Siesta Key
GOVERNMENT
City of Sarasota declares local state of emergency
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - The City of Sarasota declared a local state of emergency in response to the recent heavy rainfall associated with Invest 90L 2024 and in preparation for possible additional rain. The City of Sarasota says City Manager, Marlon Brown, approved the declaration in consultation and coordination with...
Sarasota Department of Health issues no-swim advisory for Bird Key Park
The Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County has issued a water quality advisory for Bird Key Park on Thursday. After completing water quality tests on Wednesday, officials determined that the park’s water at 200 John Ringling Causeway doesn’t meet the recreational water quality criteria for enterococcus bacteria and exceeds the level established by state guidelines. The increase in bacteria can be from storm water runoff, pet waste, or wildlife and human sewage from failed septic systems or sewage spills.
Water main break closes road in Sarasota
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - Utility crews are currently working on repairing a water main break, causing a washout on Thursday, June 13, according to the Sarasota Police Department. The eastbound lane of Hillview Drive is closed from Orange Ave to Flower Drive. The westbound lane is open to traffic. After...
Lady Rams wash cars for cash in Sarasota
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - School may be out for summer, but Riverview High School’s girl’s basketball team is far from calling it quits. Saturday, the team showed up at Shell gas station to offer their services to the community. With the money they raised this weekend, they’re offsetting the costs of travel fees. That money goes toward more than just a fun trip, though, even if the memories will last a lifetime.
Bridge closure from heavy rain in Sarasota
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - The bridge on 40th Street between Central Avenue and Cocoanut Avenue is temporarily closed to traffic. During an inspection of infrastructure after Tuesday’s heavy rain, Public Works staff noticed roadway settlement on the east end of the bridge according to the City of Sarasota. The...
Historic rainstorm poses first storm management test of the year to Sarasota
Tuesday’s historic rainstorm posed the first test of the year for the county’s stormwater management protocol — and county staff said the infrastructure was up to the task. Flash flooding brought on by the heavy rainfall of the Invest 90L tropical system submerged local roadways and businesses...
Reading scores are rising in Sarasota's schools. Let's remember the true heroes behind it.
In a recent Herald-Tribune guest column, Sarasota County School Board Chair Karen Rose offered her view on the reasons for the positive rise in third grade reading scores in our district. But as a fellow sitting School Board member, I see things very differently from Ms. Rose. I believe we need to give...
Groundbreaking For Tunnel To Towers Project In Bradenton
BRADENTON, Fla. (WWSB) - Hundreds of military veterans, along with residents and first responders gathered for groundbreaking ceremonies Saturday for the new Bradenton Veterans Village. Nearly nine acres donated by Manatee County off 66th Street West and Cortez Road is slated to be turned into a campus to assist homeless...
Payne Park celebrates the grand opening of pro shop and lounge
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - Payne Park is celebrating the grand opening of their new pro shop, Court Thirteen, a social gathering place for all tennis enthusiasts. The City-owned and operated facility is hosting an open house on Friday, June 14 from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Payne Park Tennis Center to showcase the part pro shop, part cafe lounge.
Emergency officials in Tampa Bay Area urging residents to prepare for hurricanes
CLEARWATER, Fla. - Storms and heavy downpours caused flash flooding and major damage across Florida this week. Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a State of Emergency in Sarasota County and several counties in South Florida. Emergency officials in Tampa Bay are urging people to get prepared for severe weather, as hurricane...
Five Sarasota County Schools educators honored with Ripple Effect Teacher Awards
Five outstanding Sarasota County Schools educators were honored recently with the Ripple Effect Teacher Award for their impact in the classroom and beyond. Leaders from the school district and the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation honored the winners in a series of surprise presentations at their schools. Created by Barancik Foundation in memory of Chuck and Margie Barancik to celebrate exceptional Sarasota County public school teachers, the Ripple Effect Award includes a $5,000 gift.
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