Manatee County may buy iconic Mixon Fruit Farms
BRADENTON, Fla. - Mixon Fruit Farms operated for more than 80 years in Manatee County, now commissioners are considering the purchase of the 40-acre property as well as long-standing memories of Mixon Fruit Farms. The backstory:. Mixon Fruit Farms sits closed but filled with memories of past generations. Janet and...
Venice Police investigate drowning death, no foul play suspected
Venice Police officers are investigating a swimming death at Venice Beach on July 26. Investigators said that there are no signs of foul play, and they’re working to identify the individual to notify their next of kin. Residents are asked to avoid the area while officers continue their investigation. Melissa...
Manatee County, FL restaurants with the most violations in June 2025
One restaurant faced temporary closure while 12 establishments failed their initial inspections during June 2025 in Manatee County, according to Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation records. State inspectors conducted 102 restaurant inspections throughout the county in the last 30 days, with 90...
Dead swimmer found on Venice Beach, police say
A dead swimmer was discovered on Venice Beach Saturday morning, the Venice Police Department said.
Sarasota rejects 58-unit apartment project north of downtown
Citing concerns of residents of The Strand condominiums along Whitaker Bayou, the Sarasota City Commission on Monday denied by a 4-1 vote a rezoning ordinance amendment and site plan application for a 58-unit apartment development across two buildings at 1701 and 1715 N. Tamiami Trail. The project is a few blocks...
Price hikes at North Port’s Warm Mineral Springs spark anger
Some North Port residents are outraged after city commissioners voted to more than double the price of some passes to Warm Mineral Springs Park.
St. Anthony’s Hospital hires two robots to help nurses with labs and prescription pickups
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - There are two new employees at St. Anthony’s Hospital in St. Petersburg. They don’t take any days off, work 24/7 and their colleagues call them their versions of "R2-D2." The hospital recently hired two robots that help nurses pick up and deliver labs and prescriptions, letting them spend more...
Buyers Gain Leverage as Prices Drop and Listings Climb in Sarasota and Manatee
The housing market in Sarasota and Manatee counties continued its cooling trend in June, with sale prices dropping, inventory climbing and homes sitting longer before closing. According to the latest data from the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee, the shift marks a more favorable landscape for buyers than...
Meet the CERT volunteers who jump into action after Florida storms
TAMPA, Fla. - CERT volunteers are everyday citizens trained to assist when hurricanes and other disasters hit the Tampa Bay area. They don’t wear badges — but their work is crucial. Volunteers are trained in basic first aid, fire suppression, search and rescue and disaster psychology. In Lakewood...
Hometown Desserts: Anna Maria Island’s Sweetest Bakery for Custom Cakes, Pies & Treats”
Hometown Desserts, nestled at 507 Pine Avenue in Anna Maria, Florida, is a charming bakery and dessert shop beloved by locals and visitors alike. Serving from Monday to Friday, 10 AM to 4 PM, and on Saturday until 5 PM, this sweet destination brings smiles with custom cakes, pies, cheesecakes, cookies, brownies,...
