Nighttime fire rescue just another day on the job for officers
They wore no turnout gear. They had no masks or oxygen tanks. They carried no tools to break down doors if necessary. Yet on the night of Feb. 20, three officers of the Sarasota Police Department — one of them recently signed off and headed toward an extra-duty detail — rushed into a burning home to rescue two...
Increasing storm chances for the Suncoast today
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - Early this morning across Sarasota and Manatee counties, low clouds and patchy fog are lifting after sunrise. Temperatures are in the mid to upper 60s with light east to northeast winds around 5 to 10 mph. There are no watches, warnings, advisories, or special weather statements in effect....
‘Water Into Wine’: Sarasota priest combines sommelier background with faith in new podcast
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - A Sarasota priest is combining two of his passions, faith and wine, to try and reach the masses. Multiples times a week, Father Charleston Wilson is a familiar face to the members at the Church of the Redeemer in Sarasota. Now, there’s a way to hear his voice outside of service times.
Copper wire thieves targeting Manatee County’s streetlights system: ‘Roads go dark’
BRADENTON, Fla. - It's an epidemic that stretches across the nation: Copper wire thefts. It's become so bad that Miami-Dade County started their own task force to cut down on the crime. Manatee County has even seen thieves targeting their streetlight systems — and it's a crime that costs the county tens of thousands...
This Florida Hidden Garden Lets You Get Face-To-Beak With Pink Flamingos
Tucked into Sarasota’s lush shoreline, Sarasota Jungle Gardens feels like stepping into a living postcard. Pink flamingos stroll right past your knees, and yes, you can hand feed them and watch their gentle beaks pluck pellets from your palm. Between shady trails, family friendly shows, and close encounters with...
Life sentence given in 2012 Bradenton double homicide case
More than 14 years after two men were found shot and killed in a rental duplex in Bradenton, the man accused of killing them has been sentenced to life in prison. Jamal Lamar Blakely, 31, was convicted of two counts of second-degree murder with a firearm following a jury trial in late February 2026, according to a...
Coffee shop with 20,000 flavor combinations adding new Manatee County store
An Arkansas-based coffee chain specializing in more than 20,000 flavor combinations is planning further expansion in Manatee County. 7 Brew, a drive-thru coffee stand, filed site plans with Manatee County Development Services for a 540-square-foot coffee shop at 7725 Moccasin Wallow Road in the Palmetto-Parrish area....
Sarasota County man accused of breaking into home, getting into bed with sleeping woman
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - A man broke into an occupied home, got into bed with a sleeping woman and later struck her during a confrontation, Sarasota County authorities said, according to a probable cause affidavit. Kenneth Ray McCoy II, 49, faces charges including burglary of an occupied dwelling, battery with...
Great American Cleanup comes to Bradenton this Saturday
BRADENTON — Whether by land, sea, or shore, Keep Manatee Beautiful (KMB) volunteers can help beautify a 3-mile stretch of Manatee Avenue West on Saturday, March 7, as part of the local celebration of the Great American Cleanup. The Bradenton-based event will take place this Saturday from 9 a.m....
4-year-old’s death in Wimauma ruled homicide by medical examiner: Deputies
WIMAUMA, Fla. - The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office says the death of a 4-year-old child in Wimauma last month is now a homicide investigation. According to HCSO, deputies responded to the 2500 block of Tee Time Road shortly before 3:30 p.m on Feb. 20. When deputies arrived at the scene,...
