After choking death of teen with special needs, parents seek clarity on staff response at Riverview High

After an 18-year-old with cerebral palsy died after choking at school, the school wrote in a report that the girl had a seizure. Her parents hope the school will provide clarity around what happened and the staff response, in order to prevent another tragedy.

Mote Marine's shark tank diver had love for aquariums while growing up: 'I’ve always been amazed by sharks'

Rachel is the one who dives into shark tanks at Mote Marine and maintains their habitat. She knew she wanted to work at Mote even when she was as young as 12. "I’ve always been amazed by sharks. I used to come to Mote as a kid and I always thought the sharks were the coolest."

Sarasota County continues cleanup one month after Hurricane Ian

One month after Hurricane Ian devastated parts of the Tampa Bay area, the cleanup continues in Sarasota County, with several communities still waiting for working electricity and water.

Brian Laundrie's parents request limiting depositions about son's 'history and last days' in Petito lawsuit

The parents of Brian Laundrie have asked a judge to limit depositions in the civil suit filed by Gabby Petito's family, saying it will “protect them from annoyance, embarrassment, oppression, undue burden and expense."

Crews still working in Sarasota County to clear debris left behind by Hurricane Ian

Trucks and crews cleaning up debris have become a familiar sight in Sarasota County. They are still working as fast and as hard as they can to get debris left behind by Hurricane Ian out of yards. 

Wildlife center volunteers care for hundreds of animals injured during Hurricane Ian

It’s difficult to measure the impact Hurricane Ian had on Florida’s wildlife, but volunteers at the Wildlife Center of Southwest Florida are seeing it first-hand.  

Hundreds of Hurricane Ian survivors denied FEMA help after being approved

Hundreds of survivors of Hurricane Ian applied for FEMA's help. They were approved, but the money never came and neither did an explanation. 

Breast cancer survivor creates horseback riding event to support Making Strides

Horses are a comfort for Lisa Fields. The animals have been part of the support team for Fields and her mother during their breast cancer battles. 

Florida issuing relief funds for residents in hard-hit counties to help pay insurance deductibles

Millions of dollars will be allocated from the state to housing partners in six counties, including DeSoto, Hardee, and Sarasota, to help residents pay their home insurance deductibles.

Sarasota County dispatcher gets special farewell from father who serves as police officer

As a dispatcher with Sarasota County got ready for her last shift, officers signed on to say goodbye. The voice on the other side of the radio was the dispatcher's father.

Full repairs to Sarasota County schools could take months

Sarasota County school leaders said they’ve come a long way to get all schools open this week after Hurricane Ian, but full repairs could take months.

American Cancer Society helps young mother through breast cancer battle

Nicole Van Blarcum is one of many breast cancer survivors who participate in the American Cancer Society's Making Strides walk. Her path to Making Strides started almost nine years ago at only 30 years old -- she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Sarasota County schools fully reopen after Hurricane Ian

Students in southern Sarasota County are returning to school on Monday after being out for nearly three weeks because of Hurricane Ian.

Thousands of meals handed out at The Salvation Army's North Port campus despite damages from Hurricane Ian

Since Hurricane Ian passed through Florida, 525,000 meals and snacks have been handed out through The Salvation Army. They've worked to help more than 12,000 people with emotional and spiritual care.