Tropicana Field’s new 24 roof panels take six days each to fully install
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Tropicana Field is one step closer to replacing its roof that Hurricane Milton tore to shreds. Over the past several weeks, crews have been putting netting up and prepping for the panel installation that just started. Each of the 24 panels weighs about 4,800 pounds, according to a St. Pete city...
A Florida city is removing street art in its Village of the Arts. Here’s...
A Florida Gulf Coast city has begun removing art on public roads and sidewalks to comply with a state order amid the threat of lost funding. Bradenton leaders said they received notice from the Florida Department of Transportation on Aug. 21 that certain artwork on sidewalks and streets must be removed by Sept. 4. If...
Armed and dangerous man wanted in Sarasota apprehended in New York state
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) – A man wanted on multiple felony warrants in Sarasota is now in custody after an interstate search ended with his arrest in New York State, according to the Charlotte County Sheriff. Jacques K. Gentis, 20, of Sarasota County, was last seen on January 27, 2025,...
St. Petersburg mayor agrees to explore dumping Duke Energy
Mayor Ken Welch could have declined the city council’s formal request to study the feasibility of terminating St. Petersburg’s longstanding relationship with Duke Energy and replacing the conglomerate with a municipal utility. Welch acquiesced in a memo sent to council members Friday, a day following their 5-3 vote....
Manatee County driver’s ed instructor charged in connection to fatal DUI
BRADENTON, Fla. (WFLA) — A man employed by the School District of Manatee County has been charged in connection to a fatal DUI that happened in Bradenton in July. Robert Viera, 52, was arrested earlier this month and charged with tampering with evidence in a criminal proceeding, a third-degree felony. An arrest...
2 Tervis veterans buy Osprey store
Two Tervis veterans have purchased the last remaining retail store for the drinkware brand, which is in Osprey. Hosana Fieber, who was the CEO of Tervis until the company was purchased earlier this month, and Rogan Donnelly, a minority owner whose family founded Tervis, bought the standalone store at 928 S. Tamiami...
Sarasota groomer arrested for beating, tossing animals takes plea deal
Previous coverage: Woman accused of beating, tossing animals while grooming them in Sarasota SARASOTA, Fla. (WFLA) — A woman arrested on animal abuse charges in 2024 plead no contest on Wednesday. Diana Stevens, 41, was accused of beating and tossing cats and dogs as she groomed them at her Sarasota business, Woof...
Man killed after being ejected from boat he was testing in St. Pete
St. Petersburg, Fla. (WFLA)— A 56-year-old man died when he was ejected from a boat he was testing in St. Petersburg. Deputies responded to the area of 9600 Bay Pines Boulevard around 2:53 p.m. after reports of an unmanned boat that had crashed into Stebbin Islands. Pal Pataki, 56, was taking the boat out for […]
Sarasota County, FL, Skillets restaurant in Venice cited for 16 violations during inspection
Skillets restaurant, a popular spot at 4115 Tamiami Trail South in Venice, Sarasota County, FL, was issued a warning and was required to undergo a follow-up inspection after Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation inspectors found 16 total violations during a routine food inspection on August 14, 2025.
UNANIMOUS APPROVAL: County OKs Manasota Beach Road extension
SARASOTA — Since the first unsolicited proposal was given earlier this year, a possible Manasota Beach Road extension has hit opposition at every turn.