Opposition builds against a new cruise port in Florida. Here are 5 takeaways
A proposal to build a cruise terminal in Manatee County has sparked significant controversy, with environmental advocates warning of irreversible harm to Tampa Bay’s ecosystems. The project, planned for the Knott-Cowen Tract near Rattlesnake Key , aims to accommodate large cruise ships that can’t fit under the...
Manatee County officials report threats over proposed cruise terminal
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - County officials say they are receiving threatening messages and harassment related to a proposed cruise terminal, with some staff members’ children being targeted at school. Courtney De Pol, deputy county administrator, said the county appreciates public input on the proposed cruise port near...
Sarasota County approves permit program for charter boat operations
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - The Sarasota County Commission voted Jan. 27 to approve a commercial water-based charter boat and tour operations pilot permit program that will regulate charter operations at county boat ramps. The program applies to all charter operations currently using county boat ramps, including two in...
Thunder by the Bay festival returns to Sarasota
The Thunder by the Bay Music and Motor Festival is returning to Sarasota for its 28th annual event, featuring performances from rock and country acts including Night Ranger, 38 Special and headliner Montgomery Gentry.
National Signing Day for high school student-athletes on the Suncoast
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - Dozens of high school student-athletes across the Suncoast are making their decisions for where will continue their journeys as student-athletes on collegiate level. The following is a list of the schools, the student-athletes making their collegiate decisions, and the colleges/universities...
Discovering the Forgotten Woman of Venice – Louella Albee
VENICE, Fla. (WWSB) - Dr. Fred Albee was world-famous for his medical innovations, but his wife Louella was the force behind his success and the driving power that helped Venice become a sparkling city on the Suncoast during the Great Depression. Louella was born in Maine and moved to New...
North River firefighters Calendar 2026 raising money to support mental health
Palmetto, FL (WWSB) - The North River Fire District in Manatee County is selling calendars featuring their own, to help to help their local first responders. All proceeds from the 2026 calendars support firefighter mental health. “The average civilian goes through one or two traumas in their lifetime,” said Kelvin...
Sarasota restaurant with Michelin, James Beard ties sets opening
A Sarasota area restaurant with a pair of James Beard Award-nominated restaurateurs and staff who has previously worked at Michelin-starred establishments has announced an opening date. Japanese chef's counter concept Yūgen will make its debut in University Town Center on the week of Valentine's Day, according to a...
‘More than a bicyclist.’ GoFundMe launched for Bradenton man killed in crash
A GoFundMe has been started to support the funeral expenses of a Bradenton man who died while riding his bike last month. Patrick Franklin Sr., 67, was cycling on El Conquistador Parkway in Bradenton when he was struck by a flatbed truck towing a trailer on Jan. 22. He died in the collision, and his family has...
English-only driving tests expected to affect many on the Suncoast
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - Beginning Friday, all driver’s license tests administered in Florida will be offered exclusively in English, a change that will impact thousands of residents across the state. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles confirms the update applies to all license categories,...
