PALM HARBOR, FL – Pinellas County Sheriff’s deputies are investigating a drowning in Palm Harbor on Monday, Sept. 3.

Deputies were called to the Country Place Apartments community pool, 3975 Country Place Lane, Palm Harbor, at 11:29 a.m. and found a man unresponsive in the water.

Deputies say residents from Country Place Apartments found the victim, 68-year-old Eliezer Rodriguez of 16 Cypress Drive, submerged in the pool.

When deputies arrived, paramedics from Palm Harbor Fire Rescue had already pulled Rodriguez out of the pool and were performing CPR.

Rodriguez was transported to Mease Countryside Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 11:56 a.m.

Deputies say surveillance video from the community pool showed Rodriquez was swimming alone at 11:13 a.m., when he went underwater and never resurfaced.

Deputies say the drowning appears accidental.

Image via Palm Harbor Fire Rescue

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1674 Arabian Ln, Palm Harbor, FL 34685
1674 Arabian Ln, Palm Harbor, FL 34685

You’ll love this 3 bed, 3.5 bath townhome w/ attached garage & CONSERVATION VIEWS from every level!! Located in the Gated Community of Eagles Reserve in the East Lake Corridor! Landscaped walkway leads to side entrance. Step inside & notice how spacious every room in this home is! Living Rm features high volume ceilings, crown molding & wood burning fireplace. Huge separate formal dining area off kitchen & living rm has chandelier, chair rail molding, crown molding, 1/2 bath for guests & large storage rm w/ built-in shelves. Oversized eat-in kitchen features tile floors, breakfast bar, pantry & stainless steel appliances. Wall of sliders w/ plantation shutters open up to spacious covered & screened lanai w/ serene conservation views. Huge Master Suite takes up entire 2nd floor & features double-door entry, high volume ceilings, crown molding, 2 large walk-in closets, sitting area, conservation views & en suite bath w/ 2 vanity areas, dual sinks, garden soaking tub, step-in shower, private water closet w/ bidet & linen closet. 2nd bedrm faces conservation & includes 2 large closets (1 w/ built-ins & pull-out drawers), large windows facing conservation w/ window seat & private en suite bath w/ step-in shower. 3rd bedrm w/ vaulted ceilings, large oversized windows, 2 large walk-in closets plus a large walk-in storage rm, & a private en suite bath w/ tub/shower combo! PLANTATION SHUTTERS THROUGHOUT! Garage includes built-in cabinets and water softener. NEW TILE ROOF! Central location close to everything!

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Braulio, left, and Franky Alvarez are 18-year-old twins who recently aged out of the Children’s Harbor program in Pembroke Pines. The teens lived on campus along with other foster care children and have moved out to their first apartment while attending college. (Michael Laughlin / Sun Sentinel)

Twins Franky and Braulio Alvarez are not letting an unstable and troubled upbringing, which led them into foster care, stop them from moving on to college and loftier goals.

The 18-year-olds are proudly independent and recently moved into their first apartment not far from Broward College where they attend in Davie. Both aim high and hope to go to medical school.

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But to get this far, the Alvarez twins needed help — and they got it from kind strangers who stepped in when relatives couldn’t.

Children’s Harbor, a residential campus for foster children, opened its doors for the Alvarez boys last year. The organization prides itself on keeping siblings in foster care together for emotional support. A relationship with a brother or sister is especially vital for children who are removed from neglectful or abusive homes, said Elizabeth Wynter, the agency’s CEO.

"They lose everything," she said. "But then to lose your sibling on top of that — that’s been your go-to person — is a trauma no child should have to go through."

Keeping that bond strong and close was also important for the Alvarez brothers.

"We had each other to pick each other up," Braulio said. "Even though everything else was changing, I knew him."

Children’s Harbor is supported by the Sun Sentinel Children’s Fund, a McCormick Foundation fund, which benefits South Florida nonprofit organizations that help local families and children in need.

Before the twins moved to the 13-acre Pembroke Pines campus, they were exposed to drug dealers, robberies and gang members in West Palm Beach where they lived, they said. They were often left alone during the school week with little money — and they mostly survived off snacks and cookies from the dollar store, the brothers said.

But instead of being drawn to a life of crime, the twins kept tabs on each other and vowed to stay away and do better, they said. What helped them ward off bad influences?

"The dream of something better," Franky said. "We really needed to get out."

When Children’s Harbor took them in last fall, Franky and Braulio said they tried their best to be as polite as possible. What they got in return was simple but surprising, they said: kindness.

Before the holidays, staff asked the brothers to make a Christmas gift list. The thoughtfulness blew their minds, they said. It had been years since their own mother had bought them presents.

"It’s not just about another kid in foster care," Wynter said. "They aren’t cases to us, these are faces."

Children’s Harbor houses several sets of siblings and other foster children in duplexes that are tastefully furnished and decorated, appearing anything but institutional and very much like home. The organization is licensed to provide up to 34 children with a place to live.

In each home, "house parents" rule the roost, setting bedtimes, assigning chores and even taking kids to doctors’ appointments, if needed. They share a meal every night as one big family at the dinner table.

For Donna Laurenfort, one of the house parents, becoming a mother to foster children in need was a dream come true. She was never able to have children of her own and couldn’t ignore her maternal instincts.

"This is what I always wanted to do," she said, getting tearful. "I always wanted a house full of boys. Everything just comes natural. You have rules and policies, you have to put structure. It doesn’t seem like a job."

Now, even as adults, Franky and Braulio’s support system has not vanished. They formed special bonds with a former CEO and a maintenance worker at Children’s Harbor who have stood by as guides for the boys as they begin to navigate adulthood.

Sue Glasscock, the former CEO of Children’s Harbor, was one of those who saw the boys’ potential. She helped the twins with their first apartment and college applications.

"I think they have matured a great deal very quickly often because that’s what you have to do when you enter foster care," Glasscock said. "It’s hard to imagine being completely on their own at that age, but they were.

"They just needed a safety net," she said.

epesantes@tribpub.com or 954-356-4543 or Twitter @epesantes

About the Sun Sentinel Children’s Fund

Until Dec. 31, 2015, you will be reading stories in the Sun Sentinel, and on SunSentinel.com, about local agencies supported by the Sun Sentinel Children’s Fund.

Already in 2015, the Children’s Fund has awarded over $200,000 to support 16 charities. By the end of the year, another $300,000 will be awarded.

How to donate:

Call 800-519-2480, or go online at SunSentinelChildrensFund.org/donate.

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Dillmann and one of his closest friends were on a night mission when their truck rolled over an IED. The blast that killed his friend was the same one that left Dillmann paralyzed from the chest down. (Angie Angers, staff)

PALM HARBOR, Fla. — It’s not easy for SSG Alex Dillmann to relive the day that his life changed forever.

SSG Alex Dillmann shares story at Curlew Hills Blast killed Dillmann’s friend, left Dillmann paralyzed

It was late Feb. 2011 while deployed in Afghanistan when he lost one of his closest friends, Sgt. Kristopher Gould.

The two were on a night mission when their truck rolled over an IED. The blast that killed his friend was the same one that left Dillmann paralyzed from the chest down.

On Monday morning, Dillmann shared his story to more than 300 people at Curlew Hills Memory Gardens.

He reflected on one of the hardest moments, when he was still learning to get around on his own and fell to the ground.

"I was looking up at the ceiling … and thinking, ‘I don’t want to be here anymore,’" he said to the audience. "Then I thought of Kris and him saying ‘Hey man, it could always be worse.’"

Dillmann says that it’s Kristopher’s spirit that drives him every day.

"It’s natural to feel self-pity, but as soon as he pops into my mind it just shuts it all down, and I get right back on track and continue the mission," he explained.

Dillmann says his wife Holly has also been crucial in his road to recovery. His life also took on a new purpose in 2016 when they welcomed their son into the world.

"It’s just the American Dream. It definitely gives me another reason to wake up and to continue, and to provide," Dillmann said.

They named him Maximus Kristopher, in honor of his late friend. It was a decision, Dillmann says, that was very easy to make.

"It was only natural, and it helps me too because every time I look at him, I see a little bit of Kris!" he exclaimed.

Dillmann is now attending Kaiser University and is working towards a degree in cyber forensics. He hopes to continue on and work for the Department of Homeland Security.

Dillmann shared his story in front of a crowd of 300 in Curlew Hills Memorial Gardens on Memorial Day. (Angie Angers, staff)

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4703 Belden Cir, Palm Harbor, FL 34685
4703 Belden Cir, Palm Harbor, FL 34685

In a word, WOW!! This is the most updated home you will see. Absolutely nothing to do but move in and enjoy this beauty sitting on a corner lot with a side load oversized 2 car garage. Complete reno just finished and ready for you! Starting with a new dimensional shingle roof in 2017. This triple split floor plan has formal living room with wood burning fireplace and crown molding, formal dining, kitchen with breakfast area and adjoining family room. Tons of windows make this a light, bright and neutral beauty. Engineered hardwood flooring in living areas and master bedroom. Porcelain tile in the kitchen and bath. New carpet in 3 bedrooms. Gorgeous all new kitchen with real wood cabinets with dovetail and soft closing drawers, granite tops, two pantries and high end blk stainless appliances. Three completely new baths with brand new tile, tub, toilets and all wood vanities with dovetail drawers and soft closing. Just painted in/out. Fresh landscaping and mulch. Beautiful resurfaced pool with new pump and tons of under cover area to relax. Brand new double leaded glass doors welcome you in. The list of new is endless including: 5 ton a/c, hot water tank, garage door opener, 5 inch baseboard, all lighting in/out and fans, sprinkler control all exterior doors including three sets of 8 ft high sliders, all interior doors, bifolds and hardware, laundry tub and cabinets, ugly popcorn removed and replaced with textured ceilings, closet shelving, and window blinds. Better hurry, going to go fast! Broker/owner

Property Features

3 Full Bathroom(s) Bathrooms Total Interger: 3
Patio And Porch Features: Enclosed Lot Features: Corner Lot, Cul-de-sac, In County, Street Paved Lot Size Square Feet: 13521

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Photo of Neptune Society – Palm Harbor (Tampa)

Esther Mellor

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NEW YORK, April 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — A beachfront Floridian island property, a grand Texan estate and a luxury Mauritian villa off the coast of Southeast Africa are among the latest luxury real estate offerings available this spring through Concierge Auctions. The industry leader presents six new opportunities in its latest lineup of properties, the majority of which will sell Without Reserve to the highest bidders. The auctions will take place via the firm’s online marketplace, conciergeauctions.com, allowing prospective buyers to bid digitally in real time across the globe.

Concierge Auctions’ April Lineup Features:

Key Biscayne, FL — Bidding Opens April 26th; Bidding Ends April 30th
Buena Vista | 960 Harbor Drive

Previously listed for $30 million, the 1.67-acre estate named Buena Vista is located at 960 Harbor Drive on the bay of the highly coveted island destination, Key Biscayne. Nestled between Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park and an 18-hole championship golf course in Crandon Park, the coastal home is comprised of 12,520 square feet and features a private beach with 750 feet of water frontage, stunning views, and two docks that can accommodate a yacht up to 120 feet. With seamless indoor/outdoor living spaces, the Caribbean-style residence offers nine bedrooms; a master retreat with private veranda featuring ocean views; a chef’s kitchen with custom floor-to-ceiling cabinetry and two islands; a great room; family room; stone fireplace; home office; 16-seat home theater; fully-equipped exercise studio; and a Spanish-style interior courtyard.

Outdoors, the estate boasts a resort-style cabana, kitchen, and dining patio; a saltwater pool and hot tub; two tennis courts; an attached garage; carport; and a detached eight-car garage. Designed by celebrated Miami architect Raymond Jungles, the estate’s landscape harmoniously complements the island’s natural shrubbery with tree-shaded paths, colorful foliage, and manicured grounds. The property sits on the largest buildable lot in the coveted enclave and provides the utmost privacy as well as close proximity to the bustle of downtown Miami. It will sell Without Reserve in cooperation with Billy Nash of Nash Luxury at The Keyes Company.

"This is a one-of-kind opportunity to own your own private, tropical oasis on over 1.6 acres with 740 feet of water frontage. Simply put, it’s an incredible estate – one of the most special properties in all of Florida," stated Nash. "The Island of Key Biscayne is only 4.1 miles long, so to own this unique property would be an incredible coup."

Dallas Area, Texas — Bidding Opens April 17th; Bidding Ends April 20th
6413 Old Gate Road

6413 Old Gate Road is a grand Texan estate located within the prestigious King’s Gate community, just outside of the Dallas metro area. The 14,279-square-foot family home features seven en-suite bedrooms; a formal piano area; sitting room; billiards and media room with separate wet bars; two home theaters; a 2,500-bottle wine cellar with flooring imported from Bordeaux; multiple offices; and a full gym. Outdoors, the estate offers two heated/lighted swimming pools, a raised spa, Texas-shaped rock; waterfalls and a fireplace; professional-grade tennis court; two outdoor kitchens; and Pennsylvania bluestone patios.

Situated on 1.86 acres, the residence was built by luxury home builder and renovation specialists, the McClure Brothers. It was designed by renowned interior designer Richard Trimble. While the estate is located in a private, gated community, it is in close proximity to the Historic Arts District in downtown Plano, and just a 30-minute commute to downtown Dallas.

Previously listed for $6.999 million, the property will sell Without Reserve in cooperation with Kyle Crews and Ani Nosnik of Allie Beth Allman & Associates.

"This property has everything a luxury buyer looks for — old-world charm that seamlessly blends with modern amenities, and an open floor plan throughout that lends itself to entertaining groups of all sizes," Crews stated. "A guarded and gated community in close proximity to Legacy West, also convenient to downtown Dallas, this auction opportunity is rare. Buyers, take notice."

Lunéa Villa, Mauritius — Bidding Opens April 27th; Bidding Ends April 30th
Lunéa Villa | Anahita Spa and Golf Resort

Located in Mauritius, the idyllic tropical island nation in the Indian Ocean, a luxury villa will sell Without Reserve. Currently listed for $4.5 million, Lunéa Villa is comprised of 2,200 square metres and situated within Anahita Spa and Golf Resort, off the Île aux Cerfs Lagoon and adjacent to the Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita.

Offering 450 metres of internal living space, the property boasts expansive lagoon and ocean views and features four en-suite bedrooms, a private study and a number of entertaining spaces. Outdoors, the villa includes a deck, a landscaped garden with palm trees, an al fresco dining area, a 10-meter infinity pool, and a two-car garage with ample storage space. Residents within the gated community also have access to the resort facilities including a private beach, pool, spa, tennis courts, fitness center, and restaurants.

"We are privileged to operate in some of the most beautiful places in the world. Without a doubt, coming to Anahita for our inaugural sale in the quintessentially iconic location of Mauritius is among the best of the best," stated Concierge Auctions Strategic Advisor Charlie Smith. "Not only is it tremendously exciting, but it also acknowledges a further step in our global expansion — now 19 countries, and counting."

Additional Upcoming Auctions Include:

Park City, Utah — 3287 Deer Crest Estates Drive, Lot 72 — Bidding Opened; Closes April 6th In cooperation with Chad Mitchell of Discovery Properties. Currently Listed for $10 million. Selling At or Above $7.9 million. Sacramento, California — 6301 Garden Highway — Bidding Opens April 17th; Closes April 20th In cooperation with Kim Pacini-Hauch of Nor Cal Gold Inc. dba RE/MAX Gold. Currently Listed for $2.3 million. Selling Without Reserve. Charlotte Area, North Carolina —11 Oak Road — Bidding Opens April 26th; Closes April 30th In cooperation with John-Mark Mitchell of Mitchell Prime Properties. Previously Listed for $2.495 million. Selling Without Reserve.

As part of Concierge Auctions’ Key for Key® giving program in partnership with Giveback Homes, each sale will result in a new home built for a family in need.

Concierge Auctions offers a commission to the buyers’ representing real estate agents. See Auction Terms and Conditions for full details.

For more information on any of these auctions, or if you have a remarkable property to submit for consideration to the Concierge Auctions’ platform, call 212.202.2940.

About Concierge Auctions
Concierge Auctions is the largest luxury real estate marketplace in the world. Powered by state-of-the-art technology, the company has generated nearly $2 billion in sales and is active in 38 U.S. states/territories and 19 countries. Concierge curates the best properties globally, matches them with qualified buyers, and facilitates transparent, market-driven transactions in an expedited timeframe. The firm owns what is arguably the most valuable, ultra-high-net-worth client list in real estate and has been named one of America’s fastest-growing companies by Inc. Magazine for the past four years.

Contact:
Kari Neering Kari@relevanceinternational.com
Chanelle Kasik Chanelle@relevanceinternational.com
212-257-1500

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