Bradenton FL

If there is one thing that the new head of the Early Learning Coalition of Sarasota County wants to convey to thousands of working families in the area, it is this: additional state child care help is available for parents who step forward to ask for it. And that includes for children up to age 12 in after-school...

VENICE — The City Council approved the annual mixed-use capacity update to the comprehensive plan Tuesday, with an alert from Planning and Zoning Director Roger Clark that some proposed changes to the percentages assigned to the city’s seven neighborhoods may be coming.

BRADENTON — There are no meetings of note on any local government calendars this week. All Manatee County School District sites will be closed Monday through Friday (March 16-20) for spring break. Students return to school on March 24. Editor's Note: This Week in Local Government lists scheduled meetings...

Sarasota County’s newest special-occasion dining destination — Masō — is part supper club and part speakeasy, with reservations required for its 36-seat dining room. Co-owners Broc Smith and Jeremy Rice teamed with executive chef Richard Demarse to open the fine dining restaurant in February in a space last occupied...

The Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch introduced several adoptable dogs looking for homes. The featured dogs include Ruzek, a 1-year-old male German Shepherd; Cannelle, a 5-year-old female Terrier mix; Cascade, a 10-month-old female Husky mix; Nova, a 6-year-old female German Shepherd; Bradley, a 10-year-old male...

NORTH PORT — Denise Amber Lee’s family and others are preparing for the execution of Michael King.

ANNA MARIA, Fla. (WWSB) - Anna Maria city commissioners are still in the planning stages for the future of the City Pier’s former Mote Marine Lab and Aquarium building, with leaders saying they want to keep the project moving forward. One proposal under consideration would remove some walls of...

The League of Women Voters of Manatee County Education Issues Action Team observes the School Board of Manatee County meetings for items of interest to citizens and to the League, and notes adherence, or lack of adherence, to good governance procedures and the Sunshine Law. The League also provides feedback to school...

Over the past 30 days, state inspectors from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation carried out 208 restaurant inspections in Manatee County. According to the latest state reports, 166 establishments passed on their first visit, while 42 did not and required additional inspection.

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - A 3-year-old German shepherd named Willow is available for adoption through Dante’s Den, a local animal rescue organization. Marsha Panucci, founder of Dante’s Den and host of Animal Outtakes, said Willow came to the rescue after a breeder reached out for help placing dogs.