ReportWire

Tag: Sarasota County

  • Anna Maria City Pier set for comeback after $2 million county approval

    [ad_1]

    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Manatee County commissioners have approved a grant of up to $2 million to help rebuild the Anna Maria City Pier. In total, it’s a $7 to $8 million project.

    Anna Maria City Mayor Mark Short said right now, the city is paying for the work, but will soon receive money from FEMA, the state and the county.

    Members of the community can’t contain their anticipation for when the rebuilt pier will be complete.

    What You Need To Know

    • Manatee County commissioners approved a grant of up to $2 million to help rebuild the Anna Maria City Pier — part of a $7 to $8 million total project
    • The mayor says the pier is coming back stronger built with solid cement pilings and reinforced connections designed to better withstand major storms
    • Local business owners and residents say the pier is a vital landmark and gathering place, and its return will boost both community spirit and local businesses

    Kitchen Manager Michael Rain has been working at The Waterfront Restaurant in Anna Maria for 17 years.

    “I love it,” he said. “Love the people I get to meet that work here. They’re fun.”

    What wasn’t fun, he said, was dealing with the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024. Right across the street from his restaurant, the iconic Anna Maria City Pier was significantly damaged.

    But now it’s being rebuilt, with help from the Manatee County commissioners’ grant.

    The pier is special to many people in the community, including Rain.

    “I grew up coming out here visiting my cousin, fishing on the pier. So that’ll be exciting,” he said.

    He says a rebuilt pier will also be good for business.

    “I believe so, especially locals from in town,” he said. “You get to come out and it gives them just one more thing to do while out here.”

    Short said they’re not just rebuilding the pier, but it is coming back stronger than ever.

    Short said the walkway this time around is being built with solid cement pilings. The prior walkway, built after Hurricane Irma, was constructed with precast pilings that had a hole in the middle. In addition, they will all be connected by cement bents and stringers.

    He said they’re focused on making this new pier more resilient than the last.

    “Now, there’s never a guarantee,” Short said, adding the rebuilt pier is on track to be completed by the end of the year. “We do believe that this walkway will survive a significant storm.”

    [ad_2]

    Julia Hazel

    Source link

  • New $59M state appeal courthouse opens in St. Petersburg

    [ad_1]

    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A ceremonial ribbon cutting for the new $59 million Bernie McCabe Second District Court of Appeal courthouse in downtown St. Petersburg will be held on Saturday, along with a tour for community leaders.

    What You Need To Know

    • A ceremonial ribbon cutting for the new Bernie McCabe Second District Court of Appeal courthouse in downtown St. Petersburg will be held on Saturday

    • The three-story courthouse along Mirror Lake in downtown St. Petersburg cost $59 million

    • It serves six counties: Pinellas, Pasco, Hillsborough, Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto

    • The courthouse is named after Bernie McCabe, who was the State Attorney for Pinellas and Pasco Counties for nearly 30 years, before his death in 2021


    “This is a way for us to recognize all of the partners who have helped us along the way to make this happen,” said Chief Judge Matt Lucas. “A way for us to formally announce to everyone, ‘Hey, we’re here, we’re open for business, we’re part of this community and we’re excited to get to work.’”

    Lucas said staff began moving into the courthouse in December, with the first oral arguments held last month. Construction at the site, located at 525 Mirror Lake Drive North, began in 2023. The appeal courthouse opened on budget and on time, according to Lucas.

    The 59,000 square-foot building features a single courtroom, suites for 15 judges and workspace for 96 staff members. Lucas said the community room, which the court provides as a meeting space for local bar associations, has become very popular.

    “I will tell you, my phone has been ringing off the hook,” he said. “I had no idea there was so much pent up demand in St Petersburg, but we’re thrilled it’s getting used.” 

    The courtroom is the crown jewel of the three-story building featuring the latest technology and sound absorbing acoustic panels on the walls. Attorney Kevin Hayslett said it’s the envy of most judges in the state.

    “It is pristine. It’s the talk of every appellate judge in the state,” he said. “We’ve got the best courtroom in the state right here in St. Pete.”

    Chief Judge Matt Lucas in the new courtroom. (Spectrum News/Josh Rojas)

    A panel of three appellate court judges serve the Sixth Judicial Circuit (Pinellas and Pasco counties), the 13th Circuit (Hillsborough County) and the 12th Circuit (Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties). Lucas said the state chose to build the courthouse in St. Petersburg because of its centralized location.

    “Being right in the center downtown, it’s fitting. It makes sense,” he said. “It’s a place where everyone, when they walk by, whether they have business here or not, they know, yeah, the second DCA is doing the work that they’re supposed to be doing for the people in our district.”

    Before moving into the new courthouse, the judges and staff were working out of the Stetson Law Center in Tampa and a leased building in Lakeland. In 2016, the second DCA had to abandon its courthouse in Lakeland due to structural and air-quality issues.

    Lucas said while everything in the courtroom is brand new, they did bring a few pieces of the past to honor traditions.

    “These oak tables are the original council tables from the Lakeland courthouse,” he said. “We have the original gavel up on the bench there.”

    The courthouse is named after Bernie McCabe, who was the State Attorney for Pinellas and Pasco Counties for nearly 30 years. He died on Jan. 1, 2021, at the age of 73. Hayslett worked as a prosecutor under McCabe. He said naming the courthouse after McCabe honors his legacy of public service.

    “When you think about Bernie McCabe, you think of a person that he believed in law and order,” Lucas said. “He believed in the right of law and people to appeal their sentences even when it didn’t go their way. That’s Bernie McCabe.” 

    Lucas said a modern courthouse must have two important functions to fulfill, security and technology.

    “Keeping up with technology and leaving room for new technology,” he said. “This building has numerous security features and layered security features.”  

    Having an office overlooking Mirror Lake makes it really easy to work at the courthouse, Lucas said, and he’s not looking to leave anytime soon.

    “We are here to stay,” he said. “I have every intention of being here for as long as the people of Florida will have me.”

    [ad_2]

    Josh Rojas

    Source link

  • Bradenton River Regatta back with more high-speed racing

    [ad_1]

    BRADENTON, Fla. — The biggest event of the year for the cities of Bradenton and Palmetto kicks off Friday evening with a high-energy start before a weekend packed with world-class racing, family-friendly events and an expected crowd topping 100,000. 

    The 11th annual Bradenton Area River Regatta begins with “Friday Night Flash” from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., featuring live music, food vendors, entertainment and a drone show that will light up the sky over the Manatee River.

    What You Need To Know

    • Bradenton Area Regatta to feature Formula 1 and tri-hull boats this year

    • Race gets underway at 10 a.m. Saturday 

    • The Green Bridge will be closed to traffic Saturday that spans the Manatee River between Bradenton and Palmetto  

    • Friday Night Flash kicks off on Friday at 5 p.m. with live music and food vendors, followed by a drone show over the Manatee River 


    But this year’s regatta is being described as a turning point for the event — thanks to major additions on the water.

    For the first time, Formula 1 powerboats will headline the races, replacing Formula 2 boats. The difference is speed.

    Formula 1 boats can top 150 miles per hour and accelerate from 0 to 100 miles per hour in under five seconds. At peak speed, the boats skim so lightly across the surface that they are barely touching the water.

    Another new category will feature tri-hull boats, capable of reaching speeds up to 100 miles per hour.

    Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown says with new racing categories, the more than decade-old regatta feels like year one all over again.

    “This is kind of year one. Because when you think about it, going into the 11th year, with bringing in the new boats and really having 40 boats, that is going to change the dynamics of what is happening,” said Brown. “But without the sponsorships, without all the city staff, with everybody over the 11 years, we wouldn’t be anywhere where we are.”

    The regatta will also host the first-ever Florida Formula 1 Championships.

    While high-speed racing is the main attraction, the weekend will see several community events on and off the water, including the LECOM 5k Run and the DeSoto Little Anglers Fishing Tournament. 

    Brown says the event has grown significantly over the past decade and helped define the area.

    The races begin at 10 a.m. Saturday. The best viewing location is the Green Bridge, which spans the Manatee River between Bradenton and Palmetto.

    However, the bridge will be closed all day Saturday during the races.

    Organizers say there will be plenty of parking available on both sides of the river.

    With a drone show Friday night, faster boats on the water and tens of thousands expected to attend, this year’s regatta is shaping up to be one of the biggest yet.

    [ad_2]

    Jason Lanning

    Source link

  • Interactive Map: Track Florida Wildfires

    [ad_1]

    TAMPA, Fla. — The Florida dry season usually runs from November through May, and with that comes fire danger. This is usually due to low humidity and reduced rainfall. 

    Due to the enhanced fire danger, burn bans are in effect for the Tampa Bay area. A burn ban prohibits burning outdoors as well as fireworks, sparklers and fire pits. Outdoor grilling is allowed as long as flames are contained within a grill and the fire is constantly attended. 

    Here are some safety tips to prevent fires:

    • Remove fuels that can lead flames to your home or that can be ignited by windblown embers.
    • Clear away dead grass, leaves, twigs, and branches from structures, roofs, rain gutters, decks, and walkways.
    • Store firewood at least 30 feet from occupied structures.
    • Plant landscaping that retains moisture and resists ignition, such as native, fire-resistant vegetation.
    • Help emergency responders find your home faster by making sure that street numbers are easy to read.
    • Know where the closest firefighting water source is to your home or building.
    • Dispose of cigarette butts properly.
    • Pick up light-refracting metal items, such as soda cans, that can spark a fire.     
    • Don’t park vehicles over high grass that could come into contact with hot engines and other components.

    INTERACTIVE MAP: LATEST WILDFIRES

    Click/tap on the fire icons to get more information on that particular fire.


    If the map does not load, try this link

    Florida Wildfire Resource Links:

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Spring Training games set to begin across the Bay area

    [ad_1]

    TAMPA, Fla. — Baseball fans are heading back to Florida as Grapefruit League spring training games begin this weekend across the state, with matchups scheduled in cities including Tampa, Clearwater, Bradenton, Dunedin, Lakeland, and Sarasota.

     The annual preseason tradition is expected to draw thousands of visitors, providing a significant boost for local tourism, hotels, and restaurants.

    What You Need To Know

    •  Florida’s Grapefruit League says it has spured a $679-million-dollar ecomnomic ompact to the State of Florida 

    • Games begin this Friday and run through the end of March 

    • Hotels in Tampa’s midtown district are seeing a spike in occupancy as it is in close proximity to Steinbrenner Field and the Yankees spring training facility  

    • For the scheudle of the Grapefruit Leagues spring training games, visit here: BN9 Spring Traing Guide 2026


    One of the biggest attractions each year is the New York Yankees, who play their spring training games at Steinbrenner Field.

    Located near Tampa’s rapidly growing Midtown district, the stadium sits close to a range of hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues that benefit from the seasonal influx of fans.

    Local hospitality leaders said the spring training season consistently brings a surge of visitors.

    Brittany Mattix, assistant general manager of the Midtown Aloft hotel, says the area becomes especially lively during rivalry games, when passionate fans from across the country travel to see their teams play.

    “Very busy. We’re super excited,” said Mattix. “We encounter every year during this time for spring training, especially during the rival game, such an influx of passionate people that are just very, very overwhelmed with joy to see their teams playing here. 

    “With it being in such close proximity, Midtown is a great place to be for this.”

    Spring training runs through late March, leading up to Opening Day March 26. During that time, many fans travel to Florida for extended stays—some remaining for the entire six-week season—helping sustain strong business activity throughout the region.

    The Yankees open their home schedule Friday at 1:05 p.m., facing the Baltimore Orioles.

    Local fans will also be heading south to Port Charlotte, where the Tampa Bay Rays hold spring training at Charlotte Sports Park.

    The Rays begin their preseason schedule Saturday at 1:05 p.m. against the Atlanta Braves.

    With multiple teams playing across Florida and fans arriving from around the country, regional tourism officials and local businesses expect another busy and economically important spring training season.

    [ad_2]

    Jason Lanning

    Source link

  • Manatee and Sarasota residents compete in the Gulf Coast Games for Life

    [ad_1]

    BRADENTON, Fla. — For Janet Rumig of Sarasota, the bowling alley is a second home.

    She is so comfortable walking up to the lane that it is hard to tell this is a competition, specifically the Gulf Coast Games for Life.

    What You Need To Know

    • Gulf Coast Games for Life is a program that encourages seniors to train and exercise year-round

    • Now through February 21, seniors will compete in sixteen different sports
    • Winners of the matches can qualify for the Florida Senior Games State Championships

    • Research from the National Institutes of Health reports that both men and women can add at least a decade to their life expectancy by prioritizing a healthy lifestyle


    “I think I am the only person in my age group, so I should win,” said Rumig.

    This is the qualifying match for the Florida Senior Games State Championships. Andrea King with Sarasota County Parks and Recreation says it has been a tradition for nearly 40 years, and the primary goal is not to necessarily come home with a medal.

    “They get to be together with other people. There is a social component which is as important as the physical side,” King explained.

    Whether it is bowling or another sport, the purpose of the Gulf Coast Games for Life is to incentivize seniors to train and exercise year-round.

    Research from the National Institutes of Health reports that both men and women can add at least a decade to their life expectancy by prioritizing a healthy lifestyle.

    For Rumig, bowling has always been a part of her routine.

    “As kids, we could go bowling, one game for a quarter. But if we were willing to set pins for somebody else, then we could bowl for free,” Rumig added.

    Competing, however, Rumig did not start until her golden years.

    “I would have done more competitive bowling, except we had kids,” she mentioned.

    She does not hide her age or her secret to staying in shape.

    “Just did it for fun. Being healthier is just a benefit,” said Rumig.

    Her true motivation for bowling multiple times a week is sharing the lane with her friends and husband, Mike.

    Bowling better than the boys is something her husband says she has done for the past 42 years of marriage.

    Just like getting a strike again and again, bowling is like taking her daily medication for life — a daily dose of life.

    The Gulf Coast Games for Life are far from over. Now through February 21, seniors will compete in sixteen different sports. Those who come home with a medal will qualify for the Florida Senior Games state championships, competing again against other amateur and aging athletes across the state this December.

    [ad_2] Claire Alfree
    Source link

  • MLB Spring Training 2026: Teams, locations and more

    [ad_1]

    PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — Pitchers and catchers are back, signaling another Opening Day is not too far ahead.

    But first comes the state’s annual rite of spring, Major League Baseball’s Spring Training and the Grapefruit League across Florida.

    The Tampa Bay Rays, who return to Tropicana Field this year for the regular season after spending last season outdoors at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, welcome players to camp on Feb. 11 with the first full squad workouts set for Feb. 17. The Rays will play their first spring training game on Feb. 21 against the Atlanta Braves in Port Charlotte.

    With new ownership and a revamped roster, the new-look Rays are saying hello to a lot of new faces and will spend camp filling in lineup spots, establishing depth and finalizing their pitching staff, particularly among their relievers. 

    Meanwhile, 14 other teams are opening camp in the coming days across the state of Florida. (See map below). Cactus League Information

    When the players are back on the field, a big focus this spring will be robotic umpires and the World Baseball Classic.

    In what could be the last full season before a labor confrontation over a possible salary cap proposal, players are preparing for the Automated Ball-Strike system, giving teams a chance to appeal pitch calls by the plate umpire to so-called robot umps.

    ABS was tested in 13 spring training ballparks last year, and teams won 52.2% of 1,182 challenges, which averaged 13.8 seconds. Major League Baseball’s 11-man competition committee voted in September to approve regular-season use for 2026.


    🧢WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC 🧢

    The World Baseball Classic is back in 2026.

    Japan will try for its fourth title and second straight when players leave their clubs for the sixth edition of the tournament, to be played from March 5-17 in Houston; Miami; San Juan; Puerto Rico; and Tokyo.

    Rosters on the 20 national teams include 306 players under major league and minor league contracts, including 78 All-Stars.

    The tournament will begin on March 5 at the Tokyo Dome (March 4 at 10 p.m. ET in the U.S.) with Chinese Taipei and Australia playing in the first game. The other pools — located at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico; Daikin Park in Houston; and LoanDepot Park in Miami — will begin play on March 6.

    Here are the Tampa Bay Rays players taking part in the tournament:

    Here’s what you need to know before the WBC first pitch.

    ⚾2026 Florida Grapefruit League Team Capsules and Locations ⚾

    Atlanta Braves – CoolToday Park, North Port

    Baltimore Orioles – Ed Smith Stadium, Sarasota

    Boston Red Sox – JetBlue Park at Fenway South, Fort Myers

    Detroit Tigers – Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland

    Houston Astros – Ballpark of the Palm Beaches, West Palm Beach

    Miami Marlins – Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium, Jupiter

    Minnesota Twins – Hammond Stadium at Lee County Sports Complex, Fort Myers

    New York Mets – Clover Park, Port St. Lucie

    New York Yankees – George M. Steinbrenner Field, Tampa

    Pittsburgh Pirates – LECOM Park, Bradenton

    Philadelphia Phillies – BayCare Ballpark, Clearwater

    St. Louis Cardinals – Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium, Jupiter

    Tampa Bay Rays – Charlotte Sports Park, Port Charlotte

    Toronto Blue Jays – TD Ballpark, Dunedin

    Washington Nationals – Ballpark of the Palm Beaches, West Palm Beach

    🏟️ SPRING TRAINING STADIUMS 🏟️

     

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Bay area schools weigh adding 2% and whole milk as options

    [ad_1]

    TAMPA, Fla. — When President Donald Trump signed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act in January, it paved the way for 2% and whole milk to return to schools after a nearly 15-year absence.

    What You Need To Know

    • School districts have the option to bring back 2% and whole milk as options

    • No Bay area school district has committed to having these milks as options but are considering them

    • M&B Products said it will work with schools on what they need 


    The Obama administration originally removed those milks in an effort to fight childhood obesity.

    Now, school districts will once again have the option to provide a wider range of milk options. 

    Dale McClellan, the President of M&B Products, a Bay area dairy company, has been working with schools since 2004. 

    The majority of the milk they supply is low fat, but now school districts have more options.

    So far, the response has been limited. 

    “There’s been a little bit of a handful of phone calls from systems wanting to know, do we plan on doing a bigger variety of butterfat percentages? And we’ve told them we would entertain anything that makes sense,” he said.

    Christie Roberts, the Director of Patient Nutrition Services at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, said more options may encourage children to drink more milk.

    “If you’re a child that doesn’t like skim milk and then you have the option of a 2% or whole, then it’s going to increase your consumption of milk,” she said. 

    No matter the type of milk, Roberts said children should have between two and three servings of milk a day.

    “Younger children, we do recommend the more full or fat options for their growth and development,” she said. “But as they get older and they’re trying to work towards a healthy, lean physique and health, then the lower-fat options might be good.” 

    Spectrum News reached out to local school districts to find out if they are considering adding 2% and whole milk as options. 

    No districts have committed to adding the products, but are considering it.  

    Most provided statements that were similar to this from Hillsborough County Schools:

    “We are exploring how we might add whole milk and 2% milk to our offerings, as these products are not part of our current contracts with our dairy vendor.”

    Sarasota County Schools provided this statement:

    “If it is ultimately determined that Sarasota County Schools will move forward with offering 2% and whole milk as part of the National School Lunch Program, the earliest anticipated implementation would be the 2026–2027 school year.”

    [ad_2]

    Matt Lackritz

    Source link

  • Florida Agriculture Commissioner says cold caused up to $1.5B in crop damages

    [ad_1]

    SARASOTA, Fla. — Information from the Florida Department of Agriculture shows that the state’s recent bout of cold weather may have caused more than $1 billion in losses for the state’s farmers. 

    “We’ve really gotten devastated in Florida,” Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson said. “We don’t know the full extent yet of all the damage. Early assessments were the first night, we probably did OK. We were able to come through that. But three nights in a row, well below 32 for many, many hours really has devastated agriculture.”

    What You Need To Know

    • Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson says early assessments show the state’s farmers lost anywhere from $500 million to $1.5 billion to crop damage during the recent bout of cold weather
    • The owner of Blumemberry Farms in Sarasota estimates her losses at $45,000

    • Colleen Blumenthal said her team was able to harvest a lot right before temperatures dipped, but much of what they couldn’t get to was lost — including about 80% of her tomato crop and half of her farm’s green beans

    • Simpson said he’s in talks with federal officials about securing financial relief for Florida farmers


    Walking the fields of Blumenberry Farms in Sarasota, visitors will find as many as 70 different crops. After the recent cold snap hit, owner Colleen Blumenthal said much of the view is very different.

    “This was completely full with really ripe, luscious green beans,” she said. “But once the weather got below 35, they just died on the vine.”

    Blumenthal said about half of her green beans were lost to the recent cold weather, along with 80% of her tomatoes. She said she’s looking at up to $45,000 in losses across all crops.

    Simpson said that is a situation farmers are facing statewide, with early assessments showing anywhere from $500 million to $1.5 billion in damages.

    “You’ve got to remember, this time of year we’re growing 70-80% of all the fresh vegetables that are sold on the eastern seaboard of the United States,” Simpson said. “So, this is the bread basket of the country right now.”

    He said he’s in talks with U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and the White House to secure financial relief for the state’s farmers. 

    “I believe the President (Donald Trump) is going to be very supportive of resources coming back in to support our farmers,” Simpson said. “My big thing was, let’s try to do this in real time.”

    In the meantime, local farms like Blumenberry are making assessments of their own.

    “It’s possible we might be able to harvest those,” farm manager Aaron Drucker said, gesturing to green tomatoes that may not have frozen in the cold. “As far as these plants continuing to thrive and create more tomatoes? Unlikely.”

    According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, agriculture brought nearly $9 billion to the state’s economy in 2022. 

    [ad_2]

    Sarah Blazonis

    Source link

  • Colder than normal temperatures expected for several days

    [ad_1]

    A strong cold front has brought in much cooler air, with another reinforcing shot of cold air this weekend.

    What You Need To Know

    • Freezing temperatures are expected north of Tampa

    • Highs will only be in the 50s and 60s the rest of the work week

    • It could get even colder next weekend


    Low temperatures on Tuesday morning will fall to the mid-to-upper 30s for Tampa, but expect some areas near freezing in eastern Hillsborough and Polk counties.

    A freeze warning is in effect for Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus counties, where lows in the mid-20s to near 30 are likely.

    Wind chills near or even below 20 are possible north of Tampa, with 20s to low 30s wind chills possible elsewhere. 

    Wednesday morning will be a touch colder, so expect freezing temperatures north of Tampa once again.

    Expect another cold morning with a freeze north on Thursday, but it will be slightly milder to start Friday. 

    This Weekend

    Another strong cold front will come through during the day on Saturday.

    This will bring a chance of showers during the day, then falling temperatures Saturday night.

    Sunday morning could be the coldest of the winter, with temperatures near freezing in Tampa and possibly in the teens in Hernando and Citrus counties.

    Long Term Forecast

    Beyond the weekend, there is no sign of the colder air letting up.

    A big dip in the jet stream across the eastern United States will continue to drive cold fronts south.

    Below-normal temperatures are expected through at least the first week of February. 

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

    [ad_2]

    Meteorologist Kyle Hanson

    Source link

  • Latest airport delays and cancellations due to winter weather

    [ad_1]

    TAMPA, Fla. — The winter storm that swept across the nation is causing delays and cancellations at our local airports.

    Check below to see the status of all the flights at Tampa International Airport as well as St. Pete / Clearwater airport.

    **Be sure to double check your flight status on the airport websites as information could be delayed**

    Tampa International Arrivals

    Tampa International Departures

    St. Pete Clearwater Arrivals

    St. Pete Clearwater Departures

    [ad_2] Spectrum News Staff
    Source link

  • Proposed transfer of USF Sarasota-Manatee sparks debate over future of campus

    [ad_1]

    SARASOTA, Fla. — A proposal in Tallahassee could change the future of higher education in Sarasota.

    Lawmakers are considering transferring University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee to New College of Florida — a plan that supporters say would strengthen New College, while critics warn it could hurt students at USF.

    What You Need To Know

    • Lawmakers are considering transferring USF Sarasota-Manatee to New College of Florida

    • This isn’t the first time there have been talks about a transfer

    • If passed, USF Sarasota-Manatee properties and facilities would be transferred to New College of Florida by July 1, though UFC says current students would be able to finish their courses at the original campus

    • The proposal will now move through the legislative process, where lawmakers would have to approve the transfer


    This isn’t the first time there have been talks of transferring USF Sarasota-Manatee to New College of Florida. Spectrum News spoke with the Vice President of USF’s Faculty Senate, who said they fought a similar effort last year, and they weren’t expecting it to come back up.

    “This would be a forcible eviction of our faculty, staff, and students by this summer,” said Scott Perry.

    But the manager of media relations at USF Sarasota-Manatee, Ryan Hughes, says it won’t impact current students. “Students currently enrolled would be able to continue taking classes and finish their program at the Sarasota-Manatee campus if this legislation is passed,” Hughes said in a statement. “We would not admit or enroll any new students if the legislation is approved.”

    Perry’s feelings are clear about the proposed transfer of USF Sarasota-Manatee to New College of Florida. He has taught there for 19 years and is the vice president of USF’s Faculty Senate. He said that the campus means a lot to its students and community.

    “We have a very strong, active community group of supporters who really want these programs. We have 40 undergraduate programs. We’re an AAU accredited university,” said Perry.

    If passed, USF Sarasota-Manatee properties and facilities would be transferred to New College of Florida by July 1. At a December Board of Trustees meeting, Richard Corcoran, president of New College, called Gov. Ron DeSantis’ transfer plan “significant,” saying it solves a lot of problems.

    “That’s going to go through the legislative process. His budget is a recommendation, but I’ll say he’s been a tremendous advocate for New College and what’s going on here, so we feel pretty good about that,” said Corcoran.

    At a press conference in Pinellas County on Jan. 14, DeSantis said leadership agreed the transfer would be good for New College and that USF’s momentum is in Tampa Bay.

    “We’ve been supportive of it,” DeSantis said. “I think what they’ve been able to accomplish in such a short period of time — think about it — you were in the class and now they’re saying something different. It’s almost like you go to the Naval Academy and then they shift to Coast Guard. Well, that’s not what you signed up for,” said DeSantis.

    The proposal will now move through the legislative process, where lawmakers would have to approve the transfer.

    Perry says the Student Government Associations at all three USF campuses put together a resolution saying they oppose the transfer.

    EDITOR’S NOTE (Jan. 27, 2026): A previous version of this story said current students would have to transfer campuses. USF Sarasota-Manatee said that is incorrect. The article has been edited to include a statement from the media relations team at USF clarifying the impact on current students. The video has been removed.

    Previous New College Coverage

    [ad_2]

    Fallon Silcox

    Source link

  • Lido Beach renourishment project to begin Sunday

    [ad_1]

    SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. — Crews were scheduled to start a renourishment project at Lido Beach on Monday, but rough weather forced a delay.

    What You Need To Know

    • The renourishment will begin Sunday and is expected to be completed in April, before sea turtle nesting season. The $12 million cost for this year’s renourishment is fully covered through federal funding

    • A 50-year partnership between the City of Sarasota and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers calls for renourishment of Lido Beach every five years. This year, around 300,000 cubic yards of sand will be added, all dredged from New Pass

    • The county says signs will be posted alerting beachgoers when areas are temporarily closed, and the plan is to keep the beach as open as possible

    The work will now begin Sunday, with 300,000 cubic yards of locally sourced sand being brought in. The plan is to rebuild shoreline lost to storms.

    Officials say dredging will begin in New Pass, with crews starting at the north end of the beach and moving south.

    Once a week, Dawn D’Alessio searches for small gifts from the sea.

    “It’s a treasure hunt, really. You never know what you are going to find,” she said.

    For D’Alessio, it’s about the joy that comes with the find.

    “This is how I get rid of my stress — coming to the beach and collecting shells,” she said.

    A 50-year partnership between the City of Sarasota and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers calls for renourishment of Lido Beach every five years. (Spectrum Bay News 9/Julia Hazel)

    She’s walking along Lido Beach, which will soon undergo a restoration project.

    A 50-year partnership between the City of Sarasota and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers calls for renourishment of Lido Beach every five years. This year, around 300,000 cubic yards of sand will be added, all dredged from New Pass.

    “I think it’s a great idea. From all the damage the beaches sustained from the storms, it’ll really help the environment — get more sand here and build up the barriers to protect the residents,” she said.

    The City of Sarasota’s engineer, Sage Kamiya, says the project aims to restore what was lost from recent hurricanes, especially Debby, Helene and Milton in 2024.

    “There were areas of the beach that lost up to 80 feet of width, and a lot of that is being put back. I think we’ve averaged about a 50-foot width that will be restored going forward,” he said.

    Crews will start at the north end of the beach near the Lido Beach Pavilion and make their way south to restore 1.2 miles of eroded shoreline.

    But some businesses on the beach, like Lido Island Grill, worry the project could interfere with business.

    “February is when we start to have the full season with our customers, and we’re hoping they won’t be scared of the renourishment and all the work and its impact,” said Christophe Barthe, the manager of Lido Island Grill.

    The county said that signs will be posted alerting beachgoers when areas are temporarily closed, and the plan is to keep the beach as open as possible.

    The beach is D’Alessio home away from home, with renourishment projects ensuring she’ll be able to return for years to come.

    The renourishment will begin Sunday and is expected to be completed in April, before sea turtle nesting season. The $12 million cost for this year’s renourishment is fully covered through federal funding.

    [ad_2]

    Julia Hazel

    Source link

  • 2026 events honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day around Tampa Bay

    [ad_1]

    BY

    Spectrum News Staff

    Tampa


    PUBLISHED 12:33 PM ET Jan. 14, 2026
    PUBLISHED 12:33 PM EST Jan. 14, 2026

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • The Anna Maria City Pier expected to be open to public by fall of 2026

    [ad_1]

    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — After months of work, the Anna Maria City Pier is showing signs of progress.

    Visitors and residents are starting to see poles sticking out of the water where the boardwalk once was.

    Part of the pier was washed away during the 2024 hurricanes.

    What You Need To Know

    •  Repairs are underway at The Anna Maria City Pier….that work just started in November

    •  The pier is expected to be open to the public fall of 2026.

    Cruising along on Anna Maria Island is how Alex Lucero likes to get around.

    “What is it like to work in paradise? I mean, it’s pretty great,” she said.

    It’s also how a lot of visitors like to get around too.

    Alex handles booking rentals like bikes, golf carts, kayaks, and paddleboards at Beach Bums Island Attitude.

    “I get to work with people who are on vacation,” she said.

    She added business is going well since the hurricanes, despite the island being left without one of its main tourist attractions — the Anna Maria City Pier.

    City officials say they are making progress with pier repairs. (Spectrum News/Julia Hazel)

    Lucero said the pier is a big draw, and the damage has had an impact.

    “Beforehand, the ferry used to make a stop there, so people would come over and rent bikes from us and come by our store. It’s going to be so exciting for people to come back,” she said.

    City officials say they are making progress with pier repairs.

    The white poles sticking out of the water are cement pilings that will later form the walkway.

    Crews recently started installing them.

    “The walkway calls for 130 pilings to be put in, and they are at about number 90 right now,” he said.

    Mark Short, the mayor of the city of Anna Maria, said once all the pilings are complete, crews can move on to the next phase of rebuilding the walkway.

    The pier is expected to be open to the public in the fall of 2026. (Spectrum News/Julia Hazel)

    The pier is expected to be open to the public in the fall of 2026. (Spectrum News/Julia Hazel)

    However, there is still more work to be done on the building at the end of the pier.

    “There are repairs required to the buildings at the end, and those are in the plans. We’ll be doing those a little later,” he said.

    In the meantime, nearby businesses will continue to push ahead,

    looking forward to the day when repairs are complete.

    “I definitely hope we’re going to be super busy. I hope to see all of our bikes off the property. I hope to be sold out of everything,” she said.

    The mayor says the city anticipates the Anna Maria City Pier project will be complete and open to the public by fall of 2026.

    [ad_2]

    Julia Hazel

    Source link

  • Pineapple Drop set for downtown Sarasota; road closures announced

    [ad_1]

    SARASOTA, Fla. — The annual Pineapple Drop takes place for New Year’s Day in downtown Sarasota at Lemon Avenue and Main Street, followed by a fireworks show over the Bayfront.

    The Sarasota Police Department asks those planning to attend the festivities to leave backpacks, coolers and alcohol at home.

    Police also stress that it is against the law to discharge a firearm in the City of Sarasota. Violators can be arrested.

    If your holiday celebrations include consuming alcohol, make plans not to drive while impaired. Safer and less expensive transportation options include using a designated driver, taking a taxi or using AAA’s free Tow to Go service. In Sarasota, Tow to Go is available by calling 1-855-2-TOW-2-GO (1-855-286-9246). Tow to Go is available through 6 a.m. Friday, Jan. 2.

    The Sarasota Police Department will have an increased presence and there will be zero tolerance for impaired driving.

    Several roads will be closed for the Pineapple Drop. Vehicles not removed by the posted time will be towed at the owner’s expense. For information on towed vehicles, call Upman’s Towing at 941-365-7084.

    Drivers should expect traffic delays on Bayfront, the John Ringling Bridge and throughout downtown beginning around 6 p.m. on Dec. 31. The following road closures will be in effect for the Pineapple Drop between Dec. 29, 2025, and Jan. 1, 2026:

    4 a.m. Dec. 30 to 4 a.m. Jan. 1:

    • Pineapple Avenue from First Street to the roundabout
    • First Street from Pineapple Avenue to Central Avenue
    • Central Avenue from First Street to the roundabout

    4 a.m. Dec. 31 to 9 a.m. Jan. 1:

    • Main Street from Orange Avenue to Palm Avenue
    • Lemon Avenue from First Street to State Street

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • St. Armands Circle businesses get a boost in sales from holiday shoppers

    [ad_1]

    SARASOTA, Fla. — Holiday shoppers are delivering a rush of business to end the year on an island where many businesses have been desperate for foot traffic.

    What You Need To Know

    • St. Armand’s businesses are getting a boost in sales after more shoppers purchase items on the island

    • The Giving Tree owner says they tripled their sales for the month of December this year compared to December last year

    • The Giving Tree business owners hope to hit 10% growth next year

    One St. Armands Circle business owner says its sales numbers have tripled this month compared to last December.

    It’s a notable difference from last year, when both businesses and residents were still recovering from Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

    Deb Goldberg, who owns The Giving Tree Gallery, said her business has been through many storms, but nothing compared to last year.

    She said 5 feet of water filled the business and ruined $70,000 worth of inventory.

    “It was — we were just on automatic pilot,” she said. “We just went to work and did everything we needed to do, high adrenaline, and cleaned it up and called the contractors.”

    Even though they reopened about a month after the storm, she said the island felt closed.

    “I think the perception that St. Armands was closed and still under water and still struggling was what we battled the most,” Goldberg said. “Because we all really did bounce back fairly quickly. After the first of the year, there were maybe 30% of the stores open.”

    But she said this year brought new life to St. Armands.

    Goldberg said that more people are shopping, and this December’s sales are triple what they were last December.

    “We’re overall, year-over-year better,” she said. “Some days were fantastic — tons of shoppers, tons of sales. And some days, you know, there were hours where people wouldn’t walk in the store.”

    Goldberg said she expects the week between Christmas and New Year’s to be one of the busiest of the year for her store.

    “The fun part is seeing both new people and local people come in,” she said.

    It’s a busy time for stores, and Goldberg said there is a feeling of normalcy for many.

    She said she hopes to hit 10% growth next year at The Giving Tree Gallery.

    “I’m really hoping for at least a 10% year-over-year increase from last year,” she said. “I would be thrilled with that. But I always shoot for the moon, you know, hoping for double that.”

    [ad_2]

    Julia Hazel

    Source link

  • St. Pete Coast Guard crews helping in search for missing boaters

    [ad_1]

    PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — The U.S. Coast Guard in St. Petersburg is helping in the search for two missing boaters off the coast of Fort Myers.

    According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Randall Spivey, 57, and his nephew, 33-year-old Brandon Billmaier, left for a fishing trip on Friday and never came back.

    Coast Guard officials said their boat was located about 70 miles offshore. Crews continued their search overnight.

    Anyone with information is asked to call the Coast Guard sector in St. Pete at (866) 881-1392.

     

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and family among 7 killed in NC plane crash

    [ad_1]

    STATESVILLE, N.C. (AP) — Federal investigators on Friday will begin sifting through the wreckage of a business jet that crashed in North Carolina and killed all seven people aboard, including retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and his family.

    The Cessna C550 erupted into a large fire when it hit the ground Thursday. It had departed Statesville Regional Airport, about 45 miles (72 kilometers) north of Charlotte, but soon crashed while trying to return and land, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol said.

    Flight records show the plane was registered to a company run by Biffle. The cause of the crash wasn’t immediately known, nor was the reason for the plane’s return to the airport in drizzle and cloudy conditions.

    What You Need To Know

    • The plane took off from the airport shortly after 10 a.m.

    • There were six people on the Cessna C550 that crashed while landing at Statesville Regional Airport

    • The plane had planned to fly later from Sarasota, Florida, to Treasure Cay International Airport in the Bahamas before returning to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and then to Statesville by evening, data showed

    • The National Transportation Safety Board and the FAA were investigating


    Federal Aviation Administration records show Biffle was rated to fly helicopters and single and multi-engine planes. It wasn’t clear if Biffle was piloting the plane at the time of the crash.

    Biffle was on the plane with his wife, Cristina, and children Ryder, 5, and Emma, 14, according to the highway patrol and a family statement. Others on the plane were identified as Dennis Dutton, his son Jack, and Craig Wadsworth.

    “Each of them meant everything to us, and their absence leaves an immeasurable void in our lives,” the joint family statement said.

    Biffle, 55, won more than 50 races across NASCAR’s three circuits, including 19 at the Cup Series level. He also won the Trucks Series championship in 2000 and the Xfinity Series title in 2002.

    NASCAR called Biffle “a beloved member of the NASCAR community, a fierce competitor, and a friend to so many.”

    “His passion for racing, his integrity, and his commitment to fans and fellow competitors alike made a lasting impact on the sport,” NASCAR said.

    The plane, bound for Florida, took off from the Statesville airport shortly after 10 a.m., according to tracking data posted by FlightAware.com.

    Golfers playing next to the airport were shocked as they witnessed the disaster, even dropping to the ground at the Lakewood Golf Club while the plane was overhead. The ninth hole was covered with debris.

    “We were like, ‘Oh my gosh! That’s way too low,’” said Joshua Green of Mooresville. “It was scary.”

    A team from the National Transportation Safety Board headed to North Carolina on Thursday to investigate. The Federal Aviation Administration is also investigating.

    The Cessna plane, built in 1981, is a popular mid-sized business jet with an excellent reputation, aviation safety expert Jeff Guzzetti said. It has two engines and typically seats six to eight passengers and two pilots.

    In 2024, Biffle was honored for his humanitarian efforts after Hurricane Helene struck the U.S., even using his personal helicopter to deliver aid to flooded, remote western North Carolina.

    “The last time I spoke with Cristina, just a couple of weeks ago, she reached out to ask how she could help with relief efforts in Jamaica. That’s who the Biffles were,” U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson, a Republican from North Carolina, said.

    Wadsworth was Biffle’s friend and helped him with odd jobs, including delivering supplies to places hit by Hurricane Helene, roommate Benito Howell said.

    “He didn’t know how to say no,” Howell said of Wadsworth, who had worked for several NASCAR teams. “He loved everybody. He always tried to help everybody.”

    The joint family statement also spoke about Dutton and his son Jack, saying they were “deeply loved as well, and their loss is felt by all who knew them.”

    With 2025 almost over, there have been 1,331 U.S. crashes this year investigated by the NTSB, from two-seat planes to commercial aircraft, compared to a total of 1,482 in 2024.

    Major air disasters around the world in 2025 include the plane-helicopter collision that killed 67 in Washington, the Air India crash that killed 260 in India, and a crash in Russia’s Far East that claimed 48 lives. Fourteen people, including 11 on the ground, died in a UPS cargo plane crash in Kentucky.

    ___

    Robertson reported from Raleigh, North Carolina. Associated Press writers John Seewer in Toledo, Ohio; Jenna Fryer in Charlotte, North Carolina; Josh Funk in Omaha, Nebraska; Ed White in Detroit; Sarah Brumfield in Washington; and Hallie Golden in Seattle contributed to this story.

    [ad_2]

    Associated Press

    Source link

  • Midnight Pass brings clearer water, potential new opportunities for tourism

    [ad_1]

    SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. — Sarasota County has decided that a waterway reopened by storm surge from last year’s hurricanes will remain open.

    Midnight Pass connects Little Sarasota Bay and the Gulf. It was originally filled in during the 1980s and stayed that way until the historic storms of 2024. For more than a year, the county studied the impact of the restored channel between Siesta Key and Casey Key.

    What You Need To Know

    • Sarasota County has decided that a waterway reopened by storm surge from last year’s hurricanes will remain open

    • Midnight Pass connects Little Sarasota Bay and the Gulf

    • For more than a year, the county studied the impact of the restored channel between Siesta Key and Casey Key

    Helping people make memories is a passion for charter captain Mike Nix.

    “Well, it’s all based on just fun day outings on the water,” he said.

    He started his company, Key Life Charters, in 2016. He takes clients out on Little Sarasota Bay and the Gulf.

    “We do sightseeing, dolphin trips, sandbar stops, snorkeling, paddle boarding, tiki bar crawls by boat—so anything that’s basically fun,” he said.

    Nix is heading toward a special spot—one he’s excited about.

    “This is Midnight Pass. And if you look back to the west, you’ll see where it opens up,” he said.

    Storm surge from Hurricanes Helene and Milton naturally reopened Midnight Pass last year. The channel had been closed since 1983. Mike went out to see it for himself a week after it opened.

    “I loved it. I thought it was fantastic,” he said.

    Storm surge from Helene and Milton naturally opened Midnight Pass (Courtesy: Sarasota County Government)

    The first thing he noticed was an improvement in water quality in Little Sarasota Bay.

    “Immediately, the water cleared up back in here from what it was before—immediately,” he said.

    Water quality is one of the factors Sarasota County studied within Midnight Pass. Others include depth, marine life, and more.

    Rachel Herman is the Environmental Protection Division Manager for Sarasota County. She says they started collecting data just days after Midnight Pass fully opened and have been studying it every week since.

    “We’ve been able to see how it’s changing, and there’s been some seasonal variability with wider, deeper flow volume, as you would expect during the summer. That changes a little bit in the winter, as rainfall decreases,” she said. “There’s a lot of good things that have come out of it. Water clarity is one thing. If you’re in Little Sarasota Bay now, you’ll notice the water is a lot clearer.”

    The impact is more than just scientific data—it’s also becoming a tourist attraction. Mike says he’s seen hundreds of boats and people swimming near Midnight Pass and believes it could help local businesses.

    “I think it’ll be a draw for companies like kayak tour companies. Hopefully, it’ll open up some business restaurant-wise and hospitality-wise on the south end of Siesta Key, because it’s kind of been overlooked,” he said.

    With positive impacts on both the environment and potentially the economy, Midnight Pass has returned to what it once was.

    Ongoing monitoring and studies of Midnight Pass will continue, according to the county. Officials say they’ve partnered with experts, including scientists from the University of South Florida, for continued data collection.


    [ad_2]

    Julia Hazel

    Source link