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Crist Lauds Long-Term Care Community At Fundraiser

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By DAVID GULLIVER, Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Published: November 20, 2007

SARASOTA - Gov. Charlie Crist and a slew of the region's elected officials turned out at the Pines of Sarasota on Monday to kick off the nonprofit long-term care community's 60th anniversary and boost a fundraising drive.

Crist toured Pines of Sarasota's new skilled nursing center, chatting with residents and employees in the lobby and in the physical rehabilitation center.

Later, he gave a short speech at an anniversary lunch with about 250 attending.

"We believe in limited government, but I also believe it's an important role for government to take care of the most vulnerable among us," he said. "We have to make sure that the elderly and the frail are cared for, always."

Crist was introduced by developer Henry Rodriguez and his wife, Susanne, co-chairs of the fundraising campaign.

He was seated for lunch between the Rodriguezes and Lori and Randy Benderson, whose Benderson Development Co. is another main sponsor.

Rodriguez and Benderson Development have been significant donors to Republican candidates.

Pines of Sarasota is undergoing a major upgrade to its operations, which opened in 1948 for six elderly residents.

The 122-bed center that Crist toured opened in February. The Pines of Sarasota Foundation has raised about $9 million toward repaying costs of that building and for a planned new center to care for patients with Alzheimer's disease.

U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Longboat Key, said he knew first-hand about caring for the disease.

"My father got Alzheimer's when he was 58. I took care of him for 12 years," he said. "I know what it means for this staff and volunteers that are here. I know what it means to build this new facility."

Among other local officials attending were state Sen. Mike Bennett, R-Bradenton, and state Reps. Keith Fitzgerald, D-Sarasota, Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton, Michael Grant, R-Port Charlotte, and Doug Holder, R-Sarasota.

Sarasota Mayor Lou Ann Palmer also attended and caught the governor's eye. "I love your hair," Crist joked.

He also took a minute of his speech to ask people to vote for the property tax cut plan in January's referendum. "It's important for taxpayers and it's important for the Florida economy," he said.

Crist signed a birthday card for the center and left without eating lunch for an appearance at Twin Lakes Park.

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