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.

Man accused of murdering Venice housekeeper had over 30 prior felony arrests; why was he out of jail? 

Stephen Havrilka had more than 30 felony arrests and 19 convictions before he allegedly beat Tina Strader to death at a Venice hotel and prosecutors did what they could to keep him locked up for as long as possible.

Husband finds wife brutally beaten in Venice motel room; guest with violent past charged with murder

A Venice man with a lengthy criminal record – an "animal," according to the sheriff – has been arrested for ambushing a motel housekeeper and beating her so badly that she later died.

Sarasota police want your unused prescription drugs 'with no questions asked'

Sarasota police are asking residents to drop off their unused prescription drugs this Saturday, April 24 as part of a partnership with the DEA to prevent pill abuse and theft.