Florida death row inmate Steven Lorenzo wants to speed up his execution; judge allows...
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Steven Lorenzo, the man who drugged, tortured and killed two men in Tampa in 2003, could soon be executed after a judge agreed Thursday to allow him to give up his remaining appeals. Lorenzo has been fighting to get his execution expedited since being sentenced to death in 2023 for the […]
Manatee County Citizens Academy offers behind-the-scenes look at local government
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - The Manatee County Citizens Academy will begin its winter cycle next month, offering residents a free opportunity to learn about local government operations. The program runs weekly sessions from January through March, bringing together neighborhood leaders, volunteers and community partners....
St. Pete Youth Farm hosts a free first night of Kwanzaa party next week
It’s one of the farm’s biggest events of the year, with drumming, family-friendly activities and free food. The post St. Pete Youth Farm hosts a free first night of Kwanzaa party next week appeared first on Creative Loafing Tampa .
Fatalities confirmed after Sarasota-bound plane owned by former NASCAR driver crashes in North Carolina
STATESVILLE, N.C. (WFLA) — A plane owned by former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle crashed in North Carolina while on its way to Sarasota on Thursday, killing an unknown number of people. The plane crashed while landing at the Statesville Regional Airport at around 10:20 a.m., the Federal Aviation Administration said....
Sarasota, Venice Bradenton Holiday Events 12/17 through 12/21
Breakfast with the Grinch at Arlington Park and Aquatic Complex, 2650 Waldemere Street, Sarasota. From 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM. $15 per person. Game Night at the Library at Selby Library, 1331 1st Street, Sarasota. Starts at 4:00 PM. Features video games, ping pong, karaoke, and board games. Hanukkah Under...
Bradenton receives $54 million grant for water system improvements
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - The City of Bradenton is set to receive millions in water system support money. This 54-million-dollar grant awarded by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection will go towards strengthening the local drinking water and wastewater systems, including local water infrastructure....
Builder to bring 1,200-home community to Lakewood Ranch
One of the nation’s largest homebuilders closed on a land acquisition deal Tuesday in Lakewood Ranch with plans to transform it into a resort-style community. Homebuilder Taylor Morrison plans to transform the new parcel into its latest project, Esplanade at Cammaray, which will include 1,200 new single-family homes...
Manatee County Adopts First-Ever Strategic Plan to Shape Growth and Public Services
In a significant step towards managing its future growth and public services, Manatee County has formally adopted its first-ever Strategic Plan. With a vision to mold a cohesive community that harmonizes the vibrancy of its beaches, cities, and rural spaces, the Manatee Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) voted to...
New Cafe and Wine Bar Looks to Be Headed to Lakewood Ranch’s Waterside Place
Home to restaurants like Osteria 500, Agave Bandido, Deep Lagoon Seafood & Oyster House, and more, Lakewood Ranch’s Waterside Place shopping center looks to be adding a new cafe and wine bar to its food and drink portfolio. This week, What Now examined plan review paperwork submitted by Treehouse...
What was your favorite Manatee County coffee shop? Here are the poll results
We asked you to name your favorite local coffee shop in Manatee County. After dozens of votes poured in, we’re ready to spill the beans. The winner? Tenth Street Coffee. The Palmetto coffee shop, which opened in 2021, had a resounding win with 47% of the vote. Nearby shop Banyan Coffee finished in second place with...

















