Man driving 95 mph with headlights off gets prison for deadly DUI crash in...
A man was sentenced to nine years in prison after being convicted in a 2021 DUI crash that took the life of a motorcyclist in North Port, according to the state attorney's office. Prosecutors say Zachary Richards, 38, was drinking at a bar for several hours before driving his work...
Bill to restructure Manatee County Port Authority as independent special district reaches first committee
TALLAHASSEE — A bill that would revise the 2003 charter for the Manatee County Port Authority has begun moving through its assigned House committees. HB 4073, sponsored by Florida Rep. Bill Conerly (District 72), would convert the local Port Authority from a dependent special district under the oversight of the...
Details firm up for Sarasota schools plan
The broad, November sketches of a reimagining plan for a dozen Sarasota County public schools have evolved in early 2026 into more painted-in portraits of the years ahead. Timelines, partnerships and logistics have come into a more detailed vision alongside costs and funding options. Another update is planned in March.
North Port Art Center seeks first, ‘significant’ donation to kickstart new venue push
NORTH PORT — The North Port Art Center is eyeing influential supporters of the arts to help them get a new home.
Florida Man Arrested After Attempting TikTok Challenge Inside Walmart
A Florida man ’s attempt to turn a viral TikTok stunt into quick cash ended the way many internet dares do: with handcuffs, charges, and a very short livestream. According to a report from the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office released to WFLA , Isaac Matthew Hurley was arrested after allegedly hiding inside a...
Special report: WSLR News reporter shadows protesters at Alligator Alcatraz
We hear from the wife of a detainee, from a senior citizen who is leaving the United States, and from a 16-year old activist. Host: Last Sunday, WSLR News reporter Ramon Lopez tagged along on a bus trip with a group of Sarasota clerics, worshippers and activists to a protest at the controversial immigration detention...
The biscuits and gravy at this no-frills Florida restaurant are what regulars come for
Tucked along Jacaranda Blvd in Venice, Peach’s Restaurant is the kind of no-frills breakfast spot locals guard like a secret. Regulars line up early because the biscuits and gravy hit that perfect comfort-food note without trying too hard. Prices are friendly, the vibe is casual, and the staff works...
How will MLK holiday affect Manatee County and Bradenton trash pickup?
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is on Monday, Jan. 19, and trash pickup schedules, in addition to government building hours, will be adjusted in observance of this federal holiday. For the unincorporated parts of Manatee County, there will be no collection on Jan. 19. Trash will be collected one day later than the...
Manatee County duplex fire leaves 20 residents displaced
MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — 20 Manatee County residents are displaced following a duplex structure fire that resulted in hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage. Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue responded around 1:15 p.m. Saturday in the area of 60th Avenue Drive West where crews found a duplex with heavy black smoke and...
Bridget Ziegler seeks school district’s full cooperation with ICE
The Sarasota School Board chair’s post about a proposed resolution drew 1,300 comments—most of them negative. Home: The same week a woman was killed by an ICE agent in her own neighborhood in Minneapolis, Sarasota School Board Chair Bridget Ziegler posted on her professional Facebook page that she requested...

















