News
Local search for World War II duds to resume
1+ hour, 7+ min ago (1192+ words) Service members stand next to an A-29 Lockheed Hudson bomber at Sarasota Army Air Force Airfield during World War II. Bomber crews in training would drop practice bombs in a field near Venice, which is now the Island Walk neighborhood in Wellen…...
Motorcyclist dies in crash with dump truck
2+ hour, 7+ min ago (170+ words) PARRISH " A motorcyclist was killed after striking a dump truck being driven by a North Port man, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The motorcyclist, whose identity hasn't been released, was traveling north on U. S. 41 around 4: 20 p. m. Thursday, approaching the southbound entrance…...
2026 GCCF leadership class selected
4+ hour, 7+ min ago (219+ words) Twenty-five more community leaders are taking part in the 2026 Gulf Coast Leadership Institute, put on by Gulf Coast Community Foundation and the Leadership Development Institute of Eckerd College. VENICE" Gulf Coast Community Foundation has announced the next group of 25 participants…...
COLUMN: Public Works employees deserving of recognition | Columnists
4+ hour, 37+ min ago (359+ words) Each year, communities across the country pause to recognize the dedicated professionals who keep cities functioning safely and efficiently during National Public Works Week. In the city of Punta Gorda, that recognition carries special meaning as residents celebrate not only…...
All-Area Boys Basketball: Area basketball is on the rise
18+ hour, 7+ min ago (799+ words) Charlotte's Jianny Reyes-Sanchez drives to the basket past Port Charlotte's Jio Cruz during Saturday night's game at Charlotte High School. There were some standout seniors that cannot be forgotten, but many of the top players will be back next year,…...
Wellen Park hits decade of top sales
13+ hour, 12+ min ago (395+ words) For 10 straight years, Wellen Park has been among America's top-selling master-planned communities, according to a recent news release. WELLEN PARK " In 2016, what was then known as West Villages, was recognized as a top-selling master-planned community. Now known as Wellen Park,…...
Survey says: Gerrymandering still unpopular
10+ hour, 7+ min ago (937+ words) State Rep. Angie Nixon, D-Fla. , speaks loudly on the House floor as the House voted on HB1 D, a redistricting bill, during a special session of the Florida Legislature, Wednesday, April 29, 2026, in Tallahassee, Fla. President Trump and Florida Gov. Ron De…...
WITH VIDEO: Swallow-tailed kite rescued, released by Peace River Wildlife Center
14+ hour, 7+ min ago (247+ words) A bird was released at Atwater Park in North Port earlier this week. The bird flies into the sky after being released. The rescued bird flew back where it belongs. The kite rescued flies into the clouds. NORTH PORT " A…...
'The reality is coming:' UCF economist talks local economic future
17+ hour, 12+ min ago (745+ words) Sean Snaith, director of the University of Central Florida's Institute for Economic Forecasting, forecasted the economy and its impacts on Sarasota County at Tuesday's county commission budget workshop on Wednesday. VENICE " To kick off their third budget workshop of the…...
LETTER: Plan protects future of farmers market
17+ hour, 4+ min ago (195+ words) Mario Madrigal runs a booth at the Punta Gorda Farmers Market and sells Florida farm-fresh fruits and vegetables. The upcoming August 31 permit deadline leaves Punta Gorda at an urgent administrative crossroads. To protect our independent vendors, I have formally submitted…...