Bright lights, no rules: Florida’s illegal gambling dens are hiding in plain sight
They light up U.S. 41 north of the airport with neon promises — flashing 7-7-7 and mounds of gold — on storefronts wrapped in dark tint. Up and down 14th Street in Bradenton, along the Manatee Avenue corridor and tucked in southern stretches of Sarasota County, places like Diamond City and Spin Fun operate in plain...
New Capybara Cafe opens in St. Petersburg
Stop by the Capybara Cafe, which opened in St. Petersburg on Friday, and enjoy a cup of coffee with a new furry friend.
When does the new Mote aquarium open near I-75? Here’s why it’s complicated
For two years, Mote Marine has been constructing its new Science Education Aquarium near the University Town Center Mall. Originally projected to open in early 2025, Hurricane Helene and Milton’s devastating damage delayed the $130 million facility from opening, but an exact date for Mote Marine SEA’s opening have...
Loud and right! My response to the mayor’s ‘Plan for progress at St. Petersburg...
‘My review of the mayor’s plan leaves me wondering why he is assuming so much responsibility for what Watts didn’t do,’ questions Dr. Goliath Davis. ST. PETERSBURG — I read Mayor Welch’s plan with great interest and take this opportunity to offer some insight that may help to clarify some issues he may be misinformed...
Meet the Sarasota pastor rallying for a spiritual war against America’s ‘enemies’
At a recent Saturday evening service, Pastor Brian Gibbs issued a startling pronouncement to his Sarasota congregation: Nefarious entities had embedded themselves in America. “Warring angels,” he prayed, would assist the U.S. military in snuffing them out. “I pray, Lord, that you would reveal to us exactly where...
Missing 80-year-old found safe
BRADENTON, Fla. (WWSB) - A man missing from an extended care facility has been found, Bradenton Police said Friday. Police say 80-year-old Anthony Raniere left Casa Mora Rehabilitation & Extended Care on Wednesday afternoon. “Raniere was located and is safe,” police posted on the social media platform X.
Bradenton Boiler Room reopens with ‘famous steak sandwich’ and new ownership
Butch and Edie Van Ostenbridge started dining at the Boiler Room when it first opened in the 1980s. So when the iconic Bradenton restaurant closed in 2020, it marked the end of an era for them and other fans of the Boiler Room’s “famous steak sandwich.” Until now. In early July, the Bradenton Boiler Room reopened...
Man convicted of impersonating contractor rearrested after failing to pay restitution to victims
ENGLEWOOD — A man who pleaded no contest to impersonating a contractor in 2024 was back in jail this week, accused of failing to pay restitution owed to his victims.
The Cheesesteak At This Restaurant In Florida Is So Good, It’s Worth A Road...
Nestled in the sunny streets of Sarasota, Florida, there’s a culinary gem that’s serving up cheesesteaks so authentic, you might momentarily forget you’re in the Sunshine State and not on the streets of Philadelphia. Tony’s Chicago Beef Company may have Chicago in its name, but their cheesesteak...
Big trash bin rollout is set as Manatee County works to streamline trash collection
Big garbage bins are coming to homes in unincorporated Manatee County, and local officials urge residents to prepare for the change now before their pickup day changes this fall. The county will implement a new solid waste collection schedule that begins Oct. 6, shifting pickup days for thousands of Manatee County...
