Carlie Brucia murder case focus of panel discussion at Florida Court Reporters Conference
Carlie Brucia murder case subject of panel discussion
The 2024 Florida Court Reporters Association recently hosted a panel to discuss the Carlie Brucia murder case during their annual conference at The Westin Sarasota.
Former Fox 13 News anchor Ray Collins, who covered the trial, moderated the talk involving several of the trial's principal participants: Sarasota County lead prosecutor Debra Johnes Riva, co-lead Detective Toby Davis of the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office, and District 12 Medical Examiner Dr. Russell Vega. The panel was assembled by Richard Scire and Michael Scire, both stenographers for the trial.
The 11-year-old girl was kidnapped and killed in February 2004 by Joseph Smith in a crime that became international news. The abduction was caught on a surveillance camera behind a car wash on Bee Ridge Road. During the question and answer portion of the event, Johnes Riva said, despite speculation to the contrary, no connection between the killer and the victim's family was found.
Smith, who was convicted in November 2005 of kidnapping, rape, and murder, was found dead in prison in July 2021 while awaiting execution. The cause was liver cancer.
New event for LGBTQ+ seniors at Senior Friendship Centers
Senior Friendship Centers is offering a new social program for LGBTQ+ seniors, "Rainbow Connections," on the second Thursday of each month from 4:30-6 p.m. at the Sarasota Campus, 1888 Brother Geenen Way.
The social program is dedicated to fostering community, support, and celebration among LGBTQ+ older adults who, statistics show, are twice as likely to live alone and often face shrinking social and support networks.
"Most LGBTQ+ older adults grew up in a generation where they weren’t supported," said Erin McLeod, president of Senior Friendship Centers. "Senior Friendship Centers has always been an advocate for overlooked seniors. Introducing Rainbow Connections exemplifies our commitment to ensuring that all seniors, regardless of their identity, never need to 'go it alone.'"
The recurring monthly mixer will feature a member of the arts community who will speak and perform, followed by a Q&A session with complimentary food and beer/wine. The July 11 event features award-winning actor, playwright, director, and teacher Blake Walton. For registration and information, visit eventbrite.com (tinyurl.com/58vrm549).
Membership opportunity nears for Women Contemporary Artists
Women Contemporary Artists, a regional organization with more than 150 actively engaged visual artists, will soon be accepting applications for new members.
The organization's mission is to provide visibility, support, and inspiration to women artists in the community with all levels of experience. No jurying is required to be accepted into the group, ensuring an inclusive and welcoming environment. The application period is Sept. 1-Oct. 31.
"I thought I’d never have a group of artist friends to share my artistic life with after relocating to Florida. Was I ever wrong," member Judy Lyons Schneider said. "My dearest and closest friends are ones I’ve met through WCA. They’ve nurtured my growth as an artist and helped me grow.”
Visit womencontemporaryartists.com or email membershipwcartists@gmail.com for more information.
Around and about
· The Venice Area Historical Society presented their 2024 Dr. William Jervey Scholarship to Venice High School's Jack Bertram, who will be attending the University of Florida. Bertram served as senior class president, president of the Future Business Leaders of America, and was an American Legion Boys State delegate. Bertram plans to major in economics and minor in political science with aspirations for law school.
· Registration is underway for the 13th annual Tour de North Port on Oct. 19 sponsored by People for Trees. The on-road bicycle fun ride with routes of 15, 35, or 65 miles passes through North Port’s natural settings, including pine flatwoods and parks that border the Myakkahatchee Creek. SWAG bags and T-shirts for the first 400 to register; group discounts available. Visit peoplefortrees.com or email Alice White (treelady12001@yahoo.com) for registration/information.
· Wellen Park in North Port is hosting a new monthly market on the second Thursday of each month. The Downtown Wellen Night Market (19745 Wellen Park Blvd.) debuts on July 11 from 6-9 p.m. The Night Market will offer home decor, fashion, art, design, and specialty food items from a rotating lineup of vendors each month. For a list of vendors in the inaugural Night Market, visit wellenpark.com/events/night-market.
· Bee Ridge Presbyterian Little White Historic Church, 4826 S. McIntosh Road, Sarasota will host Piano Friends on July 20 at 1:30 p.m. Over a dozen pianists with a range of talent and music will play. axhandle@comcast.net.
Submissions by Ray Collins, Jodel Velarde, Nancy Hielscher, Marlene Merkle, Bill Haberthur, Alice White, Emily Ford, and Debye Bernard.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Carlie Brucia murder case is focus of panel discussion in Sarasota
