Most Bay Area school districts won’t mandate masks this school year
School districts across the Bay Area have voted to make masks optional in schools this fall and, despite surging coronavirus cases, they aren’t reversing their new policies.
School districts across the Bay Area have voted to make masks optional in schools this fall and, despite surging coronavirus cases, they aren’t reversing their new policies.
Fire flips script on WingStop 'guardian angel' who saved toddler's life
The woman who once saved a toddler's life as he had a medical emergency at her WingStop restaurant is now getting much-needed help from the little boy's family after her home was destroyed by fire.
The woman who once saved a toddler's life as he had a medical emergency at her WingStop restaurant is now getting much-needed help from the little boy's family after her home was destroyed by fire.
FHP ramping up efforts to stop speeding, distracted driving
The mother of a young father killed by a speeding driver is urging others to heed warnings from troopers and save lives on the road.
The mother of a young father killed by a speeding driver is urging others to heed warnings from troopers and save lives on the road.
Rep. Vern Buchanan quarantining after COVID-19 diagnosis
Congressman Vern Buchanan is taking some time off after being diagnosed with COVID-19, a spokesperson said Monday.
Congressman Vern Buchanan is taking some time off after being diagnosed with COVID-19, a spokesperson said Monday.
Tracking red tide: With algae blooms, not all Bay Area beaches are alike
If you’re planning a day at the beach, be sure to check red tide maps for the latest conditions on Bay Area beaches.
If you’re planning a day at the beach, be sure to check red tide maps for the latest conditions on Bay Area beaches.
Florida overdose deaths spike 37% during pandemic, CDC data shows
In Florida, preliminary data from the CDC shows the death toll was up about 37% from 2019. The alarming trend is being driven by an increase of the synthetic opioid fentanyl on the streets, and the coronavirus pandemic's impact on substance abuse and addiction. Not everyone received the support they needed.
In Florida, preliminary data from the CDC shows the death toll was up about 37% from 2019. The alarming trend is being driven by an increase of the synthetic opioid fentanyl on the streets, and the coronavirus pandemic's impact on substance abuse and addiction. Not everyone received the support they needed.
Fish captain gets rare view of blanket octopus near Anna Maria Island
Seven miles off the coast of Manatee County, a fishing captain had the rare experience to see a blanket octopus drifting around his boat.
Seven miles off the coast of Manatee County, a fishing captain had the rare experience to see a blanket octopus drifting around his boat.
Baby found dead in Bradenton quadplex fire after relative tried to save him, deputies say
A baby boy was found dead after a fire at a Bradenton quadplex. Lazier would have turned one on August 2.
A baby boy was found dead after a fire at a Bradenton quadplex. Lazier would have turned one on August 2.
MCSO: Woman stabs 'abusive' ex-boyfriend to death
A 42-year-old woman killed her 24-year-old ex-boyfriend Sunday morning, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.
A 42-year-old woman killed her 24-year-old ex-boyfriend Sunday morning, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.
Hurricane Elsa soaks portions of Manatee, Sarasota counties
Hurricane Elsa brought a lot of rain to Myakka City late Tuesday. In some cases, residents logged 9 to 10 inches. That rain, combined with land already saturated, brought flooding.
Hurricane Elsa brought a lot of rain to Myakka City late Tuesday. In some cases, residents logged 9 to 10 inches. That rain, combined with land already saturated, brought flooding.
Thousands without power as Elsa brings gusting winds, heavy rain overnight
Elsa brought some of its heaviest rain and wind during the early morning hours Wednesday, knocking out power for thousands of customers across the Bay Area.
Elsa brought some of its heaviest rain and wind during the early morning hours Wednesday, knocking out power for thousands of customers across the Bay Area.
Tropical Storm Elsa information: Manatee County
Ongoing updates from Manatee County as Tropical Storm Elsa approaches Florida.
Ongoing updates from Manatee County as Tropical Storm Elsa approaches Florida.
Manatee, Pinellas, Hillsborough Counties declare local state of emergency in advance of Tropical Storm Elsa
Manatee, Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties have declared a local state of emergency, allowing county staff to do any necessary emergency actions during Tropical Storm Elsa.
Manatee, Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties have declared a local state of emergency, allowing county staff to do any necessary emergency actions during Tropical Storm Elsa.
Injured diver 'freaked out' watching recovered GoPro footage of alligator attack
Jeffrey Heim wound up with dozens of staples in his scalp after diving into the jaws of an alligator in the Myakka River a month ago. The GoPro camera he was wearing was lost – until now.
Jeffrey Heim wound up with dozens of staples in his scalp after diving into the jaws of an alligator in the Myakka River a month ago. The GoPro camera he was wearing was lost – until now.
Baugh tried to gain political favor with Lakewood Ranch vaccine clinic, investigation finds
On February 18, Manatee County Commissioner Vanessa Baugh apologized for her role in limiting the distribution of 3,000 doses of vaccines to two exclusive Lakewood Ranch ZIP codes and creating what became known as a ‘VIP list’ of recipients.
On February 18, Manatee County Commissioner Vanessa Baugh apologized for her role in limiting the distribution of 3,000 doses of vaccines to two exclusive Lakewood Ranch ZIP codes and creating what became known as a ‘VIP list’ of recipients.
Environmental groups sue state over Piney Point phosphate site
A coalition of environmental groups filed a federal lawsuit alleging that Florida and other defendants have long mishandled a former phosphate-plant site where massive amounts of contaminated water were released this spring to avert a potential catastrophe.
A coalition of environmental groups filed a federal lawsuit alleging that Florida and other defendants have long mishandled a former phosphate-plant site where massive amounts of contaminated water were released this spring to avert a potential catastrophe.
New fencing along Sunshine Skyway Bridge will save lives, FHP corporal says
The beautiful gateway into Tampa Bay has been the site of more than 250 suicide deaths since its opening in 1987. Now, those who patrol it applaud the latest step to cut down on suicide attempts, but say more work is always needed.
The beautiful gateway into Tampa Bay has been the site of more than 250 suicide deaths since its opening in 1987. Now, those who patrol it applaud the latest step to cut down on suicide attempts, but say more work is always needed.
After denying initial request, FDOT allows Sunshine Skyway Bridge to light up for Pride
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge is shining in rainbow colors for Pride Month. Just two weeks ago, state officials rejected requests for the color scheme, claiming it wasn't technically possible.
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge is shining in rainbow colors for Pride Month. Just two weeks ago, state officials rejected requests for the color scheme, claiming it wasn't technically possible.
Paramedics disarm man they say went from passed out to pulling a gun
Two Manatee County paramedics said they never expected the man they were called to help, who had passed out in his vehicle, would wake up and immediately pull a gun from the center console.
Two Manatee County paramedics said they never expected the man they were called to help, who had passed out in his vehicle, would wake up and immediately pull a gun from the center console.
8 COVID-19 cases, 2 deaths reported among unvaccinated Manatee County employees
Five people working in the county's IT department caught COVID-19. Four were hospitalized and two died. Three additional cases were reported within Port Manatee's Security Department. None of them were vaccinated, officials said.
Five people working in the county's IT department caught COVID-19. Four were hospitalized and two died. Three additional cases were reported within Port Manatee's Security Department. None of them were vaccinated, officials said.