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A few isolated inland storms possible
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - The afternoon summer thunderstorm pattern usually doesn’t get going until we roll through June 1st. Sure we will see a few isolated storms develop inland as the sea breeze works toward the east but don’t expect to see a lot of much needed rain quite yet. We also have to look out for potential brush fires during this time of year as we see these isolated thunderstorms produce a few lightning strikes and not much rainfall.
Dock floats missing after storm
BRADENTON BEACH – Due to strong winds and waves on April 11, several floats on the city’s finger docks went missing and replacement was discussed at a city Pier Team meeting on April 24. “I spoke with Duncan (Steve Porter of Duncan Seawall) this morning and asked him...
Manatee County officials discuss Jewfish Key, a new road roundabout and Gulf Islands Ferry
Homeowners on Jewfish Key are pushing for de-annexation from the town of Longboat Key to circumvent restrictions on short-term rentals that limit stays to less than 30 days. Manatee County and Longboat Key officials met Tuesday to discuss the matter, as well as plans for a new traffic roundabout, the potential expansion of the Gulf Islands Ferry Service, a learning center at Whitney Plaza, and funding for increased police presence on Greer Island.
Advisory group’s affordable housing requests barely in Gas Plant agreement
At the start of the year, a group of nine people spent five weeks figuring out if the city’s investment into what is likely its largest redevelopment project — the Historic Gas Plant District — is worth the promised benefits. The group’s weekly meetings went into the...
Teen charged in deadly shooting granted $160K bond in Hillsborough court hearing
TAMPA - New details in the shooting death of a teenager were released at a court hearing Tuesday for the Hillsborough County teen who’s charged in the crime. Cody Shimooka, 15, is charged with manslaughter, tampering with evidence, and minor in possession of a firearm. Deputies responded to the...
Walmart shutters 23 health centers in Florida, including Tampa Bay locations
Walmart is closing its 23 health centers in Florida, citing a "challenging reimbursement environment," the company said in a statement yesterday. Why it matters: The decision impacts nine Walmart Health centers in Tampa Bay — from Plant City to St. Petersburg — and their patients. Here's a list...
St. Pete community mourns 11-year-old accidentally shot, killed by brother
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Members of the St. Pete community came together on Monday to honor an 11-year-old boy who police say was accidentally shot and killed by his 14-year-old brother. Loved ones remembered Amir Williams' life on the football field where he played. Williams played for the St. Pete...
An island in Manatee County once planned to be a state park now for sale for $75 million
A proposal by the state of Florida to purchase Rattlesnake Key for a new state park has fallen through, and the lush Manatee County island is now up for sale to private enterprise. The state appropriated $23 million to purchase Rattlesnake Key in 2022 for conservation purposes, with $2.3 million in additional funding...
Report: Sarasota-Manatee metro employs more than 30,000 people in construction industry
A recent report using U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data ranked the Sarasota-Manatee metro area as having the 14th highest share of workers employed in the building industry in the country. The yearly report from Construction Coverage highlights the building industry's impact on local economies, as construction employed 5.2% of...
Tarpon Primer: Part two
Although tarpon can be one of the most exciting gamefish to engage, they are also one of the most demanding and exhausting. It’s not uncommon to hear stories of epic two-hour-plus battles, which are not good for the angler or the tarpon. After experiencing the thrill of the catch,...
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