Five Points mixed-use project in Sarasota nears staff approval
Redevelopment of the Zenith tower at Five Points inched closer to approval as the city’s Development Review Committee issued partial sign-off on Oct. 16 for the plan to replace the 12-story office building and parking garage with a mixed-use development. Partial sign-off means the project need not appear again...
Publix recalls ice cream after mistake possibly causing “serious or life-threatening” reactions
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - The Publix Rich & Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream has been recalled after possible concerns over an undeclared egg allergen. According to the announcement made by Publix, “people who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to eggs may run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if...
Most Suncoast lawmakers quiet as charter school expansion fuels local upheaval
Many of the same Suncoast lawmakers who voted earlier this year to let charter schools move into underused public campuses have stayed quiet as a Miami-based charter operator’s early push to occupy local schools set off confusion and concern among parents and educators.
Man walking across America for mental health, will arrive in region ‘soon’
Kyndal Ray Edwards, who is walking across the United States for mental health awareness, will arrive in the region in the coming days.
At Selby Gardens, thousands of hand-strung preserved flowers make for an ethereal art exhibit
The British contemporary artist creates large-scale installations where natural materials are hand-sewn onto copper wire and suspended from gallery walls. Viewers navigate around and through them, discovering colors, textures and smells. The artist said working with something as ephemeral as a flower is meant to...
Lights are Bright, but the Ghosts are Restless
My sons and I visited Selby Gardens’ Lights at Spooky Point on Saturday, and it did not disappoint. From red eyes blinking in the middle of the woods to animatronics and good old-fashioned mannequins washed in dramatic lighting, this attraction had it all. Maybe a little too real in places. Take the graveyard, for...
State claims Manatee County is ‘overspending’ in push to limit property taxes
State officials are continuing their push to reduce or eliminate property taxes by highlighting what they call wasteful spending. The latest example came Thursday, when Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia said his audit showed Manatee County is spending $112 million more than they think it should. It's...
St. Pete shelter in need of new van after crash with 17 animals onboard
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — A local animal shelter is raising money for a new transport van after a crash on Wednesday left them without one. The crash happened on the Sunshine Skyway Bridge when a Friends of Strays Inc. van that was carrying 17 dogs and cats suffered a mechanical issue, causing the vehicle to...
North Port’s Drug-Free Youth Program Empowers Teens to Lead Healthy Lives
Drug-Free Youth, also known as D-Fy, continues to make a lasting impact in North Port by empowering students in grades 6 through 12 to make responsible choices and live free from drugs, alcohol and tobacco. The program provides a positive, peer-supported environment where young people encourage one another to stay...
$314M nonprofit charter school operator targets region for major expansion
Key takeaway: A charter school operator from the Miami area seeks to occupy space in more than 40 schools on the west coast of Florida, using new provisions of state law. Core challenge: Some district leaders say the law is costly and confusing. What's next: Appeals against the nonprofit charter...
