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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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%.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

Sarasota couple arrested after gun was found in baby's stroller, police say

A fully-loaded gun was found in a stroller where an infant child was sitting, leading to the arrest of a Sarasota couple, police said Friday morning.

FHP: Road rage suspect arrested after pointing gun at driver on I-75

Florida Highway Patrol troopers arrested a Fort Myers man in Sarasota County after learning he may have pointed a weapon toward another drive, they said.

Family donates phone chargers to hospitals after phone call helped their loved one battling COVID-19

As Dr. Steve Hefler lay fighting COVID-19 in the ICU at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, his family in San Diego felt helpless because his cell phone died within 48 hours and he didn't have a charger.

Manatee, Sarasota school districts reschedule graduation dates

It's become much more evident that high school seniors won't have the traditional graduation ceremony they expected earlier this year after the COVID-19 outbreak. 

Leaders vote to reopen Sarasota County beaches April 27 for exercise

Commissioners voted unanimously to reopen county beaches on April 27 for just "essential" activities outlined by Governor Ron DeSantis' stay-at-home order. This will include activities like biking and walking for exercise and fresh air.

Carlie Brucia's killer headed back to death row after judge rejects request

Joseph Smith, the man convicted of abducting 11-year-old Carlie Brucia from a Sarasota car wash in 2004, is headed back to death row after a judge rejected his request for a new sentencing.

Sarasota County opens first of three drive-thru COVID-19 test sites

Residents in Sarasota County seeking testing for the coronavirus will have three options by the end of the week. But, they will need to make an appointment first.