Sarasota FL

Is Sarasota Selby Gardens falling short of the city’s tree canopy cover goal?. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ downtown Sarasota campus is falling short of the city’s tree canopy coverage goal of 40%, according to American Forests. Tree coverage, which is the footprint of tree crowns when viewed...

It’s hard to imagine a Florida breakfast table without orange juice, but the drink’s rise to fame owes much to Bradenton. Long before Tropicana became a global giant, it started with one man, Anthony T. Rossi, who arrived in Manatee County after stints in Miami and New York.

State records revealed that one restaurant was temporarily closed while 96 out of 334 establishments failed their initial inspections in Sarasota County during the last 30 days. The Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation found that 238 restaurants passed on their first visit, but nearly one-third...

Libee's Sports Bar & Grill at 1859 Englewood Road in Englewood, Sarasota County, FL, was issued a follow-up inspection requirement after Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation inspectors found 23 violations during a July 23 complaint inspection. Rodent activity was the most notable among the...

VENICE, Fla. – The developer seeking to build homes on the Hawk’s Run Golf Course at Bird Bay Village in south Sarasota County has formally notified Venice that he plans to sue the city, invoking a formal dispute mediation process. Jason Picciano, who owns the 33.3-acre course through Hawks Run Development LLC, has...

An exciting new ice cream shop and creperie is preparing to open its doors in Sarasota. Called Crepetopia, it’s opening at 4921 Ringwood Meadow, according to submitted plan review documents. “Crepetopia is your go-to spot for hand-dipped ice cream, fresh crepes, milkshakes and more!” says a description provided to...

Could the city of St. Petersburg unplug itself from Duke Energy? That’s the question city leaders are now exploring after residents and council members raised concerns about high energy bills and long-term energy goals. Aaron Mesmer reports.

Rum-heavy cocktails and elaborately carved wooden figures, but for a small subset of enthusiasts, tiki is way more than that—it’s a lifestyle. Just ask Parth Shaha, the owner of the Bahi Hut, which is hosting its fifth annual Tiki Fever festival Nov. 6-8. The party draws tiki enthusiasts...

Hidden along a quiet stretch of road in Ellenton, Florida sits a barbecue sanctuary that doesn’t need flashy signs or gimmicks to announce its greatness – Hickory Hollow lets the intoxicating aroma of slow-smoked meats do all the talking. You might drive past this modest establishment if you...

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - Cracker Barrel Old Country Store is getting a fresh look for the first time in nearly half a century. Since 1977, the company’s trademark logo has shown a man sitting beside a barrel. That familiar image is gone. This week, Cracker Barrel revealed a new...