What do you wear to meet a pope? From Manatee to the Vatican |...
I never expected to ask myself the question, “What does one wear to meet the pope?” Yet this past summer, that was exactly the dilemma. The answer, I decided, was simple: Cardinal red. I stood in the Consistory Hall of the Apostolic Palace , surrounded by gilded ceilings and frescoes that have looked down upon kings...
Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Seeks Public’s Help in Target Theft Case at Bayshore Gardens
The Manatee County Sheriff's Office is seeking the public’s help after a theft at Bayshore Gardens Target. On Friday, around 5 p.m., a shopper left a wallet and phone in their cart, and a suspect was caught on surveillance footage taking the wallet. The incident was highlighted on the Manatee County Sheriff's...
Holiday shopping brings traffic delays and safety concerns to Sarasota area
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - Holiday shoppers are encountering heavy traffic and crowded conditions at area shopping centers as Christmas approaches. Shoppers at University Town Center mall in Sarasota reported significant delays getting to and from the shopping center in recent days. Kristin Middel, who works near the...
St. Pete approves additional funding for $33 million Shore Acres flood mitigation project
The City of St. Petersburg is adding another $1 million to its Shore Acres Flood Mitigation Project, a major infrastructure effort aimed at reducing severe flooding in one of the city’s most vulnerable neighborhoods. City Council approved the funding on December 11th through a grant agreement between the City...
Sheriff’s Office toy drive exceeds expectations
SARASOTA — The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office ninth annual Holiday Toy Drive exceeded its goals, according to a news release from Sheriff Kurt Hoffman's office.
Will Manatee County scrap Cortez boat ramp plan? Officials consider new idea
Neighbors say they’re against Manatee County Government’s plan to add a new public boat ramp just north of the Cortez Bridge — and county officials are considering an alternate plan. The county purchased the 9-acre site that used to be the Seafood Shack Marina, Bar & Grill and Annie’s Bait and Tackle for $13 million...
After five decades, this Lakewood Ranch Santa continues to spread joy and more
Although it would seem that being a Santa for 50 years might have clouded his memory or even slightly fogged his cognitive abilities, Rich Vannucci swears that two particular instances point to the fact he is more than just a Santa's helper. The first was a Christmas Eve mishap as...
FWC Busts Major Alligator Poaching Ring in Sarasota; Dozens of Felonies Filed
SARASOTA, FL — A year-long investigation into illegal wildlife activity has culminated in the arrest of two men and a minor, facing nearly 100 combined charges for the illegal killing of American alligators across three Florida counties. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) announced the...
Mote releases two manatees after rehabilitation in Sarasota
Sleet and Cabbage , the first two patients at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium’s rehabilitation facility, were released back into Florida waters earlier this month, after months of dedicated rehabilitation from Mote’s expert animal care teams. The manatees are Mote’s first rehabilitation patients following its new...
The Philadelphia Orchestra Returns to Sarasota
The world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra returns to Sarasota for a transformative evening on Monday, February 16, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. Presented by the Sarasota Concert Association, the Philadelphia Orchestra will be led by its charismatic Music Director, Yannick Nézet-Séguin. The all-Brahms program opens with the...
