News Briefs

+ Commission OKs Woodbrook II community
The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners approved Neal Communities’ Woodbrook II subdivision Feb. 13 during its regular land-use meeting.

The preliminary site plan calls for 77 single-family homes on 53.78 acres south of Whitfield Avenue, between Prospect and Lockwood Ridge roads.

Woodbrook II is not considered the second phase of Neal’s Woodbrook community, a nearby subdivision off Lockwood Ridge Road.

Neal’s Vice President of Marketing Leisa Weintraub said Neal plans to change Woodbrook II’s name soon.

“Woodbrook II will have a completely different product (than Woodbrook),” Weintraub said. “We’re excited about the community because the area is enormously popular with people.”

+ Jersey Mike’s to open in River Club Plaza
Jersey Mike’s Subs will open a location in River Club Plaza, located at the southeast corner of State Road 70 and Interstate 75.

Patrick S. George and his partner and father, Patrick J. George, will run the franchise.

The new Jersey Mike’s will occupy the 1,300-square-foot space next to Popi’s Place on the Ranch.

Casto’s John Hutchens, asset manager for the plaza, said Jersey Mike’s should open by the end of April.
“Jersey Mike’s is a really solid tenant,” Hutchens said. “We have a lot of them in our portfolio, and they’ve always performed well. This is a good location for them.”

This is the second East County location for Jersey Mike’s, which also occupies a space in University Park, 8210 Tourist Center Drive, under different owners.

River Club Plaza also includes tenants such as Wasabi Japanese Steakhouse, Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt and Holistic for Pets.

+ Correction
In the March 6 issue of the East County Observer, the nonprofit story on page 3A about SMART and Beyond the Spectrum incorrectly named a student. The student’s name is Iza Shamsey.

Meetings & agendas
Manatee County Planning Commission Meeting — 9 a.m. March 13, at 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton

Manatee County Board of County Commissioners Work Session — 9 a.m. March 18, at 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton