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Tag: Sarasota County

  • $20M plan in the works to improve safety along U.S. 41

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    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — A busy stretch of U.S. 41 has a well-documented history of pedestrian-involved crashes. The Sarasota Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is looking to change that.

    The organization states that in Manatee and Sarasota counties, 35 percent of serious injuries involve people who are walking or biking in the region.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Sarasota Manatee Metropolitan Panning Organization (MPO) has a $20 million project to help increase safety along U.S. 41

    • The project includes closing gaps in sidewalks and improving the lighting

    • While the U.S. 41 Bay Drive to Cortez project begins in 2027, MPO estimates the entire project will be complete in 2029

    Many Bay area residents know U.S. 41 as a busy road.

    But for Danny Williams, walking along this road and seeing the high-speed traffic is a reminder of how precious life is.

    “My adult son… he’s been hit in a hit-and-run. It destroyed his bike on one road up here that didn’t have a sidewalk on the north side. And he got hit right at this intersection we’re coming up to,” he said as he walked Spectrum News to the location.

    Fortunately, he survived. But the near-tragedy is one of the reasons Williams advocates for pedestrian safety with the Sarasota Mobility Alliance. He’s even made lifestyle changes, like limiting driving and instead using public transit.

    “Reducing deaths and serious injuries is the main goal of all of it. If cars move slower, they will kill fewer people — and people will still get there in about the same amount of time anyway,” he explained.

    A pedestrian safety project is set to begin in 2027, which Williams says is a step in the right direction.

    The $20 million project will focus on U.S. 41 between Bay Drive and Cortez Road — and has been in the works for a decade.

    “This is one of our projects that we really want to focus on over the next several years — the funding of sidewalks and lighting improvements along U.S. 41. It’s a consistent corridor on our high-injury network, which means there is a disproportionate amount of fatalities and serious injuries along this corridor,” he said.

    MPO Deputy Director Ryan Brown says at least a dozen people every year are injured or killed along that stretch of U.S. 41, and hopes this project will reduce that number.

    “We certainly want to address gaps within the sidewalks and improve lighting conditions,” he explained.

    In the most recent year, MPO says there were 19 total bike or pedestrian crashes, and two of them were fatal.

    “We’ve tried to design and include elements in these improvements that will reduce conflict points, reduce speed and truthfully address this growing concern. We’re seeing more people die on our roadways.”

    Businesses along U.S. 41 have witnessed the crashes as well.

    Amanda Mote, a server at S.O.B. Burgers, says her restaurant lost a regular customer, and a friend.

    “I’ve worked here since 2015 — so 10 years. And it’s just a crazy road. So many accidents… people getting hit. And then there was one accident involving a motorcycle. Unfortunately, a friend of ours — and he passed away,” she said.

    For now, advocates like Williams will continue pushing for change to make this road and others safer.

    While the U.S. 41 Bay Drive to Cortez project begins in 2027, MPO estimates the entire project will be complete in 2029.

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    Julia Hazel

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  • Reggae festival in Sarasota to raise money for Hurricane Melissa victims

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    SARASOTA, Fla. — Sarasota business and community leaders are raising money for Hurricane Melissa victims in Jamaica.

    What You Need To Know

    • Sarasota business and community leaders are raising money for Hurricane Melissa victims in Jamaica

    • The United for Relief Reggae Festival will support the on-the-ground relief efforts still underway

    • The festival will begin on Saturday, starting at 10 a.m. until 10 p.m., then again on Sunday from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m., at the Sarasota Fairgrounds

    The United for Relief Reggae Festival will support the on-the-ground relief efforts still underway in the Caribbean country.

    “I was born and raised in Montego Bay,” Reggae artist Greg Roy said.

    Singing is a passion for Roy, but recently it’s been a lifeline.

    Hurricane Melissa devastated his hometown of Montego Bay in Jamaica. Music — and support from his wife — have helped him process the destruction.

    The rest of Roy’s family lives in Jamaica, but after the storm, he didn’t hear from his daughter or his mother for four days.

    “When I finally started hearing from people and hearing some of the horror stories, we tried to individually help people. But they would say things like, ‘Listen, it’s bad. Focus on your family,’” he said.

    Fortunately, his family is doing OK.

    They are displaced from their homes, but they are staying positive.

    “Video calls — we’ve had video calls with my mom. She’s fine. She’s up in Kingston. A few things were lost, but anything we possess will be repossessed. The grandkids are laughing when we talk. And, you know, it’s Christmas. Everybody wants a gift, so we’ve got to keep the spirit,” he said.

    The Sarasota community is rallying to support Jamaicans with this weekend’s United for Relief Reggae Festival.

    Reggae artists like Roy will be performing, and the event will feature vendors providing authentic island cuisine and cultural showcases celebrating Jamaica’s heritage.

    The United for Relief Reggae Festival being set up, which will support the on-the-ground relief efforts still underway in Jamaica. (Spectrum News)

    The United for Relief Reggae Festival being set up, which will support the on-the-ground relief efforts still underway in Jamaica. (Spectrum News)

    “I think the importance of this event cannot possibly be understated. You’ve got individuals who are still without roads, shelter, drinkable water,” she said.

    Allison Imre is the chair of United for Relief, which organized the festival.

    She says the goal is to raise more than $100,000.

    One hundred percent of the proceeds will go toward helping hurricane victims in Jamaica.

    “It will go to food, clothing, shelter, even things as simple as Christmas gifts for the little kids,” she said.

    The island nation still has a long road to recovery… but artists like Roy are using music to spread positivity and connect people.

    The festival will begin on Saturday, starting at 10 a.m. until 10 p.m., then again on Sunday from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m., at the Sarasota Fairgrounds. Each ticket costs $30.

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    Julia Hazel

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  • Wallenda promises mix of circus, Broadway, American Ninja Warrior at new show

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    SARASOTA, Fla. — Daredevil high-wire artist Nik Wallenda is back this winter with a new show in Sarasota. 

    With Wallenda as executive producer, University Town Center is offering Wonderland: Believe from Friday, Nov. 21 to Sunday, Jan. 4.

    Wallenda told Spectrum Bay News 9 that the show offers a combination of story, acrobatics, daring high-wire precision and show-stopping numbers.

    “We are very much a blend of American Ninja Warrior, Broadway and circus,” Wallenda said.

    It’s the latest show for Wallenda, a member of the legendary Flying Wallendas family. He holds more than a dozen Guinness World Records and labels himself a “producer, daredevil, entertainer, TV personality, motivational speaker and author.”

    Wallenda said he recruited performers from around the globe — “the best of the best” — to show off their skills at this event.

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    Jeff Butera

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  • Where to get a free Thanksgiving turkey in the Tampa Bay area

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    TAMPA — The combination of continued storm recovery, rising grocery prices, the government shutdown and the short-term disruptions in funds for SNAP has many Tampa Bay area families looking for some extra help to put a Thanksgiving dinner on the table this year. 

    The following turkey giveaways are planned in the Tampa Bay area leading up to the holiday, with as many details as could be found about eligibility to receive them.

    In many cases, advanced registration may be required, or you may need to plan to arrive early to get in line because of high demand.

    B.J.’s Wholesale Clubs — Members who spent $150 or more in a single transaction on Nov. 1-10 can get a free turkey coupon. Bring the coupon in their app or on their BJs.com account between Nov. 15 and Nov. 26 to the wholesale club.

    Hillsborough County

    Pinellas County

    Pasco County

    Polk County

    Manatee County

    Sarasota County

    Hernando County

    Citrus County

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Veterans Day events in the Tampa Bay area

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    There are a number of events taking place on Veterans Day in the Bay area. We’ve compiled some of them below.

    PINELLAS COUNTY

    LARGO

    Join the City in honoring local veterans at the annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Tuesday at 9 a.m. The ceremony will be inside the Central Park Performing Arts Center, located at 105 Central Park Drive.

    The ceremony will feature live music, readings, and presentations by local veterans, offering a meaningful opportunity to express gratitude for their service. Attendees can also engage with various service and veteran groups. For more information, please contact 727-587-6740 Ext. 5014.     

    GULFPORT

    One year after the Gulfport Senior Center Foundation’s annual Veterans Day Commemoration was canceled due to the back-to-back hurricanes of 2024, the beloved community tradition returns. The event will take place Tuesday at 10 a.m. in Gulfport’s waterfront Veterans Park, located at 5350 31st Avenue South.

    The Foundation invites the entire community to gather in honor of the men and women who have served and continue to serve our nation.

    The program will include:

    • Military tunes by New Horizons Band
    • Welcome by the Gulfport Senior Center Foundation
    • Color Guard by Boca Ciega High School JROTC
    • National Anthem performed by Catherine Basset
    • Message to Our Military by a JROTC cadet
    • Address by Gulfport Mayor Karen Love
    • Invocation by Rev. Jon Scott
    • Moment of Silence & Taps by New Horizons Band
    • Retirement of the Colors

    Following the ceremony, light refreshments will be served, offering an opportunity for attendees to mingle and share stories. Guests are encouraged to bring a folding chair for seating comfort.

    For more information, please contact the Gulfport Senior Center Foundation office at 727-893-1244.

    HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

    Hillsborough County Consumer & Veterans Services and the Veterans Council of Hillsborough County will host the 61st Annual Veterans Day Tribute on Tuesday at 10 a.m. on the grounds of Veterans Memorial Park & Rear Admiral LeRoy Collins, Jr. Veterans Museum, 3602 N. U.S. Hwy. 301, Tampa.

    The annual event salutes Veterans of all eras and military branches with a family-friendly celebration that is free and open to all. 

    The outdoor Veterans Day Tribute will feature: 

    • JROTC color guard and patriotic music 
    • Veterans Council Awards and special guests 
    • A variety of resources for Veterans and military families 
    • Free refreshments after the ceremony 
    • A kids’ craft area with take-home creations 

    For the ninth consecutive year, the national Veterans Day Committee of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has named Hillsborough County’s Veterans Memorial Park & Rear Admiral LeRoy Collins, Jr. Veterans Museum to its list of official Regional Veterans Day Sites, a recognition of excellence for patriotism and honor to our nation’s military. The park is free and open daily from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. The community is encouraged to tour its many monuments, including the new Gold Star Family Memorial. 

    For information about the 61st Annual Veterans Day Tribute or Veterans Memorial Park, visit HCFL.Gov/Veterans or call (813) 635-8316. 

    ZOO TAMPA

    ZooTampa at Lowry Park will host a special Veterans Day pinning ceremony on Tuesday from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Zoo’s Saunders Pavilion. The event aims to honor local military veterans for their service and sacrifice.

    The ceremony will feature remarks from leaders of both organizations and will publicly recognize veterans from all branches of the military. Each honoree will receive a commemorative lapel pin and a letter of appreciation.

    PASCO COUNTY

    NEW PORT RICHEY

    The City of New Port Richey invites you to come together in celebration and gratitude at the Veterans Day Parade on Tuesday at 5 p.m. around Orange Lake near Sims Park in Downtown New Port Richey.

    Honoring the brave men and women who have served our country in uniform, the parade will feature local veterans, active military units, marching bands, community organizations, and civic groups. 

    Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to attend, wear red, white, and blue, and show their support from along the parade route. All are welcome to participate in this memorable celebration of patriotism and community spirit.

    The Downtown Area Roundabout Trolley (DART) will be operating for this event. For more information on the event, click here.

    SARASOTA

    The City of Sarasota, in conjunction with the Sarasota Patriotic Observance Committee, will co-host the annual Veterans Day Parade at 10 a.m., Tuesday in downtown Sarasota. The parade will begin at Orange Avenue and Main Street.

    Several road closures and vehicle tow-away zones will be in effect for the parade beginning at 3 a.m., Tuesday.

    The road closures are:

    3 a.m. – 1 p.m.: Main Street closed from Links Avenue to Bayfront Drive

    3 a.m. – 1 p.m.: Osprey Avenue closed from Ringling Boulevard to Second Street

    Vehicles not removed by the posted time of 3 a.m. will be towed at the owner’s expense.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Near record cold possible for the Tampa Bay area on Tuesday

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    A strong cold front will come through late Sunday and into Monday morning, bringing well below normal temperatures.

    What You Need To Know

    • Highs will struggle to make it into the 60s in some spots

    • Morning lows on Tuesday will be in the 30s and 40s

    • Milder air returns Wednesday afternoon

    A few showers will be possible late Sunday ahead of a cold front.

    Showers will clear the area by mid-morning on Monday, then winds will pick up out of the northwest.

    Winds could gust over 30 mph at times during the day on Monday, with gusts of 20 to 30 mph Monday night and into Tuesday.

    The chilly north to northwest wind will keep highs in the 60s on Monday.

    Temperatures will continue to drop Monday night.

    By Tuesday morning, temperatures in Tampa will be near its record low for the day of 40 degrees. Wind chills could be in the low to mid-30s. 

    Morning lows in the 30s seem likely north of Tampa, with a low chance of temperatures near freezing in parts of Citrus and Hernando counties.

    Highs on Tuesday may struggle to break 60 degrees north of Tampa.

    Wednesday will start chilly once again, but afternoon highs will reach the 70s as abundant sunshine returns. 

    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.

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    Meteorologist Kyle Hanson

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  • Sarasota County to begin dredging Phillippi Creek this fall

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    SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. — A dredging project to alleviate flooding will soon begin along a Sarasota creek.

    What You Need To Know

    • Sarasota County officials say they have received approval to start removing thousands of yards of material from the creek between U.S. 41 and Beneva Road

    • Phillippi Creek overflow has frequently inundated homes — most recently last year due to Hurricane Debby’s rain

    • Officials say the dredging is likely to begin this fall

    The county recently received approval for the project along Phillippi Creek, where overflow has frequently inundated homes — most recently last year due to Hurricane Debby’s rain.

    Sometimes, new homeowners don’t anticipate everything they need to know about their new house. That was the case for Nadia Bowen.

    “When we moved in, I thought it was such a beautiful location. I never in a million years thought that, you know, the water would come this high — we’re 16 feet up,” she said.

    Bowen moved into the Southgate neighborhood in Sarasota in 2021. For three years, she said there were no overflow issues from Phillippi Creek. But Debby was a wake-up call.

    “It was flooded all the way up to here. It was close to coming to our pool, basically,” she said.

    She said that while her home wasn’t flooded, others in the neighborhood were. She watched her neighbors experience the turmoil and is now worried her home could be next.

    “Hurricane Debby really, really scarred our community. We have many people in our community that are still not back in their homes,” she said.

    Bowen started a dredging subcommittee in the Southgate Community Association. The group advocates for dredging along Phillippi Creek. Sarasota County has received approval to start removing thousands of yards of material from the creek between U.S. 41 and Beneva Road.

    Bowen lives between those two roads, but her home backs up to a secondary branch of the creek, not the primary waterway.

    “I don’t know if they’re actually going to dredge this. We’re not sure. We know they’re going to dredge the main canal. We’re really happy about that,” she said.

    Sarasota County Stormwater Director Ben Quartermaine said the dredging process will likely begin sometime this fall.

    “Sedimentation in the creek has been building up over time, and projects and storms like Debby have reminded us that it’s imperative to ensure that the creek is operating at max capacity,” he said.

    Those who live near the creek are awaiting the change.

    “During storm times, it’s scary. It’s scary that there’s nowhere for the water to go,” she said.

    With the county focused on improving Phillippi Creek, Bowen is hopeful the dredging provides protection for residents.

    Earlier this year, Sarasota County submitted an emergency application for dredging along Phillippi Creek. That application was denied — according to county officials, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers determined a standard application was appropriate, due to several factors including the size of the dredging project and the location.

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    Julia Hazel

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  • In Bradenton stop, Homeland Security Secretary Noem touts ICE efforts

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    BRADENTON, Fla. — Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was in Sarasota and Bradenton on Monday, highlighting the work of ICE and homeland officials in getting what she said are hardened criminals off the streets.

    Noem said Monday marks nine months since President Donald Trump took office, and since then more than 480,000 undocumented immigrants have been arrested.

    She also reaffirmed support for Florida’s deportation facilities, including “Alligator Alcatraz” and “Deportation Depot.”

    “It’s been fantastic to see the partnerships that we’ve had here in Florida, in this community and throughout the entire state,” Noem said.

    The secretary stood in front of a table full of firearms and narcotics and addressed violence against ICE agents, saying that it won’t be tolerated.

    “That is one of the reasons we are here today to focus on what this office has done — our officers — the criminals that they’ve taken off streets here in this city out of our communities,” she said.

    Noem was asked about recent reports that she had spent $200 million of taxpayer money on two private jets. Noem said they are for the Coast Guard to replace 25-year-old aircrafts.

    A few days ago, a member of the House Appropriations Committee wrote a letter to Noem, claiming she didn’t have the protocol to obtain those jets.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Ukrainian Sarasota resident dancing for world championship

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    SARASOTA, Fla. — The World DanceSport Federation Championships are happening this weekend.

    Team USA is well represented by one of our new Sunshine State residents.

    Born in Ukraine, Dmytro Roshchupkin now has a home base in Sarasota where he is inspiring others by his story.

    What You Need To Know

    • Dmytro Roshchupkin is competing for the U.S. in the World DanceSport Federation Championships

    • Dmytro evacuated Ukraine when the war broke out and was taken in by the Sarasota community

    • He thanks the people who have helped him transition into his new life


    Dmytro is swinging into every dance practice with a smile.

    At 21 years old, he is also a dance instructor with inspirational advice.

    “There is no challenge that you cannot overcome,” said Dmytro. “If it is there, you are capable. And when you are able to overcome it, it just makes you a different person, and you are in a better place than you have ever been before.”

    He is not just talking about learning how to dance, though.

    The war in Ukraine forced him to leave his homeland when he was just a teenager.

    “When the war started, it kind of changed everything,” he said. “We had to leave the country. I stopped dancing for, like, probably like a year.”

    He moved from Ukraine to Germany first.

    Coincidentally, Dmytro returns to Germany for the championships this weekend. 

    His grandparents, who also evacuated the war-torn city of Kharkiv, are also there.

    Dmytro’s parents and siblings are in New York after fleeing the war.

    But Dmytro’s experience shortly after the start of the fighting was just a temporary pause from doing what he loves.

    He finally landed in Florida, where he is heating up the dance floor.

    “Dima has been there through, like, thick and thin,” said his practice partner Alexis Aker. “He has definitely shown me the groundwork and the blueprint of ballroom.”

    Aker is also a dance instructor at the Sarasota studio where Dmytro teaches.

    She affectionately calls him Dima and is now his dance disciple.

    “He has this eagerness for knowledge, and it really elevates everyone in the room,” she said.

    She is also lending her time to get him ready for his next challenge which is taking on the best from other countries in the World DanceSport Federation Championships.

    She said it is how Dmytro has managed the war experience that really stands out.

    “It’s just really inspiring how much he was focused on all the people, on all his students,” she said. “He gave himself to his students and that was like wow…I want to be like that one day.”

    For Dmytro, he would not have it any other way.

    It is the people who welcomed him to his new home that inspire him.

    “It’s the people who greeted me that warmly on the first day I came here. Meeting me at airport, giving me all that love and shine,” said Dmytro. “And being so nice to me when I didn’t even speak any English at the beginning.”

    But he does speak perseverance and soon hopes to talk championships.

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    Roy De Jesus

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  • Tampa Bay Jewish, Palestinian communities react to ceasefire

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Tampa Bay’s Jewish and Palestinian communities are weighing in on the ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war.

    The ceasefire agreement, along with the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, is being met with hope, but also some caution among these communities.

    What You Need To Know

    • Jewish and Palestinian residents in Tampa Bay are reacting to the latest developments out of the Middle East

    • The CEO of the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee called the video of Israeli hostages being reunited with their families “overwhelming” and said he’s hopeful a ceasefire will last

    • Leali Shalabi, a Palestinian-American woman, said she’s happy for the Palestinian prisoners who were released but is concerned for those who remain in custody

    • PREVIOUS COVERAGE: As hostages and prisoners are freed, complex issues remain for Israel-Hamas ceasefire


    Shepard Englander, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, said even though the violence of Oct. 7, 2023 happened across the globe, the pain of it was felt locally.

    Englander said there are a number of people in the area the federation serves whose relatives were taken hostage or killed.

    He told Spectrum News he wore a pendant with the words “Bring them home now” on it from just after the attacks until Monday morning. Englander called the support the local Jewish community has received “unbelievable” including when it came to organizing a gathering just after the Oct. 7 attacks.

    “We called the city. They opened the municipal auditorium, they staffed it, they welcomed us. We had over 800 people,” Englander said. “At least a third of them were not members of the Jewish community. They just cared about us. They were just friends.”

    Palestinian-Americans, like Leali Shalabi, have also been watching the violence in Gaza unfold.

    Shalabi said she felt a flood of relief for the families of the Palestinian prisoners released Monday, but also immense sadness for those still being held. When it comes to the ceasefire deal, she said she has doubts it will hold up.

    “I think this ceasefire is probably only going to end at its phase one, same way the last one did. It’s very hard to be hopeful when there’s a pattern, and we are looking at the patterns, and the pattern time and time again is that these ceasefires have been broken,” Shalabi said.

    Englander said he’s optimistic the ceasefire will last. The freeing of hostages was the first step, but there are other issues, like whether Hamas will disarm and who will govern Gaza, that still have to be worked out.

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    Sarah Blazonis

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  • Sarasota woman reflects on loss of her brother amid Israel-Hamas ceasefire

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    SARASOTA, Fla. — As a ceasefire continues overseas in the Israel-Hamas war, a Sarasota resident who lost her brother in the conflict is feeling a mix of emotions.

    What You Need To Know

    • A Sarasota resident, Keren Shani-Lifrak, lost her brother in the Israel-Hamas war

    • Sgt. Major Adi Shani was killed in combat in December 2023

    • Shani-Lifrak expresses cautious optimism following the ceasefire and return of hostages

    Keren Shani-Lifrak’s brother, Sgt. Major Adi Shani, lived in Israel. He was 39-years-old when he got the call to return to active duty in the military. He was killed in combat in December 2023.

    Shani-Lifrak says his sacrifice was to protect his wife and kids, but also for all Israelis.

    “We’ve been all praying for this nightmare to end. It’s the longest war ever. Nobody wanted it. I hope he has peace now and that we all can have peace now,” she said.

    When President Donald Trump announced the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, Shani-Lifrak felt cautiously optimistic.

    “We are so hopeful. We want to believe that it will end, and the soldiers and the hostages will come home. The soldiers will come home to their families and their kids. But it was kind of like—until I see it, I’m not going to believe it,” she said. “It’s going to take a lot for us to rebuild and recover and regain some kind of sense of normalcy and trust again.”

    On Monday, Hamas returned all 20 remaining living hostages to Israel, while hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel were freed.

    Shani-Lifrak hopes this will be the end of the war.

    “I’m so happy for them,” she said. “I know that the whole country has been waiting for them to come home, and I can’t imagine what they have suffered. I just want them to be happy and have a good life. And I want peace for everyone.”

    Looking at a collection of pictures, Shani-Lifrak remembers her late brother.

    “It’s really sad,” she said. “I look at his really kind eyes, and I keep telling him, ‘You did it. You brought them home.’ So other families can have their loved ones back.”

    Spectrum News also received a statement from the Jewish Federation of Manatee County. It reads, in part:

    “We also take this moment to recognize the enormous sacrifice and service of Israel’s soldiers and their families, who put their time, their economic well-being, their bodies, and their lives on the line to protect Israel during this horrific period. We mourn the loss of 915 soldiers who died as they fought successfully to get the hostages home and defeat Israel’s enemies.”

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    Julia Hazel

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  • Morton’s Siesta Market recalls Hurricane Milton 1 year later

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    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — It has been one year since Hurricane Milton made landfall near Siesta Key on Oct. 9, 2024.

    What You Need To Know

    • It’s been one year since Hurricane Milton made landfall near Siesta Key
    • The market’s managers said Hurricane Helene’s storm surge sent about two feet of water into the building, destroying equipment
    • Then it was Milton’s winds that blew away their awning and left the store without power for four days

    Many businesses, including Morton’s Siesta Market, still haven’t fully recovered yet.

    Morton’s Siesta Market deli manager Dana Benton feels right at home at the beach market, which is less than half a mile from the Gulf.

    “It’s always a joy when I come in here, to be honest with you. Like, I feel like they are 100% my family,” she said.

    She says the business has become like a family to her — it’s supported her, and she’s been there for it, too, especially in the aftermath of last year’s hurricanes.

    “I came to help with the cleanup in the deli and the store,” she said. “Last year was the first time since I’ve lived in Florida I’ve experienced a bad hurricane,” she said.

    The market’s managers said Hurricane Helene’s storm surge sent about two feet of water into the building, destroying equipment. Then it was Milton’s winds that blew away their awning and left the store without power for four days.

    Benton says the effects of the storm are still being felt to this day.

    “This year has been kind of slow, and I think it’s because of the hurricane. A lot of people are not wanting to come down. I think in fear that the hurricane is going to come again, or another one’s going to come during this time of year — because it was this time last year,” she said.

    Benton says last year’s storms were scary, and while the store still has work to do to recover, she’s thankful she’s found a second home at Morton’s Siesta Market.

    “They have helped me grow. They have helped me learn to be productive again. They have helped me learn to love myself,” she said.

    The store manager says they are going to wait to make the renovations they haven’t completed — like installing a new awning — until this hurricane season is over.

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    Julia Hazel

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  • Sarasota Memorial Hospital unveils plans for rehab pavilion

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    SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. – Sarasota Memorial Health Care System is planning a new, $82.5 million Rehabilitation Pavilion at its Venice campus.

    The new medical rehab center will be located on the Venice hospital campus. Hospital officials said the expansion will ensure a seamless, more convenient transition from the hospital to the new inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation facility.

    What You Need To Know

    • Sarasota Memorial Health Care System is planning a new, $82.5 million Rehabilitation Pavilion in Venice

    • Hospital officials said the expansion will ensure a seamless, more convenient transition from the hospital to the new inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation facility

    • Construction is set to start in 2026 on the 83,000-square-foot facility

    Construction is set to start in 2026 on the 83,000-square-foot facility. The pavilion opening is scheduled for patient care in early 2028.

    The four-story pavilion will feature 50 private inpatient suites, advanced therapy gyms, mobility-training areas, and spaces designed to replicate real-life environments for recovery and independent living.

    The first floor will house outpatient therapy and administrative offices, with a shelled fourth floor reserved for future growth.

    “This pavilion reflects our long-term commitment to providing comprehensive rehabilitation for people of our community,” said Maria DeCarlo, SMH Vice President of Post-Acute & Rehabilitation. “It will mirror the nationally recognized programs and amenities at our Sarasota campus while offering care closer to home to residents in the growing south county community.”

    Levels two and three will be dedicated inpatient rehabilitation units with private patient suites.

    The Rehabilitation Pavilion at SMH-Sarasota has been operating at or near full capacity since it opened in 2017 and was expanded from 44 to 54 beds in 2018 and to 60 beds in 2022.

    During the summer of 2025, the hospital board also approved $5.6 million to expand the Sarasota campus rehabilitation pavilion again by seven more beds, bringing the total to 67.

    That expansion will begin next spring with the new wing opening in early 2027.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Florida On A Tankful visits Sarasota Jungle Gardens

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    SARASOTA, Fla. — Amber the Scarlett McCaw likes almonds so much, she’ll roller skate across a table to get them from human pal Alan Gillespie.

    What You Need To Know

    • Florida On A Tankful visits Sarasota Jungle Gardens

    • It’s located 3701 Bayshore Road, Sarasota

    • It’s open daily, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., but closed Thanksgiving and Christmas


    Gillespie is a Broadway actor turned head of entertainment at Sarasota Jungle Gardens.
    His mission is to add more fun to animal education.

    “This is all enrichment for them,” said Gillespie of the birds in their bird show. “It switches up their days and they feed off the energy of the crowds here. They love performing.”

    Opened in 1939, the roadside stop in Sarasota is quintessential “Old Florida.”

    They are practically handing out core childhood memories courtesy of their animal ambassador experiences — kids holding year-old alligators with their gator mouths taped shut.

    “I met a family, four generations they’ve been coming here,” said Gillespie.

    One sight the park is famous for — their free roaming flamingos turning their head sideways for a nibble.

    “So we’ve had a flock here since the early 1940s. It’s one of the main things people come here year after year to get to hand-feed flamingos,” said Gillespie.

    These animals rode out the storms of 2024 in safety — away from the destruction they brought to the park.

    Despite the Gardens closing for 80 days to repair between October and December, Gillespie only expressed gratitude.

    His fellow performers are thriving.

    And together they have a part in this Florida story.

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    Virginia Johnson

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