Mayor’s Corner: City of Bradenton
As 2026 gets underway, I want to thank our residents, local businesses, and City team members for the continued care and commitment you show to Bradenton. Over the past year, the city has continued to make meaningful progress. Important work is happening across the organization, whether it’s advancing long-planned...
SMH achieves perfect 5-star Medicare-Medicaid rating for 10th year in a row
No other Florida hospital has achieved that distinction, SMH leaders note. Sarasota Memorial Health Care System has kicked off 2026 “achieving what no other Florida hospital could: a perfect 5-Star rating from the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services [CMS] — every year — for 10 years straight,” the health...
A new Home Depot will open in northeast Venice
The site and development plan for Home Depot, the first major occupant of Venice Crossing Commercial Center, received unanimous approval Jan 6 from the Venice Planning Commission. The decision clears the way for construction of the first big box store in Venice city limits. The other major commercial occupant of the...
Complaints pile up after long-time solar company abruptly shuts doors
Complaints are mounting against a Sarasota-based solar company that has been in business for decades, as customers say they paid tens of thousands of dollars for solar projects that were never completed or for warranty work that was never performed.
Sarasota mayor accused of violating First Amendment by cutting off speakers
The Sarasota City Commission ushered in the New Year facing complaints from residents who said the mayor violated citizens’ First Amendment rights during its first meeting of 2026. Mayor Debbie Trice twice interrupted speakers during the public input portion of the Commission’s Jan. 5 meeting, warning them that they...
Suspected pickpocket ring caught on camera in St. Armands
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - The Sarasota Police Department says it recently led an investigation involving at least three other law enforcement agencies to catch a women described as a career criminal. Margarita Elena Urriola Maldonado, 52, of Chile, was arrested Jan. 2, during a traffic stop in Osceola County. She...
Man arrested after demanding sandwich at WaWa, deputies say
PORT CHARLOTTE — A man is facing trespassing charges after demanding a sandwich at a WaWa store in Port Charlotte, saying he was refused service at a WaWa store in Venice, deputies reported.
Top residential real estate sales for Dec. 22 to Jan. 2 in Sarasota, Siesta...
Sheri Dwyer, of Newport Beach, California, sold her home at 26 Sandy Hook Road S. to David and Laurie Gendell, of Sarasota, for $10.5 million. Built in 2003, it has five bedrooms, five-and-two-half baths, a pool and 5,175 square feet of living area. It sold for $4.9 million in 2015.
Two iconic Sarasota buildings restored and honored
Sarasota County earned accolades for two projects from the Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation, as part of the alliance’s 2026 Heritage Awards. Sarasota County received awards for its restoration of the Phillippi Estate, also known as the Edson Keith Farmhouse and the Sarasota County Terrace Building, which...
Top Lakewood Ranch equestrian athlete changes her competition focus
During a practice ride Jan. 9 in the Polo Club with her four-horse team, Misdee Wrigley Miller had to react when her horses wanted to break into a sprint because they were startled. Because of one falling acorn hitting her favorite horse, Alonzo, the scene was about to resemble an...
