Check out these photos of Sarasota’s new Mote aquarium
Sarasota's Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium , which opened in October 2025, features a huge array of marine critters, including Humboldt penguins, a Giant Pacific Octopus, manatees, sea turtles, sharks, spotted garden eels and the ever-playful river otters. The aquarium sports a 400,000-gallon, 20-foot-tall tank...
Manatee County adopts juvenile curfew
The idea has broad support, but some fear police overreach. Host: The Manatee County Commission this week adopted a juvenile curfew. Bradenton already has one, it’s backed by an existing Florida law, and it is a broadly supported idea. But WSLR reporter Gretchen Cochran also heard the anxiety of those who fear the...
No Spin Fun Zone? Inside casino case that named 1-800-ASK-GARY founder and went nowhere
When Manatee County Sheriff’s deputies raided the Spin Fun Arcade two years ago, they believed they were shutting down one of the county’s more blatant illegal gambling dens.
Bradenton man in mental health crisis dies in police custody
The Bradenton Police Department and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement are investigating the in-custody death of a 51-year-old man who became unresponsive while being transported to a hospital early Saturday. At 3:30 a.m., the city’s emergency communications center received a 911 call from Todd Donahue , who...
One Stop Cares concludes its annual Thanksgiving event
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - A local organization hosted its third annual Thanksgiving event Saturday, Nov.22, aimed at serving families struggling with housing costs while connecting them with community resources. One Stop Cares, works to prevent homelessness for tenants of One Stop Housing. The organization provided...
Teachers and Students Say Mold Concerns Continue at Lakewood Ranch High School
LAKEWOOD RANCH — Concerns about possible mold and air quality at Lakewood Ranch High School have led district officials to call in the professionals. Campus faculty, students, and their families anxiously await the industrial hygienists’ findings and say they look forward to hearing the plan for next steps.
Four Arrested on Leisure Place After Community Tips Lead to Drug Seizure in Sarasota
On November 20, 2025, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) arrested four people at 2903 Leisure Place in Sarasota. The arrests followed a search warrant based on community complaints and tips to Crime Stoppers. Officers seized 33.8 grams of methamphetamine, three clonazepam pills, other unidentified pills, and...
Mosquito-Free Experience at Fort Desoto’s North Beach
If you're considering a trip to North Beach at Fort Desoto, you might be wondering about the mosquito situation. This is a common concern among visitors, as these pesky insects can often be a nuisance.
Sarasota charter school employee accused of inappropriately touching 3 students
Video: Catch up on recent top stories from across Tampa Bay SARASOTA, Fla. (WFLA) — The Sarasota Police Department said a 21-year-old who worked and volunteered at local schools is facing felony charges for inappropriate behavior with students. Two of the victims attended Sarasota School of Arts and Sciences, and one...
Domestic violence survivor turns near-death attack into a mission to help
The buzz of blow dryers and hum of small talk fill Rhonda Calahan’s Sarasota salon most days — until her phone rings.
