'Save Siesta Key' explores incorporation to have a louder local voice

The dredging of Big Pass, a development planned at Stickney Point and U.S. 41, and a roundabout have left some Siesta Key residents exploring incorporation.

Sarasota officer breaks window to rescue dog left in hot car

A Sarasota police officer used a metal pole to break a car window in order to rescue a panting, drooling dog left inside the hot vehicle. The temperature inside the sedan registered 115 degrees.

Carlie Brucia's killer gets new sentencing hearing

The Florida Supreme Court on Friday ordered a new sentencing hearing for a man who killed 11-year-old Carlie Brucia in Sarasota County in a case that drew national attention.

Volunteers pull 267 pounds of trash and debris from New Pass

Dozens of volunteers with Sarasota Bay Watch hauled everything from fishing poles to cast nets to cell phones and even a BB gun from the waters of New Pass recently.

Ringling Causeway lanes reopen after gas leak

Traffic to the beach was blocked in Sarasota earlier, thanks to a gas leak near the John Ringling Causeway.

Independence Day celebrations return to Bay Area

Fireworks will once again light up the night on the Fourth of July. Sarasota, Lakeland, Bradenton, and St. Petersburg all say plans are in the works for an Independence Day to remember.

Giant manta ray swims near Sarasota police patrol boat

There has been another giant manta ray sighting in the Bay Area. This time, off the coast of Sarasota.

911 dispatchers left off Florida's first-responder bonus list

Governor Ron DeSantis announced Wednesday that firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, and law enforcement officer would be getting $1,000 pandemic bonuses, but 911 operators say the stress and demands of their jobs warrants putting them on that list.

Sarasota girl dies in fire, possibly trying to save dogs, witnesses say

Officials say multiple 911 calls were made about two homes on fire on Iowa Street. Witnesses said a young girl went into one of the houses and never came back out.

Sarasota PD turns on 154 body-warn cameras

The body-worn cameras were purchased for $3.2 million. The city approved funds covering training, hardware, and storage for five years. Sarasota police said the benefits far outweigh the price tag. 

Sarasota Eagle Scout earns ever possible merit badge from Boy Scouts of America

Owen joined the Wolf Scouts in second grade. He's now a 16-year-old Eagle Scout and he's earned every merit badge possible. Since 1912, less than 500 scouts than out of 110 million have accomplished that feat.

North Port teens get chance to go to prom in style -- for free

North Port office space has been transformed into a prom boutique, with designer dresses, shoes, jewelry, corsages and even clothes for the guys.  Everything is free for seniors attending North Port's community prom. 

Giant gator shows up on front doorstep of Sarasota home

Here's one visitor you don't want at your front door. This giant gator showed up outside of a Sarasota home last night and hung out for about 10 minutes on the couple's doorstep.