Siesta Key’s north bridge undergoes maintenance project
Work is expected to get under way soon rehabilitating the north bridge to Siesta Key, but the Florida Department of Transportation says it will remain open to traffic, both motorized and human-powered, above and below the roadway. The project, valued at $4.3 million according to FDOT, will take place mainly...
Assisted-living facility near downtown Sarasota wins rezoning approval
A plan to convert some or all of the assisted-living units in a Laurel Park-adjacent facility to independent living apartments received approval on second reading by the Sarasota City Commission. The 3-2 vote was identical to the first reading. Vice Mayor Kathy Kelley Ohlrich and Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch opposed the...
Sarasota County cuts two Breeze Transit toutes
SIESTA KEY, Fla. — Two bus routes are now discontinued in Sarasota County. One of them took people to the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, and the other was the only way to get on and off Siesta Key on public transit. What You Need To Know. The county decided...
87th Annual DeSoto Grand Parade brings road closures to Bradenton this weekend
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - The 87th Annual DeSoto Grand Parade is taking place this weekend in Manatee County. The parade honors Spanish explorer Hernando DeSoto’s 1539 landing at the Manatee River, marking the start of a massive Spanish expedition into the southeastern United States. Final preparations were underway Friday....
‘She saw the good in everyone.’ Father mourns woman killed in Manatee stabbing
The father of a Manatee County woman killed in a stabbing earlier this month is speaking out about his daughter’s life as new details emerge in the investigation. Meaghan Bowler, 32, was a caring and outgoing person who “genuinely loved people” and had a natural ability to connect with others, her father, Tony Bowler, said. “I just want people to remember her for the...
Late-Night Gunfire Rocks Nokomis Talon Preserve As Detectives Swarm Scene
A late-night burst of gunfire in Nokomis’ Talon Preserve subdivision brought detectives and patrol units racing to the neighborhood around 11:45 p.m. Friday, according to officials. By Saturday morning, investigators with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Section were still on scene, securing the area and combing for evidence.
Manatee leases Palmetto animal shelter to a local nonprofit. What’s next?
The former Palmetto Animal Shelter will soon become a rehabilitation center for rescued seabirds. Friends of the Pelicans Inc., a local nonprofit that rescues seabirds including pelicans, will take over the county-owned Palmetto shelter with the goal of increasing its capacity to serve and rescue wildlife. Manatee County commissioners unanimously approved the plans on Tuesday. Manatee County Government is moving animal services operations...
18-year-old accused in fatal I-75 hit-and-run pleads not guilty
MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. (WWSB) - The 18-year-old accused in a fatal hit-and-run crash on Interstate 75 in Manatee County has pleaded not guilty and requested a jury trial. Jonathan Matos-Morales also waived formal arraignment. The Florida Highway Patrol said Morales was driving a Ford Mustang south on I-75 when it...
Woman facing additional burglary-related charges in Charlotte, Sarasota counties
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. (WWSB) - A woman previously charged in connection with a string of unoccupied residential burglaries in the Englewood area is facing additional charges in Charlotte County and separate charges in Sarasota County. Shyla M. Robinett, 44, was arrested April 22 in Charlotte County on one count of...
Manatee County launches bulk collection pilot program for residential customers
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - Manatee County Utilities will begin a new Bulk Collection Pilot Program on May 1 for residential solid waste customers in unincorporated Manatee County. Under the program, residents may place up to two bulk items at the curb once a month on a predetermined, zone-based pickup day...
