Over 70 Police K-9 Gather in Manatee Co. for National Competition
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - Manatee County is hosting over 70 police K-9s and their handlers in the national field trials for the US Police Canine Association (USPCA). In this multi-day competition, dogs are judged on their skills of obedience, search work and apprehension. In an interview with Manatee County Sheriffs...
Sarasota Memorial hospitals earn ‘A’ safety grades again
VENICE — With two exceptions, the Fall 2025 hospital safety grades from The Leapfrog Group, released Thursday, for the hospitals in Sarasota, Charlotte and DeSoto counties are unchanged since the spring report.
What to know about the Siesta Key Crystal Classic International Sandsculpting Festival
When you were a kid at the beach, you may have spent your time shaping the perfect sandcastle — until your sibling or a rogue wave demolished your masterpiece. Now, imagine that same childhood wonder, only bigger and bolder. That's the magic of Siesta Key's annual sand sculpting festival,...
SCHOOL DISTRICT: Students may face penalty for protesting
SARASOTA — After hearing students might be stepping out of class in solidarity of an upcoming demonstration, some Sarasota County Schools officials are looking at ways to discourage such behavior.
After liftoff, rocket launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida, may be visible in Sarasota
Will people in Sarasota see a rocket in the sky? A so Florida thing is coming up − and it's possible people can view it far beyond the Sunshine State . United Launch Alliance’s Atlas V rocket will attempt to launch from Cape Canaveral. Previous attempts on Nov. 5 and Nov. 6 were scrubbed. ULA announced a new launch...
Local restaurant and bar favorite taking over beloved Sarasota space
A Siesta Key Irish pub has announced it is relocating, taking over the former space of another Sarasota County restaurant and bar . The Shebeen Irish Pub & Kitchen, currently located at 6641 Midnight Pass Road adjacent to Big Water Fish Market, will move to the former Sarasota Brewing Company building, according to a...
Man accused of dismembering, murdering 16-year-old St. Pete girl found competent to stand trial
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The man accused of dismembering and murdering a St. Pete teen has been found competent to stand trial. A judge made the decision on Wednesday during Steven Gress' court appearance in Pinellas County. A pretrial hearing for Gress was set for Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026.
Police K-9s from across the country showcase their skills at U.S. Police K9 Association...
BRADENTON, Fla. - Law enforcement officers and their K9 partners from across the country are showing off their skills in Manatee County. It's part of the United States Police K9 Association National Field Trials. What we know:. These are the best of the best dogs competing. Each had to qualify...
Florida Man Buys $7.7 Million Scratch-Off Ticket At Walmart
BRADENTON, Florida – The Florida Lottery announced that Ramon Cabo, 68, of Lakewood Ranch, claimed the $10,000 a week for life top prize from the $10,000 A WEEK FOR LIFE Scratch-Off game at Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee on July 25. The Manatee County man chose to receive his winnings...
Florida burn bans expand with intensifying drought
Several Florida counties are now under burn bans in an effort to reduce the threat of wildfires, as more 70% of the state is considered to be unusually dry. Sarasota and Manatee counties are the latest to enact burn bans, joining at least four other jurisdictions that have active restrictions.
