Phase II watering restrictions now in effect for most of region
As drought conditions continue all over Florida, regional water authorities have announced one-day-per week watering restrictions for most county residents, including those with private wells.
Bicyclist struck and killed near Siesta Key Beach in Sarasota County
A Sunday afternoon outing turned deadly when a bicyclist was killed in a vehicle collision near a popular beach access point on Siesta Key. The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office reported that the crash occurred around 1:22 p.m. on February 8 at 514 Beach Road, specifically at the entrance to Beach Access 9. Following...
Sarasota County leaders to vote on whether to buy former Gulf Gate Golf Course...
SARASOTA, Fla. - The future of a 49-acre property in Sarasota will take center stage during a county commission meeting on Tuesday. Local leaders will decide whether to move forward with a pursuit to purchase the former Gulf Gate Golf Course. The three-parcel property has sat empty since it shut down in 2016.
Garbage collection a hot topic at town hall meeting in Lakewood Ranch
District 5 Commissioner Bob McCann said Feb. 2 his town hall meetings are not just for telling residents about what is happening in their district and for listening to complaints. He said the town halls are also for soliciting reasonable solutions to problems. Lakewood Ranch’s Cindy Clevenger took a shot...
Where are Manatee County transplants moving here from? Report has answers
New Yorkers led migrations into Manatee County in 2025, according to a recent report based on state data. The report details driver’s license exchanges, which track when new Florida residents secure a Florida license after moving. New residents have 30 days to obtain a Florida driver’s license to drive on Florida...
Bicyclist’s death on Siesta Key hits home for avid riders
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - What was supposed to be a weekend bike ride ended in tragedy on Sunday afternoon, when a 65-year-old man from Michigan was struck by a pickup truck while riding in the designated bike lane on Beach Road in Siesta Key. He was taken to the hospital...
The company proposing a new cruise port in Tampa Bay has a history of...
A well known marine developer says it will conserve Rattlesnake Key. Court settlements and the company’s record in other parts of the country have environmentalists in doubt. SSA Marine sparked outrage last month when it announced plans to build a large cruise ship port in the 328-acre Knott-Cowen tract—with promises...
The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota Welcomes Executive Chef Diego Ortega Oneto: A Culinary Revolution Begins
The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, a beacon of luxury on Florida’s Gulf Coast, has announced the appointment of Executive Chef Diego Alonso Ortega Oneto. With nearly two decades of experience in luxury hotels and Michelin-starred kitchens, Chef Ortega brings a unique blend of global inspiration and a deep commitment to...
Village On The Isle pays $21.5M for Venice property
Village On The Isle, a nonprofit Life Plan Community in Venice, has purchased 50.25 acres of land for a satellite campus as it reports full occupancy and a waiting list. Village On The Isle paid $21.5 million for the property at 2705 East Venice Avenue. The organization will develop the...
74-year-old Bradenton man killed after being struck on U.S. 41
A 74-year-old Bradenton man was killed Friday night after being struck by a car while attempting to cross U.S. 41 in Bradenton. The crash happened around 9:48 p.m. near the intersection of U.S. 41 and 51st Avenue Drive W . Troopers said a sedan driven by a 24-year-old woman from Palmetto was traveling south on U.S....
