Overcrowded Sarasota Jail
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - Fun, Smart, Talk. Our take on what’s making headlines on the Suncoast. Today, one of our Hot Topics included a discussion about the Sarasota County Jail being overcrowded and needing voters to approve new construction. Also discussed was FSU launching a new art therapy program...
Longboat residents raise houses, foundations in storm rebuild
The water in Michael and Kelly O’Brien’s Longboat Key home was 4 feet above the baseboards after Hurricane Helene barged in. With extensive flood damage, the O’Briens began the process of rebuilding their home on North Shore Road. While they’re at it, they’re lifting the house 12...
Red-light runner strikes Sarasota motorcycle deputy: SCSO
SARASOTA, Fla. - A Sarasota County motorcycle deputy was taken to the hospital on Wednesday morning after investigators said he was struck by a red-light runner. According to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, the deputy, who was on his agency-issued motorcycle, was northbound on Honore Avenue, turning left onto...
Planned ball fields at Manatee County park are beyond fiscal prudence
When we talk about efficiency in county government, the conversation too often narrows to purely financial considerations — minimizing expenditures, trimming budgets, or finding ways to do more with less. While fiscal prudence is important, true efficiency also dictates meeting the needs of the people that government...
‘Feels like a violation.’ Village of the Arts reacts to Bradenton’s art removal
For Village of the Arts residents, losing sidewalk art felt like losing a piece of their identity. Around 5 a.m. on Aug. 27, residents in Bradenton’s Village of the Arts (VOTA) watched as city employees sandblasted sidewalks, removing murals and paintings of Alice in Wonderland and Frida Kahlo. The art removal was...
3 women, child caught stealing hundreds worth of items from North Port shopping center:...
Three women and a child were arrested Sunday after North Port police said they stole hundreds of dollars' worth of items from several stores in a shopping center.
Former Manatee County dental office manager sentenced to 15 years for defrauding local practices
A former dental office manager in Manatee County has been sentenced to prison for stealing from patients and defrauding her employers.
The Bradenton Public Market Returns Oct. 4
BRADENTON — The Bradenton Public Market returns Saturdays, October 4 through May 30, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Old Main Street. Reunite with your favorite friendors (that's what we call vendors in The Friendly City) and welcome the new ones to our Market family. The market is...
Bradenton Beach responds to state legislators’ letter
BRADENTON BEACH – City commissioners discussed an Aug. 28 letter sent to the three Island mayors from State Rep. Will Robinson Jr. (R-Bradenton) and State Sen. Jim Boyd (R-Bradenton). The state legislators’ letter requested updates from all three Island cities on their efforts to consolidate similar services provided...
Venice, Sarasota residents can pick up free sandbags Sept. 14
VENICE, Fla. (WWSB) — The city of Venice will host a free self-service sandbag station on Sunday, Sept. 14, to help residents prepare for potential flooding. The station will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 252 Seaboard Ave. Residents may receive free sand and empty bags, with a limit of 10 sandbags per vehicle.
