Venice man back in court in nearly two-year-old murder case
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - A Venice man arrested February 20th, 2026 in connection with a murder committed nearly two years ago returned to court Wednesday morning for a motion hearing at the Sarasota County Courthouse. 75-year-old Ronald Racki’s defense attorney filing an amended motion to return property that was seized
Coast Guard stops illegal charter near Anna Maria Island
ANNA MARIA ISLAND, Fla. (WWSB) - The Coast Guard terminated an illegal charter voyage near Anna Maria Island on Thursday, officials said. A Coast Guard Station Cortez law enforcement crew stopped the 54-foot vessel Maititiki, which officials said was acting as a bareboat charter. Coast Guard officers determined the ves
With an eye on lawsuit, county commissioners formalize tax-fee vote
With a lawsuit still brewing between Sarasota County’s tax collector and Sarasota County Schools over a 2% fee to administer a voter-approved property tax, Sarasota County commissioners on Tuesday formally reaffirmed an earlier decision to pay that fee. This time, though, the vote was unanimous. And at the same...
Clinic owned by shooting victims closes
OSPREY — Osprey PolyClinic, whose cofounders were among six people killed on Feb. 10 by a gunman who then committed suicide, has closed.
Sarasota man accused of trying to lure girls into truck
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - A Sarasota man is accused of trying to lure two girls into his pickup truck while they were riding their bicycles near South Tamiami Trail, according to Sarasota police. Edward O’Neil Jr., 67, was arrested Monday night after police said an arrest warrant was issued in...
This enormous Florida flea market is packed with bargains too good to pass up
Tucked away at 1707 1st St in Bradenton, Florida, the Red Barn Flea Market is one of the most beloved shopping destinations on the Gulf Coast. With over 7,700 five-star reviews and hundreds of vendors spread across indoor and outdoor spaces, this place is a true treasure hunter’s paradise.
Brush fire threatened homes near Plantation Golf Course
More than 1,400 gallons of water were dropped Sunday on a large brush fire near the Plantation Golf Course and County Club in Venice.
Sarasota County vote on school tax punts long-term decision back to courtroom
Sarasota County commissioners finalized a plan this week to pick up the bill for more than $2 million that Tax Collector Mike Moran withheld from Sarasota County Schools to process a voter-approved referendum for education. But they only agreed to cover the annual expense until an ongoing lawsuit between the...
What’s coming to Wellen Park?
It’s the question everyone in Wellen Park wants to know: What’s new? Wellen Park is heading into a major growth spurt in 2026, with a wave of new retail, dining and community projects centered around the expansion of Downtown Wellen. Waiting in the wings are a major commercial district, businesses from new and familiar
BOCC approves ‘merit bonus’ for administrator in place of attorney’s fees
BRADENTON — Manatee County Administrator Charlie Bishop will receive a commissioner-approved merit bonus in place of a one-time payment for his attorneys' fees after commissioners voted not to renew—but to extend—his contract last month. The payment issue stems from an April 21 decision where the board voted...
