Bradenton ‘neighborhood pizza joint’ opens with New York pies. Take a look inside
At the age of 10, Mark Nilsen began learning from his grandmother and mother how to make pizzas and other Italian classics. And for 18 years, he had a pizzeria called Salerno in Stuart, Florida. After relocating to Manatee County to be closer to family, Nilsen recently opened Cornerstone Pizza at 5203 Cortez Road W....
‘So sad,’ say locals following demolition of Sarasota Square Mall
The now-demolished Sarasota Square Mall was once a happening spot in Sarasota County. It helped fill the needs of Sarasota residents, whether that meant shopping, eating, hanging out with friends, going on dates or seeing a movie. Malls, in the height of their popularity, were third spaces, or an informal, public...
‘Flight to the North Pole’ enters 40th year supporting children facing the hardest medical...
PALMETTO, Fla - It's a long-standing tradition in Manatee County. Each year, 'Flight to the North Pole' gives children facing some of the most difficult medical situations, a day away for them and their families. The backstory:. They're taken right to a winter wonderland where the day is focused on...
Nik Wallenda’s Wonderland Circus holiday show returns to Sarasota
Nik Wallenda holds 11 Guinness World Records. He's crossed the Grand Canyon and the Niagara Falls on a tightrope. And now the man known as the "King of the High Wire" is back with what's quickly becoming a holiday favorite. Wallenda's Christmas show, "Wonderland Believe," features aerial artists, high wire...
Walmart to open 4 new Florida locations in early 2026, here’s where
Did you know Walmart has more stores in Florida than (almost) any other state? Four more are coming in the next few months, the company said. Another location is coming to West Central Florida in January, with more slated in the early part of 2026, the company confirmed to USA TODAY on Dec. 8. Walmart previously said...
Youth programs like St. Pete’s Teen Flex Night help curb teen violence
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The Teen Flex Night program brings together kids from across St. Petersburg to a recreational center in the city and allows them to spend their Friday night in a safe location with adults they trust. What we know:. The program provides the kids with pizza and...
Decade-long parade on Anna Maria Island canceled for the second year in a row
ANNA MARIA ISLAND, Fla. (WWSB) - A decade-long tradition on Anna Maria Island has once again been put on pause. The Privateers’ Island Christmas Parade scheduled for this Saturday has been canceled. “It’s very upsetting because this is our way of giving back to the community,” said Anna Maria...
See Manatee superintendent’s message to parents ahead of misconduct investigation
Manatee County Superintendent Laurie Breslin sent a letter to school district families ahead of the publication of an investigation by Bradenton Herald and Suncoast Searchlight reporters . The article details a slew of arrests, lawsuits and criticism from parents that the School District of Manatee County ignored...
Burglars hit slips at Longboat Key marina, grab electronics
LONGBOAT KEY, Fla. (WWSB) - After a long day on the water, you want to be able to park your boat and set down your poles without a second thought. However you might want to check your boat twice before leaving the dock. Authorities say a group of thieves stole...
House burns on Gillespie Avenue
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - The Sarasota County Fire Department responded to a house fire Friday afternoon in the 3000 block of Gillespie Avenue. The fire started around 1 p.m. Flames were visible coming through the attic. Authorities said there were no reported injuries. Officials have not released the cause of...
