North Port considers 18-month moratorium on data centers as details emerge for data center development site

North Port commissioners are considering an 18-month moratorium on data centers while a multi-building application remains under review, drawing strong public outcry over environmental risks.

12th judicial circuit judge cited after leaving the scene of a two-car crash

A 12th judicial circuit judge accused of sideswiping another vehicle was cited for careless driving and failure to give information after leaving the scene of an accident. According to a police report, Circuit Judge Thomas Krug told investigators he did not realize he struck the car while attempting to merge into its lane.

Nathan Benderson Park to host 9/11 memorial stair climb

Firefighters, emergency crews and community members are preparing to gather at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota for a memorial stair climb honoring those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001.

Sarasota parking enforcement expansion remains frozen as leaders reset plans

A planned expansion of both paid and free timed parking enforcement in the city of Sarasota remains on hold after business owners and residents voiced opposition. 

Man arrested after cutting down oak tree at Venice crash memorial: VPD

A man was arrested after police said he intentionally cut down a mature oak tree at a Venice park that had become a memorial following a deadly crash.

North Port DUI arrest: Sleeping driver caught on U.S. 41

Police arrested a driver in North Port after officers discovered him asleep behind the wheel on U.S. 41 after he drank too much alcohol.

Dump truck flips, trailer catches fire on I-75 in North Port

North Port drivers are seeing delays on I-75 after a dump truck flipped and a trailer caught on fire, according to first responders. 

Walmart grounds crew helps save 2 women after car crashes into North Port creek: NPFR

Take a look at the grass lawn on the side of the Walmart parking lot on Tamiami Trail in North Port, and it seems normal, but take a step closer, and you will see a broken tail light, a damaged fence and cut down trees.

Ringling College’s theme park design competition offers $20K scholarship

Ringling College of Art and Design is inviting high school juniors and seniors nationwide to step into another world by designing an original parade float.

Bond set for Ex-Sarasota officer accused of misusing Flock cameras hundreds of times

A former Sarasota police officer faces criminal charges after authorities said he improperly searched for the same license plate hundreds of times using law enforcement surveillance technology.

Sarasota Police Officer arrested following misuse of Flock cameras, among other databases

The Sarasota Police Department reported an officer was terminated on Wednesday after arresting him in connection with an ongoing criminal investigation into the alleged misuse of law enforcement search databases, including Flock. 

North Port opens new $10.2M fire station in growing Wellen Park community

North Port Fire Rescue has opened Fire Station 87 in the Wellen Park community to keep pace with rapid local growth and improve emergency response times, city officials said.

Sarasota County primary: Candidates warn voters of fake campaign guides

Sarasota County commissioners and local candidates are demanding an investigation into out-of-state organizations they claim are using artificial intelligence and fabricated voter guides to deceive voters ahead of Tuesday's primary election.

'Doing it for your country': Sarasota gymnasts head to world championships

A local gymnastics training facility in Sarasota is celebrating a major milestone after three of its elite athletes earned spots on the national roster representing the country on the international stage.

Booker High School football pauses varsity play: Here is why

A high school football program in Sarasota canceled its varsity season after dismissing its former head coach and losing several players to transfer.