Former 'American Idol' contestant Syesha Mercado fights for son's return from medical foster care
In late February, Mercado brought her then 13-month-old son Amen'Ra to Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital for help transitioning from breastfeeding. More than a year later, her son is still in medical protective custody.
In late February, Mercado brought her then 13-month-old son Amen'Ra to Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital for help transitioning from breastfeeding. More than a year later, her son is still in medical protective custody.
Man arrested after pointing gun at vehicle while driving on Sunshine Skyway, troopers say
Troopers arrested Michael Platts, 60, after they say he pointed a rifle at another driver while traveling south on the Sunshine Skyway Bridge Saturday morning.
Troopers arrested Michael Platts, 60, after they say he pointed a rifle at another driver while traveling south on the Sunshine Skyway Bridge Saturday morning.
Woman arrested for DUI after fiery crash with tanker truck
Troopers say a Tampa woman survived a fiery crash with a gas tanker that she caused by veering into the truck while drunk.
Troopers say a Tampa woman survived a fiery crash with a gas tanker that she caused by veering into the truck while drunk.
Piney Point deep well injection to proceed despite residents' drinking water concerns
It's been nearly a month and no new wastewater discharges have been needed at the old Piney Point fertilizer plant after workers installed a steel plate to stop the leak. Now, the major concern is the remaining wastewater.
It's been nearly a month and no new wastewater discharges have been needed at the old Piney Point fertilizer plant after workers installed a steel plate to stop the leak. Now, the major concern is the remaining wastewater.
Manatee County deputies investigating after 2 injured following Bradenton house party
Two people were injured early Sunday morning following a house party in Bradenton, according to the Manatee County Sherriff’s Office.
Two people were injured early Sunday morning following a house party in Bradenton, according to the Manatee County Sherriff’s Office.
Masks may soon become optional for students, staff at Manatee County schools
Masks could soon be added to the list of items not required in Manatee County schools.
Masks could soon be added to the list of items not required in Manatee County schools.
Decades-old DeSoto Square Mall will close its doors for good Friday
For loyal customers and business owners who have called the DeSoto Square Mall home for decades, its closure is an end of an era.
For loyal customers and business owners who have called the DeSoto Square Mall home for decades, its closure is an end of an era.
Ex-con turned inspirational speaker devotes life to helping those currently incarcerated
Behind barbed wire and bars, Victor Woods spends hours each week working with those in the inmate recovery pod. He used to be one of them. Now he listens, talks and works to uplift those serving time in jail.
Behind barbed wire and bars, Victor Woods spends hours each week working with those in the inmate recovery pod. He used to be one of them. Now he listens, talks and works to uplift those serving time in jail.
'She is wanted:' Caseworker becomes mother to 19-year-old who spent years in foster care
A Manatee County teen finally received what she's longed for -- a mother. And while she's 19 years old, she's proving you're never too old to find the love of a family.
A Manatee County teen finally received what she's longed for -- a mother. And while she's 19 years old, she's proving you're never too old to find the love of a family.
Troopers, deputies team up to look for aggressive drivers, speeders on I-75
Drivers in Manatee County and Sarasota County have one more reason to be careful on the roadways.
Drivers in Manatee County and Sarasota County have one more reason to be careful on the roadways.
Manatee County leaves vaccine distribution to pharmacies, focuses on hurricane season
Since December, Manatee County has put 160,000 COVID-19 vaccines into people's arms. But demand has waned at country-run vaccine sites so they've decided to let the pharmacies handle it from here.
Since December, Manatee County has put 160,000 COVID-19 vaccines into people's arms. But demand has waned at country-run vaccine sites so they've decided to let the pharmacies handle it from here.
Impact of Piney Point water release on Tampa Bay may not be known for months
Tampa Bay Watch searches the waters near Port Manatee by drone and by boat looking for algae blooms after approximately 215 million gallons of water were released from an old phosphate plant.
Tampa Bay Watch searches the waters near Port Manatee by drone and by boat looking for algae blooms after approximately 215 million gallons of water were released from an old phosphate plant.
Residents push for water testing; county eyes algae bloom after Piney Point wastewater dump
Manatee County commissioners have extended the state of emergency that was issued weeks ago when a leak sprung at the old Piney Point phosphate plant wastewater stacks.
Manatee County commissioners have extended the state of emergency that was issued weeks ago when a leak sprung at the old Piney Point phosphate plant wastewater stacks.
Manatee County deputies responding to domestic disturbance call discover man shot, killed inside vehicle
A 27-year-old man was killed early Sunday morning in Bradenton, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.
A 27-year-old man was killed early Sunday morning in Bradenton, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.
FHP investigating after 3-year-old killed on Sunshine Skyway Bridge fishing pier
A 3-year-old boy from Bowling Green, FL, was killed Saturday afternoon after being hit by a pickup truck, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
A 3-year-old boy from Bowling Green, FL, was killed Saturday afternoon after being hit by a pickup truck, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
FHP: Child hit, killed on south Skyway fishing pier
A three-year-old child was hit and killed by a pickup truck Saturday afternoon on the south Skyway fishing pier in Manatee County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
A three-year-old child was hit and killed by a pickup truck Saturday afternoon on the south Skyway fishing pier in Manatee County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Manatee County substitute teacher arrested on 30 counts of child pornography
John L. Wingate, 25, a substitute teacher in Manatee County, has been arrested for possession of child pornography, according to the Bradenton Police Department.
John L. Wingate, 25, a substitute teacher in Manatee County, has been arrested for possession of child pornography, according to the Bradenton Police Department.
Manatee County emergency operators adapt to changing calls amid pandemic
Manatee County's 911 center has received over 2,400 calls regarding COVID-19 patients since the beginning of the pandemic. Operators have had to adapt to changes in the types of calls they've received, but their roles remain vital as ever.
Manatee County's 911 center has received over 2,400 calls regarding COVID-19 patients since the beginning of the pandemic. Operators have had to adapt to changes in the types of calls they've received, but their roles remain vital as ever.
Sarasota Honey Company gives homeowners a chance to raise bees in their own backyards
A family-owned honey company gives homeowners the opportunity to raise bees in their own backyards -- and collect some delicious honey as their reward. The small business also hires individuals with special needs to give them employment opportunities and training.
A family-owned honey company gives homeowners the opportunity to raise bees in their own backyards -- and collect some delicious honey as their reward. The small business also hires individuals with special needs to give them employment opportunities and training.
USF’s red tide research helps predict Piney Point wastewater flow
The Tampa Bay Coastal Ocean Model was designed by USF's College of Marine Science to track red tide. Now the model is being used to forecast where nutrients from Piney Point will end up.
The Tampa Bay Coastal Ocean Model was designed by USF's College of Marine Science to track red tide. Now the model is being used to forecast where nutrients from Piney Point will end up.