WEATHER ALERT
Hurricane Milton ravaged one of the most popular areas for 'snowbirds' on Florida's Gulf Coast
Read full article: Hurricane Milton ravaged one of the most popular areas for 'snowbirds' on Florida's Gulf CoastHurricane Milton’s devastating landfall along Florida’s Gulf Coast hit one of the most popular areas for temporary residents who spend the winter months living in the Sunshine State.
The Latest: Hurricane Milton weakens to Category 1, but danger remains in Florida
Read full article: The Latest: Hurricane Milton weakens to Category 1, but danger remains in FloridaHurricane Milton is bringing powerful winds, a storm surge and flooding to much of Florida after making landfall along the Gulf Coast as a Category 3 storm.
Roof rips away from Tropicana Field as Hurricane Milton roars through Florida
Read full article: Roof rips away from Tropicana Field as Hurricane Milton roars through FloridaHurricane Milton ripped part of the roof off of Tropicana Field late Wednesday evening as Hurricane Milton moved through the state.
Flash flood warnings issued in Central Florida as Hurricane Milton strikes Florida
Read full article: Flash flood warnings issued in Central Florida as Hurricane Milton strikes FloridaMilton is expected to storm through Central Florida this week, massively boosting chances for flash flooding in the region.
Hope Florida to join state’s emergency management agency for disaster response efforts
Read full article: Hope Florida to join state’s emergency management agency for disaster response effortsFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that Hope Florida would become a permanent component of the Florida Division of Emergency Management and take on a new name, “Activate Hope.”
Florida woman runs over, critically injures daughter near school drop-off line, troopers say
Read full article: Florida woman runs over, critically injures daughter near school drop-off line, troopers sayFlorida troopers say a 12-year-old girl was run over by her mother in a tragic accident near Sarasota.
Hurricane Debby makes landfall in Florida, threatens catastrophic flooding
Read full article: Hurricane Debby makes landfall in Florida, threatens catastrophic floodingTropical Storm Debby slammed Florida with torrential rain, high winds and flooding, contributing to at least five deaths as it turned menacingly toward the Eastern Seaboard’s low-lying regions and threatened to flood some of America’s most historic Southern cities.
Florida school board to board member, Moms for Liberty co-founder: Resign
Read full article: Florida school board to board member, Moms for Liberty co-founder: ResignA Florida school board has recommended the resignation of one of its members who is embroiled in the fallout of a sexual assault investigation into her husband, Republican Party state chairman Christian Ziegler.
These 14 celebrities lived in Florida. Can you guess where?
Read full article: These 14 celebrities lived in Florida. Can you guess where?Given Florida’s popular beaches, warm weather and amazing tourist attractions, it’s no surprise that the state brings in its own crowd of celebrities wanting to live here.
‘Clear outlier:’ New College of Florida to scrap Gender Studies program
Read full article: ‘Clear outlier:’ New College of Florida to scrap Gender Studies programThe college is set to terminate the program beginning with the 2024 enrollees. Board members claimed the program didn't mesh with the college's larger mission.
Manatee at Florida aquarium died from sex injury, USDA report says
Read full article: Manatee at Florida aquarium died from sex injury, USDA report saysA manatee in the care of Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium died from an injury caused during a sexual encounter with his brother, according to the USDA.
New College of Florida board eyes Freedom Institute to combat ‘cancel culture’
Read full article: New College of Florida board eyes Freedom Institute to combat ‘cancel culture’The New College of Florida Board of Trustees on Thursday moved forward with a plan to request $2 million in funding from the state Legislature to set up a “Freedom Institute” aimed at combating “cancel culture” in higher education.
Florida Gov. DeSantis signs bill eliminating DEI programs at colleges, universities
Read full article: Florida Gov. DeSantis signs bill eliminating DEI programs at colleges, universitiesFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a couple bills, including one eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, initiatives in higher education.
On DeSantis’ turf, Newsom decries conservative education push
Read full article: On DeSantis’ turf, Newsom decries conservative education pushAppearing on Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis’ turf, California Gov. Gavin Newsom decried what he called a conservative attempt to reshape education in the U.S., most notably at progressive institutions like New College of Florida.
New College of Florida conservative board votes to abolish DEI office
Read full article: New College of Florida conservative board votes to abolish DEI officeTrustees picked by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis to oversee New College of Florida have voted to abolish its small office that handles diversity, equity and inclusion programs targeted by conservatives throughout the state university system.
Photo of Gabby Petito before death supports lawsuit against police, parents say
Read full article: Photo of Gabby Petito before death supports lawsuit against police, parents sayThe parents of Gabby Petito have released a photo they say proves officers should have taken action during a domestic violence stop involving Petito and her then-fiancé Brian Laundrie.
Florida Rep. Steube out of hospital after accident at home
Read full article: Florida Rep. Steube out of hospital after accident at homeA U.S. congressman from Florida who was seriously injured in a tree-trimming accident in Sarasota says he has been discharged from the hospital and is recovering at home.
FEMA hiring workers to help with Hurricane Ian recovery, agency says
Read full article: FEMA hiring workers to help with Hurricane Ian recovery, agency saysFEMA announced on Saturday, Oct. 29 that is is hiring for more than 300 jobs in Kissimmee, Orlando, Brandon, Fort Myers and Sarasota as the agency continues to help in Hurricane Ian recovery efforts.
Hurricane Ian closes some Florida schools indefinitely
Read full article: Hurricane Ian closes some Florida schools indefinitelyThe devastation from Hurricane Ian has left schools shuttered indefinitely in parts of Florida, leaving storm-weary families anxious for word on when and how children can get back to classrooms.
Florida judge won’t dismiss parent lawsuit in Gabby Petito slaying
Read full article: Florida judge won’t dismiss parent lawsuit in Gabby Petito slayingA Florida judge has refused to dismiss a lawsuit in which the parents of Gabby Petito claim that Brian Laundrie told his parents he had killed her before he returned home alone from their western trip.
5 reasons why attending spring training is a home-run experience
Read full article: 5 reasons why attending spring training is a home-run experienceBaseball’s regular season begins this week, so that means the abbreviated spring training session for teams, which started late due to the offseason lockout, is over.
This unique brunch experience in Sarasota will leave you singing, dancing and with a full belly
Read full article: This unique brunch experience in Sarasota will leave you singing, dancing and with a full bellyEven for a Sarasota area lauded by many for having one of the most exquisite and diverse set of restaurants in the country, it’s a place and occasion on Sundays that still stands out.
Florida Gov. DeSantis declines to say whether he received COVID booster, says decision is ‘private matter’
Read full article: Florida Gov. DeSantis declines to say whether he received COVID booster, says decision is ‘private matter’Gov. Ron DeSantis once again refused to confirm whether he would receive or has already received a COVID-19 booster shot when asked by a reporter during a news conference in Sarasota.
WATCH LIVE: Gov. Ron DeSantis holds news conference in North Port
Read full article: WATCH LIVE: Gov. Ron DeSantis holds news conference in North PortGov. Ron DeSantis held two press conferences today, in Collier and Sarasota counties, where he announced $5.8 million to fund a new technical college location in Collier County and $1.7 million to fund the installation of wastewater infrastructure in the city of North Port.
Agents search in Wyoming for Gabby Petito, in Florida wildlife reserve for fiancé
Read full article: Agents search in Wyoming for Gabby Petito, in Florida wildlife reserve for fiancéPolice in Florida searched a vast wildlife reserve near the Gulf Coast for 23-year-old Brian Laundrie, a person of interest in the disappearance of his girlfriend, Gabrielle “Gabby” Petito.
Unemployed software analyst says Florida unemployment department provides ‘no answers’
Read full article: Unemployed software analyst says Florida unemployment department provides ‘no answers’Fonde is among an estimated 272,000 unemployed Florida residents who have been locked out of their CONNECT unemployment accounts.
Video: Florida officer rescues coyote that was floundering in water at Sarasota Bay
Read full article: Video: Florida officer rescues coyote that was floundering in water at Sarasota BaySARASOTA, Fla. – A water-logged coyote that was trying to doggy paddle its way back to land while lost in Sarasota Bay got a helping hand from a police officer. Sarasota Police Department public information officer Genevieve Judge said she’s grateful for the positive feedback. Ad“We’re so appreciative of our community and social media followers and the kindness they are showing by thanking Officer Dixon. Our officers work 24 hours a day, seven days a week to protect all humans and all animals,” Judge said. “Officer Dixon is one of two officers assigned to our Marine Patrol Unit.
Forecasting Change: Less extreme cold in winter
Read full article: Forecasting Change: Less extreme cold in winterIn the last 50 years, our lowest temperature for the winter has risen. Orlando lowest temperatureIn Gainesville, the rise is not as rapid as in Orlando. Gainesville lowest temperatureBut Gainesville, while still up, proves to be a “cool” exception in Central Florida. So keep in mind that, even when we have a cool run in the winter, overall our winters are warming. And what some call “global warming” can actually be reimagined as “global weirdness” like warming winter lows that sneak up before you notice.
Florida man fatally shoots woman in front of police officer
Read full article: Florida man fatally shoots woman in front of police officerSARASOTA, Fla. – A Florida man fatally shot a woman in front of a police officer and then was also fatally shot Saturday, authorities said. While the officer fired at the suspect, it wasn't immediately known if he was killed by the officer or died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, said Sarasota Police Chief Jim Rieser. The officer responded to a report of gunshots and a woman screaming and arrived to find the man with a gun. The suspect then shot the woman, Rieser said. The department didn’t release the names of the officer, the shooter or the woman killed.
High-wire acrobat Nik Wallenda walks the plank at Legoland Florida
Read full article: High-wire acrobat Nik Wallenda walks the plank at Legoland FloridaWINTER HAVEN, Fla – Florida’s famous high-wire acrobat Nik Wallenda walked the plank at the Legoland Florida Resort on Friday. The performer, originally from Sarasota, performed the epic high-wire walk nearly 600 feet cross the skies of the theme park. Legoland Florida also started a new show, Brickbeard’s Watersports Stunt Show and PirateFest Weekends. During the new PirateFest Weekends, guests can meet the famous Lego Pirate characters and participate in all-new shows and activities. Pirate Weekends runs Feb. 12-14, 20-21, 27-28.
Florida city official involved in Christmas Eve fight
Read full article: Florida city official involved in Christmas Eve fightSARASOTA, Fla. – A city official in Florida was involved in a fight outside a bar on Christmas Eve, a newspaper reported Monday. The Sarasota Herald-Tribune reports Sarasota Commissioner cwas attacked by multiple men after a verbal dispute. A photo later shows him lying on the sidewalk with his arms by his side. In a written statement to police, Battie, said he was walking back into a restaurant when he saw his friend in an argument with one of the suspects. Battie told an officer that was all he remembered of the altercation.
Florida man finds body inside trash can he was storing for friend
Read full article: Florida man finds body inside trash can he was storing for friendSARASOTA, Fla. – A Florida man who had been storing a trash can for a friend for more than two months, found a badly decomposing body inside when he opened it, authorities said. Manatee County Sheriff’s Office said the unidentified man had been holding the 55-gallon container for a friend who promised to retrieve it later. But that person never returned and after about two months, the man smelled a foul odor and opened the container. Inside were human remains that had been wrapped up. The Herald-Tribune reported Tuesday that the sheriff's office is investigating the identify of the remains and how they died.
Woman fatally shot at Florida bank
Read full article: Woman fatally shot at Florida bankVENICE, Fla. – A woman was fatally shot at a bank in Venice on Monday morning, sheriff’s officials said. The shooting happened just after 9 a.m. at a BB&T bank branch in Venice, which is near Sarasota on Florida’s Gulf Coast, the Sarasota Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook post. Arriving deputies found the woman dead at the scene. The Sheriff’s Office hasn’t released many details about the shooting. But officials said “all involved parties are accounted for," the post said,Investigators are working to notify the woman's relatives.
Florida officer on leave after pressing knee into mans neck
Read full article: Florida officer on leave after pressing knee into mans neckSARASOTA, Fla. A bystander video showing a Sarasota police officer pressing his knee into the neck of a handcuffed black man a week before the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis has prompted an investigation and promises of transparency. Two Sarasota officers are seen on video holding down Patrick Carroll, 27, during a domestic violence call on May 18th. Utilizing your knee on someones neck is not something that we train, Sarasota Police Deputy Chief Patrick Robinson said. Its not something that we authorize and its not something that we stand behind.The department told news outlets it wasnt aware the officer placed a knee on Carrolls neck until it was tagged in the video on social media on Monday. The officer who placed his knee on Carroll's neck has been placed on administrative leave, the department said.
Publix looking to hire thousands of employees amid spread of coronavirus
Read full article: Publix looking to hire thousands of employees amid spread of coronavirusORLANDO, Fla. – Publix is looking to hire thousands of employees for the company’s stores and distribution centers amid the spread of the coronavirus. Various jobs are listed for stores throughout Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia. Jobs are also listed at the distribution centers in Boynton Beach, Deerfield Beach, Jacksonville, Lakeland, Miami, Orlando, Sarasota, Lawrenceville, and McCalla. The company is offering benefits for full-time employees and part-time employees, according to Publix. To keep up with the latest news on the pandemic, subscribe to News 6′s coronavirus newsletter or go to ClickOrlando.com/coronavirus.
Gov. DeSantis signs texting and driving bill into law, saving ‘countless lives’
Read full article: Gov. DeSantis signs texting and driving bill into law, saving ‘countless lives’Ron DeSantis signed a bill into law Friday morning that will allow law enforcement officers to pull over drivers who are texting and driving. Though the new law allows police officers to proactively make the roads safer, the fines for texting and driving stay the same. 5 things to know about Florida's texting and driving billBefore signing the bill, DeSantis cited some of the statistics about distracted driving crashes. Since 2013, lawmakers have sponsored 31 different pieces of legislation to strengthen Florida’s texting and driving law. Simpson compared the texting and driving bill to the seat belt bill during the 1980s.
Driving change: You soon can be ticketed for texting and driving in Florida
Read full article: Driving change: You soon can be ticketed for texting and driving in FloridaRon DeSantis signed a bill Friday morning making texting and driving a primary offense in the state of Florida. News 6 has been behind the Driving Change effort ever since anchor Matt Austin was injured in a crash. Since 2013, lawmakers have sponsored 31 different pieces of legislation to strengthen Florida’s texting and driving law. On Sept. 9, 2016, News 6 anchor Matt Austin was waiting for a traffic light to turn green when a vehicle slammed into his car. [VIDEO BELOW: Florida passes texting and driving bill]