to the pre-Johnson era levels.
The home appliance business represents a big opportunity for Penney since it's been one of the hot areas in retailing as it benefits from a strong housing market.
Penney also announced that it will be allocating another 25 percent of floor space to an enhanced presentation of window coverings including ready-made curtains, blinds and shades. It will be also testing new initiatives with Ashley Furniture and Empire Today, a leader in the installed carpet and flooring industry.
-- Herald staff, wire reports
This story was originally published May 9, 2016 at 11:35 PM with the headline "Port Manatee holds Trucker Appreciation Day ."