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Siesta Key, FL · LATEST NEWS

Mysuncoast.com

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71-year-old driver dies in crash with semitrailer on University Parkway in Sarasota

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - A 71-year-old Sarasota man died and a 71-year-old Sarasota woman was critically injured when a Chevrolet Equinox struck the rear of a semitrailer on University Parkway approaching Medici Court, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Trooper Kenn Watson said the crash happened at about 11:55 a.m....

Sarasota, FL · 19h

Mysuncoast.com

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Artists from around the world build sand sculptures at Siesta Key Crystal Classic

SIESTA KEY, Fla. (WWSB) - Sculptors from around the world are turning piles of sand into large sculptures at the Siesta Key Crystal Classic, a master sand sculpture competition. The event runs from Friday until Monday, ending at 3 p.m. Artists prepare for about two weeks. Artists travel from all...

Siesta Key, FL · 2d

Venice Gondolier

partner publisher · 9.3K followers

Cops: Fake doctor busted for hotel fraud

VENICE — A Venice man who is accused of pretending to be a doctor and skipping out on a four-figure hotel bill is free on a $5,000 bond after agreeing to pay for a court-ordered GPS monitor.

Venice, FL · 19h

wslr.org

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City of Sarasota grapples with Amendment 3

Tax cuts could affect the city’s commitment to fund a new performing arts center. Host: With the November 3 election behind us, the City of Sarasota is looking to understand how Amendment 3 affects them and their prior commitments, including to partially fund a new performing arts center. Noah Bookstein reports.

Sarasota, FL · 2d

Herald-Tribune

partner publisher · 37.9K followers

A famous Florida steakhouse plans Sarasota-area debut

One of Florida's most famous steakhouses is planning its Sarasota-area debut . Charley's Steak House, which has two popular locations in the Orlando area as well as one in Tampa, plans to bring its renowned wood-fired steaks and upscale setting to Lakewood Ranch. Talk of the Town Restaurant Group, which owns Charley's, filed a site plan with Manatee County on Nov. 6 to build a 14,000-square-foot Charley’s Steak House at 6120 Exchange Way, currently an undeveloped parcel between Exchange Way and Interstate 75. What’s special about Charley’s Steak House? Charley’s Steak House is known for steaks that are flame-grilled at 1,200 degrees on custom-built pits fueled by Florida citrus and oak wood. In 2026, OpenTable named the Tampa restaurant one of the top 100 romantic restaurants in the United States, based on diner reviews and metrics. Charley’s Steak House was named after Talk of the Town Restaurant Group founder Charley Woodsby, who spent 60 years in the restaurant and hospitality industry, according to the company website. In 1968, he and William Darden opened the very first Red Lobster in Lakeland. After two years, they sold the business to General Mills, with Woodsby staying with the company to open 72 restaurants

Sarasota, FL · 1d

Bradenton Herald

partner publisher · 16.5K followers

The true cost of losing Sarasota Bay's natural infrastructure | Opinion

My family has called Florida home for six generations. When I am out on the water or walking with my family through the wetlands and uplands that remain in Sarasota and Manatee counties, I often find myself recalling how my ancestors saw these same waters and wetlands generations ago. They focused on progress and infrastructure that facilitated development, often at the cost of natural resources. Between 1950 and 1990, Sarasota Bay lost more than 1,800 acres of wetland habitat, approximately 38% of its wetlands, largely due to dredge-and-fill activities associated with coastal development, and we’ve continued to document reductions in natural areas since then. These habitats are the nurseries that support the fish and wildlife that make Sarasota Bay special. They sustain the food web that connects our “coastal corridor” of ecosystems, our fisheries, and the wildlife that draws people to these waters. Habitats need breathing room. Unlike roads, buildings and seawalls, natural shorelines are not static. They are living systems that are shaped by tides, storms and rising water. Their ability to adapt and expand is jeopardized when development surrounds them on one side and rising waters push from the other. Scientists call this process “coastal squeeze.” The result

Manatee County, FL · 2d

High School On SI

partner publisher · 52.7K followers

Chaminade-Madonna Routs Venice in Florida High School Football Open Division Matchup

The No. 8 Venice Indians (9-1) play the No. 4 Chaminade-Madonna Lions (8-2) in an FHSAA Open Division Group Play game on Friday at Chaminade-Madonna High School

Venice, FL · 16h

Mysuncoast.com

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FAA lifts nationwide ground stop

Update: The Federal Aviation Administration lifts the nationwide ground stop. A nationwide ground stop has been lifted after flights were halted for several hours Friday, but travelers and sports teams are still dealing with the disruptions left behind. Transportation officials cited “extraordinary circumstances” caused by communications problems at regional air...

Sarasota, FL · 16h

Venice Gondolier

partner publisher · 9.3K followers

Man rescued 1.5 miles at sea in Gulf

VENICE — A man who became separated from his sailboat on Halloween was found two hours later about 1.5 miles off Venice Beach in the Gulf, clinging to a boat bumper in choppy water just as the sun was setting.

Venice, FL · 2d

Herald-Tribune

partner publisher · 37.9K followers

Popular national sandwich chain opens second Sarasota restaurant

A national chain with nearly 50 years of history — known for its oven-toasted sandwiches and hand-dipped shakes — has opened its second Sarasota restaurant. Potbelly Sandwich Works opened Nov. 13 at 6650 Fruitville Road, Unit 146, in the Fruitville Farms shopping center near the intersection of Fruitville Road and Lakewood Ranch Boulevard. The Publix-anchored development is just east of Interstate 75. The new restaurant follows Potbelly's Sarasota debut last year , when the Chicago-founded chain opened at 1635 S. Tamiami Trail, across from Sarasota Memorial Hospital. “Potbelly is the familiar stop for a quick lunch, an easy family dinner or a shake at the end of a busy day when you need a sweet treat," Carol Manick, district manager at Potbelly, said in a statement. "We’re thrilled to build on our local presence and connect with even more fans here in Sarasota.” Potbelly plans to celebrate its newest location with a grand opening Dec. 4. The first 50 guests in line will receive free Potbelly for a year, according to the company. The event will also feature a ribbon-cutting and a game offering chances to win food, merchandise and other prizes. What is on the menu at the new

Sarasota, FL · 15h

hoodline.com

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Charlotte County Contractor Gets 7 Years After Scamming Dozens of Hurricane Ian Victims

Brian White was sentenced to seven years in prison followed by 23 years of probation after pleading no contest to fraud charges related to post-Hurricane Ian contracting work. Prosecutors say the scheme affected roughly 40 people in Charlotte County and 25 in Sarasota County. The State Attorney's Office says White...

Charlotte County, FL · 2d

ourtownsarasota.com

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Sarasota Area Events: November 13 – 15th 2026

This weekend has some terrific activities planned throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties, including the return of the Siesta Key Crystal Classic, a major food truck festival, the Sarasota Medieval Fair, a wine festival in Wellen Park, live entertainment, sporting events and theater. I’ve organized the listings by date and activity,...

Manatee County, FL · 2d

Venice Gondolier

partner publisher · 9.3K followers

'I don't want to see the bullies win:' Pine View teacher will fight for license

OSPREY — Since September, multiple state officials have called for further investigation into Pine View teacher Liz Ballard, despite Sarasota County Schools finding her innocent of allegations involving two students stemming back years.

Sarasota County, FL · 2d

venicegov.com

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Clearing the way for Seaboard's future

The City of Venice is clearing the way for the next chapter of one of the community's oldest districts. Demolition recently took place at the City's former Public Works facility on Seaboard Avenue, removing structures from property that sits near the heart of the City's long-term vision for redevelopment of the Seaboard area. Seaboard has historically served as Venice's industrial district, with its growth tied to the railroad and the original John Nolen plan for the community. Today, the City is working to guide its transition into a walkable mixed-use district that can accommodate residential, commercial, retail and continued light-industrial activity. The demolition also increases the flexibility of a significant block of City-controlled property. The former Public Works site comprises approximately 2.5 acres and is adjacent to 3.3 acres of cleared property also owned by the City, bringing the combined area to approximately 5.8 acres.

Venice, FL · 22h

hoodline.com

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280-Unit Altera Jacaranda Opens in Venice as Southwest Florida Rents Keep Sliding

A new 280-home apartment community has opened its doors in Venice, Florida, welcoming its first residents to five four-story buildings tucked near Jacaranda Boulevard and Interstate 75. Wood Partners announced the grand opening of Altera Jacaranda on Tuesday, positioning the project as part of its push to bring newly built rentals to the region at what the developer calls more attainable price points.

Venice, FL · 18h

Mysuncoast.com

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Sarasota Paradise discontinue operations and will not participate in USL League One in 2027

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - Team official with the Sarasota Paradise have announced that the team will discontinue operations and will not participate in the 2027 USL League One season. The announcement came on Friday. The team released a statement on social media. “The decision was not made lightly. We are...

Sarasota, FL · 14h

WFLA

partner publisher · 250.6K followers

Arrest warrant issued for Manatee County screening contractor

An arrest warrant has been issued for the owner of Integrity Screening Plus, a Manatee County contractor accused of collecting tens of thousands of dollars for screening jobs and failing to perform the work, according to the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office.

Manatee County, FL · 12h

Bradenton Herald

partner publisher · 16.5K followers

Palmetto man faces prison time for dumping body into Gulf, prosecutors say

A Palmetto man could soon be headed to federal prison after prosecutors said he dumped the body of a person who died of a drug overdose into the ocean. Matthew Edward Zoladz, 37, pleaded guilty Nov. 2 to violating the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act and the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships , according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida. Zoladz faces up to 15 years in federal prison and is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 20, 2027, according to court records. Federal prosecutors said Zoladz was using drugs with another person on Dec. 7, 2022, when that person overdosed and died. Zoladz then drove around with the person’s unconscious or deceased body in the front seat of his vehicle and recorded a video of the person, according to prosecutors. Investigators said Zoladz never reported the death. The following day, prosecutors said Zoladz was scheduled to work as a deckhand aboard a ship called the Big Dog. Before leaving, he wrapped the body in a black plastic trash bag and brought it onto the boat. Later that evening, Zoladz dumped the bag containing the body into the Gulf, according to an arrest

Palmetto, FL · 2d

fastfoodclub.com

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Eight Old Florida Seafood Restaurants Where Fried Shrimp Has Been Served Since The 8s Or Earlier

Some Florida seafood spots have been frying shrimp longer than most of our grandparents have been alive. These are the places with mounted fish on the walls, river views out back, and menus that still lean on platters, hush puppies, and baskets of golden shrimp. A few started as fish...

Florida · 2d

fox13news.com

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Sarasota County family shares journey after pioneering in-womb spina bifida repair

A Nokomis couple learned at 20 weeks pregnant that their son, Theo, had spina bifida, prompting an urgent trip to Texas Children's Hospital for specialized fetal surgery. Surgeons closed the open lesion on Theo's back while he was still in the womb, a five-hour procedure that doubles a child's chances of walking unaided.

Sarasota County, FL · 13h