Two retail theft suspects part of a larger crime ring, Venice police say
VENICE, Fla. (WWSB) - Two men arrested recently on suspicion of retail theft are part of a larger ring targeting stores in the area, Venice police say. Detectives say a man identified as Yordan Prats Piloto, 43, was seen inside a retail store July 18 removing anti-theft devices from merchandise including shoes and...
‘Whatever makes you happy.’ New sub shop opens in Manatee County
Grant Strayer was polishing off a finance degree from Indiana University at the height of COVID-19. “And then I started thinking about just what would I like to do, if I could do anything,” he said. From that thought, a restaurant was born. Strayer recruited high school and college friends to launch a new sandwich...
Suspect in two robberies of the same Sarasota bank is arrested
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - A man suspected of robbing the same bank within a 30-day span has been arrested, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office said. On June 20 at 12:04 p.m., a man entered the USF Credit Union at 3487 Clark Road and demanded money from a teller. He then left the business and ran behind the bank toward...
Teen shot dead by man he was trying to buy gun from, Pinellas County...
Pinellas County detectives believe a 15-year-old boy was trying to buy a gun when he was shot dead Wednesday afternoon.
Walmart buys land on Laurel Road in Venice
VENICE — Land north of Laurel Road that has been rumored to be the future site of a Walmart was acquired in May by … Walmart.
Workforce housing for DeSoto teachers could be model for Sarasota-Manatee counties
Facing a severe housing crunch for its teachers – many of whom endure long commutes – DeSoto County Schools has given the green light to a Sarasota-based developer to build workforce apartments for educators on school-owned property. Following months of discussions and a public workshop supported by Superintendent...
Anna Maria beach tent ordinance under discussion
ANNA MARIA, Fla. (WWSB) - Many Anna Maria Islanders and business owners are confused after several things came to light at the City Commission meeting Thursday morning. According to the zoning code, tents with more than one pole are prohibited on the majority of Anna Maria Island beaches. That also means tents rented...
Sarasota Memorial Recognized as Role Model for Lifesaving Stroke and Heart Care
July 24, 2025 – The American Heart Association recognized both Sarasota Memorial hospital campuses this month as role models for delivering lifesaving stroke and heart care. Part of AHA’s 2025 quality review, SMH-Sarasota and SMH-Venice received multiple “Get with the Guidelines” awards recognizing the hospital teams...
St. Pete City Council will vote to terminate the new stadium deal for the...
Thursday afternoon, St. Pete City Council will vote to terminate the new stadium deal for the Rays.
Driver caught going 125 mph on I-275 in St. Pete with 7-year-old in passenger...
A driver was caught going 125 mph on Interstate 275 in St. Petersburg on Wednesday night with a 7-year-old front-seat passenger, the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office said.