Suspect arrested in Manatee County overdose months after 41-year-old man’s death
ELLENTON, Fla. — A man is being charged with murder almost five months after selling drugs that caused another man's death in Manatee County, officials announced. The Manatee County Sheriff's Office says deputies found 41-year-old Jonathan Watson dead in late October in the area of Sunset Circle North in Ellenton....
City of Sarasota approves contract for new city manager
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - The Sarasota City Commission has unanimously approved the contract with its new city manager. Karie Friling will begin her duties Friday, May 29. She will be the first woman to hold the position. “We’re all looking forward to officially welcoming Karie Friling to Sarasota,” Mayor Debbie...
Revised condo inspection ordinance now addresses habitable stories
BRADENTON BEACH – The second reading of the city’s condominium-related milestone inspection ordinance has been adopted with an added clarification that effectively excludes all condominium and cooperatively-owned buildings in Bradenton Beach from the state’s milestone inspection requirements. When presented to the...
Kitchen Social Opens Strong at UTC as Early Reviews Praise Food, Service, and Atmosphere
SARASOTA, Fla. — Kitchen Social appears to be off to a strong start at University Town Center, with its grand opening happening today and early online reaction already pointing to a very warm reception from local diners. As the UTC area continues to grow its lineup of newer restaurants, Kitchen Social is quickly...
Speaks Clam Bar shutters St. Armands location
After more than seven years in business, Speaks Clam Bar has closed up shop at its St. Armands Circle location. The Italian and seafood restaurant at 29 N. Boulevard of Presidents served lobster rolls, house-made pasta, oysters and more in a right-after-prohibition-themed setting. The news was announced on social...
Stricter outdoor watering restrictions are coming due to ongoing drought
Our ongoing drought has brought tougher restrictions on outdoor watering. The Southwest Florida Water Management District has declared a "Phase Three Extreme Water Shortage." Outdoor watering is now restricted to one day a week — and only at night. Those restrictions also apply to anyone with a private well.
Saks changes its mind: Sarasota-UTC store will remain open
In an unusual twist, the Saks Fifth Avenue at The Mall at University Town Center in Sarasota is no longer closing. New York-based Saks Global, the parent company of Saks, confirmed the news in an email to the Business Observer on Tuesday afternoon. The email follows questions to the company from the Business Observer...
Unsolved Florida: 24 years since woman’s murder
The murder of 74-year-old Jean Ault in St. Petersburg remains unsolved 24 years later. FOX 13's Genevieve Curtis reports.
🌿 Manatee County Agriculture & Animal Care Jobs – Multiple Openings
Manatee County’s green and blue industries are growing fast, with new roles in aquaculture and animal care. If you love working with nature or animals, these local openings are worth a look.
Downtown Sarasota ponders hotel/condo trend in aim to avoid ‘luxury ghost town’
It is said twice is a coincidence and three times a trend. That a second condominium tower planned to include a hotel-like component is now being proposed in downtown Sarasota, though, is starting to look more like a trend. While the developer of Saravela at the 400 block of North...

















