Sarasota judge allows video in 2021 hotel shooting homicide trial
A Sarasota judge ruled Wednesday to admit a video of Brennan Wakey — accused of fatally shooting his ex‑partner — acknowledging he lied during their relationship. During the trial’s second day, attorneys clashed over a video the defense argued could mislead jurors. The clip shows Wakey saying he wants to tell the...
Whataburger Expanding Throughout the Tampa Bay Region This Year
Back in November, Texas-based burger chain Whataburger held a “ground-breaking” ceremony at 10150 Ulmerton Road in Largo, where, coverage by Business Observer said in November, the building had in fact already been completed, with only interior work remaining. But a groundbreaking ceremony was nonetheless...
Pinellas County deputy arrested for battery
A Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office corrections deputy has been arrested and terminated following an investigation. James Jones, 66, was arrested Wednesday evening for battery. He posted a $1,000 bail and was released. The officer had worked for the PCSO since 2021. Jones was assigned to guard George Miller at...
Recalling the decades-old Lorax Rebellion to save trees at New College as more large...
Nikki Cohen began her studies at New College in 1987. Originally from Philadelphia, she remembers being struck by the beauty of all the giant live oaks with hanging moss along the seaside campus. "In that Southern Gothic kind of way, it was magic," she said. In 1988, Cohen took part...
Plea hearing scheduled for getaway driver in 2017 beach hotel double murder
MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. (WWSB) - A plea hearing is scheduled this afternoon for a woman police say was the getaway driver in a 2017 double murder at a local beach hotel. Court records show a plea hearing scheduled for LaToya Hanna at 2 p.m. in a Manatee County courtroom. She faces second-degree murder charges in...
BOCC rules on Bus Barn and Zipperer Road projects
BRADENTON — In what can only be described as a marathon BOCC land use meeting, commissioners on Wednesday heard two linked development proposals that included a shared design agreement. Despite the applicants’ plan to share traffic access and amenities, commissioners ultimately denied one request and granted a...
Michigan Driver Hits Missing Florida Man On I-75 Ramp
A search for a missing Florida man took a turn Wednesday evening when he was struck by a vehicle in Hillsborough County. The crash happened just after 6:30 p.m. on the exit ramp leading from I-75 to State Road 674. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a 70-year-old man from...
Man charged with indecent exposure, DUI outside Wawa
ST. LUCIE COUNTY – A Bradenton man was in the St. Lucie County Jail as of Jan. 29 charged with DUI and indecent exposure after he was found allegedly engaging in self-gratifying behavior, according to St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office reports. Kevin Michael Curtin, 38, of Bradenton was...
Missing Bradenton man hit by vehicle on I-75 exit ramp: FHP
A missing Bradenton man was hospitalized Wednesday evening after being hit by a vehicle on an Interstate 75 exit ramp in Hillsborough County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Troopers say a 70-year-old Michigan man was traveling in an SUV on the southbound exit ramp from I-75 to State Road...
Sister testifies Brennan Wakey confessed to shooting at family funeral
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - Brennan Wakey’s half-sister testified Thursday that he confessed to shooting his boyfriend at a 2022 family funeral, telling jurors he said he “popped him in the face.”. Natassia Wakey took the witness stand on day three of the murder trial at Sarasota County Courthouse....
