SMH Named One of Nation’s 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals
FEBRUARY 3, 2026 – Sarasota Memorial Hospital was recognized among the nation’s “50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals®” in an independent quality analysis provided by Premier Inc. and published in Modern Healthcare today. The prestigious list, shared during American Heart Month, is based on an analysis of...
Manatee County warns against harassment as skyway cruise port debate intensifies
TERRA CEIA, Fla. - Manatee County leaders are speaking out after what they describe as harassment and threats aimed at county employees and their families over a proposed cruise terminal near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. In a statement released Wednesday, County Administrator Charlie Bishop said staff members have...
Is a new Olive Garden coming to Manatee County? Here’s what we know
Olive Garden is bringing its signature endless breadsticks, salads and soups to Ellenton. The Darden Restaurants brand signed a lease for a restaurant at 5710 20th St. E., a company spokesperson said. It’s planned to the west of Ruby Tuesday’s near Interstate 75 and U.S. 301, according to building records filed with...
Venice High School mother concerned after student sneaks weapon into school, principal responds
VENICE, Fla. - In a statement sent to families and FOX 13, Venice High School confirmed a student managed to bring a weapon to school on Tuesday. Then on Wednesday, the school announced this was a breach of safety protocols. What we know:. The principal, Zoltan Kerestely, wrote in the...
Permits will be required for charter boat operators using county parks
Following a six-month pause in the wake of damage to county park gulf and bay access boat launch facilities, the Sarasota County Commission on Jan. 27 unanimously approved implementing a pilot program that requires charter boat captains to purchase permits to operate at county-owned ramps and seawalls. In June 2025,...
Teen accused of church mass shooting threat
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office says a teen arrested last week was involved in a chatroom for violent extremists and discussed plans to carry out a mass shooting at a church near his home in Wimauma.
Opposition builds against a new cruise port in Florida. Here are 5 takeaways
A proposal to build a cruise terminal in Manatee County has sparked significant controversy, with environmental advocates warning of irreversible harm to Tampa Bay’s ecosystems. The project, planned for the Knott-Cowen Tract near Rattlesnake Key , aims to accommodate large cruise ships that can’t fit under the...
Manatee County officials report threats over proposed cruise terminal
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - County officials say they are receiving threatening messages and harassment related to a proposed cruise terminal, with some staff members’ children being targeted at school. Courtney De Pol, deputy county administrator, said the county appreciates public input on the proposed cruise port near...
National Signing Day for high school student-athletes on the Suncoast
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - Dozens of high school student-athletes across the Suncoast are making their decisions for where will continue their journeys as student-athletes on collegiate level. The following is a list of the schools, the student-athletes making their collegiate decisions, and the colleges/universities...
Discovering the Forgotten Woman of Venice – Louella Albee
VENICE, Fla. (WWSB) - Dr. Fred Albee was world-famous for his medical innovations, but his wife Louella was the force behind his success and the driving power that helped Venice become a sparkling city on the Suncoast during the Great Depression. Louella was born in Maine and moved to New...
