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SEPTEMBER 2015 941.349.0194 | ISLAND VISITOR PUBLISHING, LLC
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Gate Crasher Cited By Roger Drouin
The driver of a speeding silver Cadillac damaged the gatepost on Starling Drive and caused two people to jump out of the vehicle’s approaching path. The harrowing experience happened the afternoon of June 22, as the driver approached the gate and backed up, and again drove forward, this time crashing into the post that protects the gate island, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). At about 2:15 p.m., the driver crashed into the metal and plastic post, damaging the post and leaving behind “debris” from the front of the car, according to separate reports from FHP, gatesecurity, and a witness. The driver then sped off, and that’s when the Cadillac nearly hit a resident and worker. According to a resident who witnessed the crash, after striking the post, the driver swerved out of control and headed straight toward the witness and a worker. The worker “pulled me out of the way” and another resident had to jump quickly into a driveway, to avoid being hit. It was a close call. According to the witness account,
“The car came within an inch or two of hitting my parked car, which would have then collided into [the worker] and me,” the witness recounted in their report to The Landings officials. “Result, probably death for the two of us.” The driver then left the scene. A state trooper was dispatched to a Sarasota County EMS.” police that she didn’t even know she location in front of a Philippi Gardens Sweeney, 59, of Sarasota, was cited for collided with anything.” home, in the 5400 block of America careless driving and leaving the scene of According to the FHP report, drugs Drive, where the Cadillac had ended up. a crash without giving information. or alcohol were not suspected at the time “Upon my arrival I observed a silver The gate security report noted that “the of the crash. Cadillac parked in front…” reported driver identified by police… stated to the trooper. “The car was not running at this time. There was severe damage to the left front and the two left tires Be sure to mark your calendars for the Annual Labor Day BBQ on were blown out.” Monday, September 7th from 4:30 – 6:30 PM. The cost is $10 per The trooper asked person and includes all the traditional BBQ fare along with apple pie the driver of the car, Cheryl Diane Sweeney, and ice cream for dessert. The sign-up sheet will be in the what happened. “She Pro Shop. Deadline to sign-up is September 4. stated that she did not know and would not provide any further information. I observed BULLHORNS VS DRUMS AT SIESTA KEY’S DRUM CIRCLE. SEE PAGE 19 a large bump on her DATE SET FOR ANNUAL CRYSTAL CLASSIC SANDSCULPTING. SEE PAGE 18 forehead and called for
Annual Labor Day BBQ