Ruby Bridges Day: How a 6-year-old became an icon of bravery, desegregation in the south

Walking together and wearing purple, students from Bay Haven School of Basics Plus commemorated the actions of one brave little girl who, 62 years ago, became the face of integrating schools.

Red tide returns to Sarasota County beaches

Researchers in Sarasota are working to see if hurricanes had an impact on the return of red tide to the county's beaches. They believe the current bloom was present a month ago, but it will take time to tell if there are any correlations. 

Woman hit and killed by pickup truck in Sarasota, deputies say

A woman was hit and killed by a pickup truck on Clark Road and Colonial Drive in Sarasota Friday evening, deputies said.

Local veterans celebrate 247th birthday of the US Marine Corps

A group of local veterans never lets the Marine Corps birthday pass without marking the occasion. They celebrated the 247th birthday like they've done every year since 2003 — by meeting at Marina Jack Restaurant in Sarasota.

North Port residents still left with debris piles, tarped roofs ahead of Tropical Storm Nicole

Streets in North Port are still lined with debris piles waiting to be picked up as residents prepare for Tropical Storm Nicole. The city also said it's time to make sure tarps are secure with many also still waiting for roof repairs in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian.

State, federal partners continue to help North Port rebuild after Hurricane Ian

More than five weeks after Hurricane Ian left the City of North Port devastated, blue tarps still cover roofs and some businesses remain closed. State and federal partners were back in the city Monday to continue efforts to help them rebuild. 

SPD: 1 shot, injured in Sarasota

The Sarasota Police Department is investigating a shooting that sent one person to the hospital early Sunday morning.

Crowley Museum damaged by Hurricane Ian hosts community cleanup

A Sarasota museum that was forced to close after Hurricane Ian is asking for help cleaning up so they can reopen in time for the holidays. 

Calls to reopen Midnight Pass grow with nearby waterway behind it 'dying'

A grassroots effort to restore a precious Tampa Bay area waterway is gaining traction, but the fix is highly controversial. It involves messing with mother nature – something that's rarely done.

Man accused of trying to buy $23M worth of properties, luxury car with fake name, pledged $3M to foundation

A Sarasota man was arrested for using a false identity to try and buy two properties and a luxury car valued at more than $23 million, deputies said. He's also accused of pledging more than $3 million to former sportscaster Dick Vitale's foundation. 

Sarasota man gave LSD to 11-year-old girl he met on Instagram, deputies say

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office issued a warning for parents after an 11-year-old took LSD she allegedly got from a man she met on Instagram.

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.