Hospitals test surgical patients for COVID-19 as elective procedures resume
Elective surgeries across the state of Florida have resumed, but many hospitals are now screening patients for COVID-19 before they head into the operation room. Doctors hope the extra precaution will help prevent the virus from spreading to medical staff and other patients.
Elective surgeries across the state of Florida have resumed, but many hospitals are now screening patients for COVID-19 before they head into the operation room. Doctors hope the extra precaution will help prevent the virus from spreading to medical staff and other patients.
Sarasota County eases beach restrictions; parking lots open Monday
Beaches in Sarasota County were already open for a week for exercise only, but, starting Monday, beachgoers can hit the sand for all purposes, including sunbathing.
Beaches in Sarasota County were already open for a week for exercise only, but, starting Monday, beachgoers can hit the sand for all purposes, including sunbathing.
New COVID-19 drive-up testing site opens in Sarasota
The state's 11th drive-up COVID-19 testing location opened up at the University Town Center Mall on Sunday, May 3, 2020. Anyone who wants to get tested, regardless if they're showing symptoms or not, is welcome -- even if they do not have insurance.
The state's 11th drive-up COVID-19 testing location opened up at the University Town Center Mall on Sunday, May 3, 2020. Anyone who wants to get tested, regardless if they're showing symptoms or not, is welcome -- even if they do not have insurance.
North Port police searching for missing woman
The North Port Police Department is searching for Theresa Williams, 58, who was last seen by her neighbors a day or two ago in her apartment complex (Willow Creek Apartments in North Port).
The North Port Police Department is searching for Theresa Williams, 58, who was last seen by her neighbors a day or two ago in her apartment complex (Willow Creek Apartments in North Port).
Deputies arrest man suspected of North Port murder
Alachua County deputies arrested Robert Parolisi Friday night just north of Gainesville after a woman was found dead from a gunshot wound at his North Port residence earlier in the evening.
Alachua County deputies arrested Robert Parolisi Friday night just north of Gainesville after a woman was found dead from a gunshot wound at his North Port residence earlier in the evening.
State College of Florida graduates via virtual ceremony
From the State College of Florida board room, Dr. Carol Probstfeld addressed more than 600 who logged on to watch the virtual graduation of the class of 2020.
From the State College of Florida board room, Dr. Carol Probstfeld addressed more than 600 who logged on to watch the virtual graduation of the class of 2020.
Record number of sea turtle nests documented in Sarasota as season begins
Sea turtle nesting season starts today, but Mote Marine Laboratory has already seen promising numbers.
Sea turtle nesting season starts today, but Mote Marine Laboratory has already seen promising numbers.
Venice cancels Fourth of July fireworks because of COVID-19 financial, operational concerns
Fireworks won’t be lighting the night sky in Venice, Florida this Fourth of July due to COVID-19-related financial and operational concerns, says Venice city manager Ed Lavallee.
Fireworks won’t be lighting the night sky in Venice, Florida this Fourth of July due to COVID-19-related financial and operational concerns, says Venice city manager Ed Lavallee.
Mystery solved: Venice museum says 1932 diary belonged to resident who lived in city for 22 years
The museum in the city of Venice was trying to find the owner of a diary from 1932, and a very observant resident helped them figure it out.
The museum in the city of Venice was trying to find the owner of a diary from 1932, and a very observant resident helped them figure it out.
Salon, gym owners wonder what's next after Florida's plan to reopen left them out
While some Florida businesses are preparing to reopen Monday as part of phase one of Governor Ron DeSantis’ Reopen Florida Task Force’s plan, others have been left in the dark.
While some Florida businesses are preparing to reopen Monday as part of phase one of Governor Ron DeSantis’ Reopen Florida Task Force’s plan, others have been left in the dark.
Bradenton medical assistant arrested for drug trafficking
Sarasota police arrested Kelly Gaffney, 49, on 241 felony charges and 26 misdemeanor charges after they say she wrote fraudulent prescriptions in her name and her son’s name for two years.
Sarasota police arrested Kelly Gaffney, 49, on 241 felony charges and 26 misdemeanor charges after they say she wrote fraudulent prescriptions in her name and her son’s name for two years.
Beach parking will reopen in Sarasota County; Chairs, coolers and canopies also allowed starting Monday
It was sooner than expected, but residents in Sarasota County will have their parking back if they want to head to the beach. In addition, commissioners decided to allow people to use the beach for all uses -- not just for exercise -- as long as beachgoers follow social distancing guidelines.
It was sooner than expected, but residents in Sarasota County will have their parking back if they want to head to the beach. In addition, commissioners decided to allow people to use the beach for all uses -- not just for exercise -- as long as beachgoers follow social distancing guidelines.
Venice museum needs help identifying owner of 1932 diary
A museum in the city of Venice came across a diary that appears to be nearly 90 years old. They hope someone can help track down the original author or her relatives.
A museum in the city of Venice came across a diary that appears to be nearly 90 years old. They hope someone can help track down the original author or her relatives.
Sarasota County health department hosts second series of drive-thru testing
Residents in Sarasota County will have another chance to get tested for the novel coronavirus as health officials open drive-thru testing sites for the second week in a row.
Residents in Sarasota County will have another chance to get tested for the novel coronavirus as health officials open drive-thru testing sites for the second week in a row.
Outlook for COVID-19 in Florida's long-term care facilities worsens as new data emerges
In Pinellas County, 40% of those whose death is attributed to COVID-19 were residents of long-term care facilities. In Manatee County, it’s 43%. In Sarasota County, it’s 44%.
In Pinellas County, 40% of those whose death is attributed to COVID-19 were residents of long-term care facilities. In Manatee County, it’s 43%. In Sarasota County, it’s 44%.
Their walk for cancer continues -- 30 minutes at a time
The coronavirus isn’t going to keep one Sarasota couple from their efforts to raise money to fight cancer.
The coronavirus isn’t going to keep one Sarasota couple from their efforts to raise money to fight cancer.
No apparent issues as Sarasota County beaches reopen for limited use
After shutting down for more than a month, Sarasota’s beaches are officially back open, sort of.
After shutting down for more than a month, Sarasota’s beaches are officially back open, sort of.
Nearly 40 coronavirus-related deaths occurred among six nursing homes in Manatee, Sarasota counties
Nursing homes in Florida -- deemed as "ground zero" by the governor -- continue to face a growing number of COVID-19 cases and deaths, including facilities within Manatee and Sarasota counties.
Nursing homes in Florida -- deemed as "ground zero" by the governor -- continue to face a growing number of COVID-19 cases and deaths, including facilities within Manatee and Sarasota counties.
Small businesses in Sarasota County can apply for a loan
Low-interest loans will be made available for small businesses directly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic in Sarasota County.
Low-interest loans will be made available for small businesses directly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic in Sarasota County.
Woman 'extremely shaken up' after lightning blasts hole in Sarasota home
A line of strong storms gave many in the Bay Area an unwelcome wakeup call early Friday morning, but it was downright terrifying for Matthew St. Aubin and his neighbor, whose house was struck by lightning.
A line of strong storms gave many in the Bay Area an unwelcome wakeup call early Friday morning, but it was downright terrifying for Matthew St. Aubin and his neighbor, whose house was struck by lightning.