Free Manatee County veterans ride program reaches major milestone
MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. (WWSB) — Manatee County is celebrating a major milestone reached by its local veteran on-demand transportation program launched earlier this year. The Manatee Moves Veterans program, introduced by the county’s Veterans Services and Transportation divisions, offers free door-to-door rides to...
Armed Standoff Ends with Suspect Deceased in Manatee County Residence After SWAT Intervention
Residents of a Manatee County neighborhood experienced heightened tensions as an armed suspect engaged in a standoff with law enforcement officers yesterday night. The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported that deputies had arrived to serve a search warrant at a residence on 63rd Avenue West, only to be met with...
Manatee School Board approves $245,000 superintendent contract
The School District of Manatee County came to agreement with new Superintendent Laurie Breslin on an salary of $245,000 before Breslin was sworn in during the school board meeting Sept. 9. Previous Superintendent Jason Wysong was making $244,000 when he was dismissed early this year. Board Member Chad Choate said...
Manatee County man scammed out of $25,000 cash
A Manatee County man thought he was helping his bank track down fraud. Instead, he ended up losing thousands of dollars to a scam. It started with a phone call with someone claiming to be from Chase Bank. The caller told Don Hunt his account was tied to a fraud investigation, and the only way to help was to withdraw...
Jungle Gardens marks 86 years of ‘Old Florida Charm’
With its old Florida charm, Jungle Gardens has served the Suncoast and visitors alike since 1939.
Sarasota County Schools explores school repurposing, possibly closing Wilkinson Elementary
SARASOTA, Fla. - In Sarasota County, new homes are still being built, and more families keep moving in. Despite the increase in population, Sarasota County Schools said enrollment is flattening. What we know:. At Wilkinson Elementary, the district said enrollment is down so much over the last few years they...
Sarasota Turns to Art After Statewide Crosswalk Ban
The rainbows and art have been removed from local sidewalks, but colors are coming back—one stone at a time. This weekend, community members will gather at the FAB Arts Center to press colorful shards of glass and tile into wet concrete, each mosaic paver carrying words or symbols of resilience. The event is free and...
Sarasota Memorial Named to Newsweek’s List of World’s Best Smart Hospitals
September 10, 2025 – Sarasota Memorial Health Care System has been named to Newsweek’s list of the “World’s Best Smart Hospitals 2026,” earning international recognition for its leadership in health technology and innovation. The ranking, developed by Newsweek and global data firm Statista, highlights 350...
Young teen braves brain tumor; family seeks help
VENICE — After moving to Venice to live out their dreams, a family is living a nightmare after their son had to undergo emergency brain surgery.
Person stabbed multiple times near St. Pete Burger King: police
The St. Petersburg Police Department said a person was stabbed multiple times near a Burger King on Friday morning.
