Laid off PGT worker claims disability discrimination
Hostile working conditions have been par for the course since a recent takeover, the 31-year employee alleges. Host: PGT is the largest manufacturing employer in Sarasota County. Last November, after being taken over by a competitor, the Venice-based window and door maker laid off an entire shift, with little notice....
Surveillance video shows teen’s last movements before being found dead in a pond
BRADENTON, Fla. (WWSB/Gray News) - Law enforcement in Florida released new evidence related to the death of an 18-year-old who went missing earlier this month. During a media briefing, Manatee County Sheriff released surveillance video and cellphone data related to Giovanni Pelletier’s movements before his death....
County Commission chair says constituents troubled by high salaries and raises for county department...
Neunder stresses taxpayers’ burdens and concern for lower-level county workers. As the Sarasota County commissioners this week stressed their need to reduce the county’s budgets over the coming fiscal years, Chair Joe Neunder brought up an issue that he indicated has proven controversial among his constituents: the...
‘It’s disgusting:’ Venice shows support after 92-year-old attacked, dogs stolen
VENICE, Fla. (WWSB) - Venice residents are looking for justice after beloved community business owner Julia Ballard was assaulted. Ballard, 92, owns and operates Ballard’s Farm Supply in Venice. She says Monday night she was attacked by three women driving a black Lexus SUV. Ballard tells ABC7 she was...
A grocery store in downtown Bradenton? Manatee County has plan to make it happen
A new development could bring housing, more parking spaces and possibly a grocery store, to the heart of downtown Bradenton. Manatee County recently opened an invitation to negotiate (ITN) for its cluster of downtown properties, including the seven-story public parking garage and the county employee fitness center....
Manatee County Commission delays discussion to restore wetlands buffer rules
BRADENTON, Fla. (WWSB) - Discretion is the better part of valor -- at least when it comes to restoring wetlands buffers, the Manatee County Commission decided Aug. 19. At Tuesday’s meeting, county commissioners decided to cancel a hearing set for Aug. 21 to vote of whether to again require developers to create...
New ‘living seawall’ aims to bring more marine life back to Bayfront Park
A Longboat Key seawall gets 3D-printed “living tiles” by Kind Designs, creating marine habitat and boosting resilience against rising seas.
St. pete police warning drivers cruising through flooded streets can be ticketed
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - St. Pete police are warning drivers that plowing through flooded streets could cost you. For the first time, officers have the authority to issue tickets to motorists who create damaging wakes by driving too fast through high water. The crackdown comes after local lawmakers successfully pushed...
Erin pulls away while Fernand waits in the wings
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - A First Alert Weather heads up for the next several days as onshore flow and an increase in moisture will bring a timing change for rain. Look for a good chance for showers and thunderstorms along the coast when you wake up over the next few mornings. We will see scattered showers mainly with...
Manatee County residents ask for extra protections for Myakka River
The Myakka River Management Coordinating Council has filed a motion with Manatee County requesting a protection zone for the Myakka River from Flatford Swamp and the Myakka Head to the North End of the Myakka State Park. There are concerns Senate Bill 180 could prevent the extra protections from going...
