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The Lake Manatee Dam receives an annual professional engineer’s report on its condition. (Spectrum Bay News 9/Julia Hazel)

Lake Manatee Dam receives $3 million dollars for emergency repairs

Information gained after last year’s hurricane season has led to a multi-million dollar restoration project at the dam.

1:43

Manatee County1 day ago

Still reeling from the aftermath of back-to-back hurricanes Helene and Milton, Pines Trailer Park residents are now battling a new storm — a legal one — as eviction notices appear on their doors. (Spectrum News)

Bay area mobile home park residents push back against mass eviction

They are still reeling from the aftermath of back-to-back hurricanes Helene and Milton.

2:22

Tampa2 days ago

South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns are staying and training at IMG Academy in Bradenton while they prepare for next year's FIFA World Cup. (Spectrum News/Sarah Blazonis)

South African club soccer team trains in Bradenton ahead of FIFA Club World Cup

The Mamelodi Sundowns say they chose IMG Academy because of its top training facilities, quality food, and more.

2:56

Manatee County4 days ago

SOLAR BUSINESSES

Solar panels are being installed on the roof of the Manatee School for the Arts, which is one of largest solar projects happening right now in Florida, according to the school. (Spectrum Bay News 9/Nick Popham)

SOLAR BUSINESSES

SOLAR BUSINESSES

Solar expert concerned over outcome of 'big, beautiful bill'

Steven Rutherford has seen the ups and downs of the solar industry over his 15 years as president of Tampa Bay Solar, which is why he's concerned now.

3:34

Florida4 days ago

JUNETEENTH 2025

The Juneteenth flag (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)

JUNETEENTH 2025

JUNETEENTH 2025

Juneteenth celebrations across Tampa Bay for 2025

Festivities are lined up county-by-county for Juneteenth, on June 19.

Tampa6 days ago

The State College of Florida (SCF) is expanding its Artificial Intelligence Sim Lab Program to two other campuses in the Tampa Bay area. (Spectrum News)

SCF expands artificial intelligence mannequin skills lab program

The State College of Florida is expanding its Artificial Intelligence Sim Lab Program to two other campuses in the Tampa Bay area.

2:29

Manatee County6 days ago

SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH

Manatee County school board members plan to pick a consulting firm Tuesday to lead the search for their fifth superintendent in a dozen years. (Spectrum News/Angie Angers)

SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH

SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH

Manatee County leaders to lay groundwork for superintendent search

Board members plan to pick a consulting firm Tuesday that will help facilitate the search and then set the timeline for the interview process.

2:51

Manatee County1 week ago

Second-grade students select their meals during lunch break. (Courtesy: AP)

Free meals for students on summer break; find your location

More than 3,000 locations across Florida, including churches, schools and libraries, will serve breakfast, lunch, snacks and more all summer long.

Florida1 week ago

Dalton Nelson walks around Parris Community Park. (Julia Hazel/Spectrum Bay News 9)

Manatee County commissioners pass increase of impact fees by 100%

Impact fees are one-time charges that developers pay to complete new construction in the unincorporated areas of Manatee County.

2:31

Manatee County1 week ago

The Holmes Beach Town Hall Hurricane Preparedness Workshop will take place from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Holmes Beach City Hall. (Spectrum Bay News 9/Julia Hazel)

Holmes Beach to host hurricane preparedness workshop Friday

The workshop will take place Friday, June 6, from 10-11:30 a.m. at City Hall.

2:27

Manatee County1 week ago

MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE

Paris Hoisington, 31, and her daughter Josie Law, 11, point to the area on Cortez Beach in Manatee County where the girl found a message in a bottle on Sunday (Spectrum News/Josh Rojas).

MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE

MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE

Message in bottle from Hawaii found on Bradenton Beach

Payton Hollenbeck said she tossed the bottle into the ocean 8 years ago.

2:39

Manatee County1 week ago

The sandbag locations, including this one at Rye Preserve, will be available until the end of storm season. We have listed them at the bottom of this story. (Spectrum Bay News 9/Julia Hazel)

Manatee County starts permanent sandbag locations through hurricane season

Manatee County wants residents to plan ahead this storm season and is increasing accessibility to a valuable resource — sandbags.

2:31

Manatee County2 weeks ago

Signage for the Island Shopping Center in Holmes Beach where a grand reopening ceremony will be held Friday, June 6 for businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene. (Spectrum News)

Popular Holmes Beach shopping center to hold grand reopening months after Helene damage

Jennifer Moore's business just reopened, and she has organized a celebration for all stores at Island Shopping Center to take place Friday.

2:32

Manatee County2 weeks ago

MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE

Peyton Hollenbeck of Hawaii said her younger brother wrote the message but they put down her phone number, hoping to hear back one day from someone oceans away. Seven years later, they did. (Spectrum News image)

MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE

MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE

Eight years later, an answer to that message in a bottle

When the Hoisington family found a message in a bottle on the beach it seemed the story had ended with the bottle’s 4,600-mile, 8-year journey.

Manatee County2 weeks ago

The school board has scheduled a meeting Thursday to begin discussing the future of its superintendent position. Right now, current District Chief of Staff Kevin Chapman is serving as interim superintendent. (Spectrum news image)

Finding a new superintendent tops to-do list for Manatee school officials

The school year is ending for students and teachers, but Manatee County school officials will be busy this summer.

1:55

Manatee County2 weeks ago

FLORIDA ON A TANKFUL

Captain D of Day Trippin Tours, along with husband and fellow captain Ricky Gullett in Terra Ceia Bay. (Spectrum News/Bobby Collins)

FLORIDA ON A TANKFUL

FLORIDA ON A TANKFUL

Tour the wild waters of Terra Ceia Bay with Captain D of Day Trippin Boat Tours

Captain D with Day Trippin Boat tour takes guests on the waters off Manatee County.

2:15

Manatee County2 weeks ago

Because the meters will also provide real-time data to residents, the county says the technology promotes water conservation — leading to reduced costs. (Spectrum Bay News 9/Julia Hazel)

Manatee County is upgrading 150,000 water meters by 2027

These new water meters transmit information electronically, allowing staff to read the meters remotely.

2:12

Manatee County2 weeks ago

Hi-res satellite image of Hurricane Milton (Courtesy / NOAA/CIRA)

Tampa Bay's complete guide to Storm Season 2025

Coming off of a tough 2024 season, the Tampa Bay community has been forever changed.

21:32

Tampa2 weeks ago

Six monitors provide Manatee County emergency officials real-time hurricane data in one place. (Spectrum News)

All info, one place: Manatee County tries new hurricane approach

Manatee County is trying a new system to make decisions during hurricanes, hoping to maximize current data more efficiently.

2:16

Manatee County2 weeks ago

Bradley Anderson moves dirt to create a water drainage path on his Parrish property. (Spectrum Bay News 9/Julia Hazel)

Parrish family invests in new equipment and techniques to prevent flooding this year

We spoke to a Manatee County resident who is installing pumps on his property to move the water out and prevent issues in the future.

2:27

Manatee County2 weeks ago

LAND PRESERVATION

Manatee County commissioners unanimously voted to purchase more than 13 acres of land to add to Pine Island Preserve. (Spectrum News)

LAND PRESERVATION

LAND PRESERVATION

13 acres of land will be added to Pine Island Preserve

Manatee County commissioners unanimously voted to purchase the land.

2:20

Manatee County3 weeks ago

Manatee County unveiled two new dedications for the community to remember and honor Gold Star families and their loved ones who have fought for our freedom. (Spectrum News)

Manatee County unveiled two dedications for the community to remember and honor Gold Star families

With a new kiosk, people will be able to search for fallen heroes who served in any of the wars and were born in Manatee County.

1:52

Manatee County3 weeks ago

AAA spokesperson Andre El Khouri says this year, AAA is expecting 2.6 million travelers in Florida alone and of those 2.6 million, almost 2.3 million are going to use their cars. (File photo)

Crowded airport, busy roads expected across Bay area during holiday weekend

And Bay area roads will be crowded for the holiday weekend, along with Tampa International Airport.

1:18

Tampa3 weeks ago

PROJECT WEATHER

Project Weather

PROJECT WEATHER

PROJECT WEATHER

Project Weather: Spectrum Bay News 9 announces 2025 winners

A $1,000 check will be awarded to six high school seniors in public, private or parochial schools who excel in science.

1:35

Florida3 weeks ago

BUSY BOATING WEEKEND

FWC has additional officers working Memorial Day weekend to patrol the waters of Tampa Bay (Angie Angers).

BUSY BOATING WEEKEND

BUSY BOATING WEEKEND

FWC ups staffing, prepares for busy Memorial Day weekend

Memorial Day weekend also marks the last major holiday before the state’s new Boater Freedom Act goes into effect.

3:17

Tampa3 weeks ago

The U.S. Senate unanimously passed President Donald Trump’s campaign promise of ending taxes on tips. (Spectrum News)

Local barista reacts as U.S. Senate unanimously passes "No Tax on Tips Act"

The move would establish a tax deduction of up to $25,000 for tips.

2:10

Manatee County3 weeks ago

SUPERINTENDENT FIRED

Former Manatee County superintendent Dr. Jason Wysong speaks with school board members during a special meeting Tuesday morning that ultimately resulted in a 3-2 vote to terminate his contract. (Photo: School District of Manatee County)

SUPERINTENDENT FIRED

SUPERINTENDENT FIRED

Despite educational gains, Manatee County fires superintendent over communication issues

In a 3-2 vote following hours of discussion Tuesday, the School Board of Manatee County fired superintendent Dr. Jason Wysong.

1:52

Manatee County4 weeks ago

toll plaza at skyway

Why does the Skyway Bridge still have toll booths?

Drivers say the toll booths for the Skyway Bridge are slowing down increasing traffic on the bridge.

2:18

Tampa4 weeks ago

Ariana Morales (Courtesy / Spectrum News)

A+ Teacher goes from intern to educator

Ariana Morales teaches first grade at Samoset Elementary.

1:58

Manatee County4 weeks ago

CELL PHONE CONSTRUCTION

Lindsey Leigh stands on the property of Old Miakka Church. (Spectrum Bay News 9/Julia Hazel)

CELL PHONE CONSTRUCTION

CELL PHONE CONSTRUCTION

Old Miakka resident decries plans to build 200-foot cell phone tower on church property

There will be a public hearing regarding the telecommunication tower Tuesday at 9 a.m. at the Sarasota County Administration Center.

2:10

Manatee County4 weeks ago

Manatee County commissioners unanimously passed a resolution to create a DOGE committee. (Spectrum News)

Manatee approves county DOGE team and Citizen Liaison Committee

The county hopes to have the DOGE Committee in place soon, so its recommendations can be included in the 2026 budget.

2:23

Manatee County4 weeks ago

DUAL LANGUAGE PROGRAM

Carlos Alana stands in the skills lab at State College of Florida. (Spectrum Bay News 9/Julia Hazel)

DUAL LANGUAGE PROGRAM

DUAL LANGUAGE PROGRAM

State College of Florida's dual language nursing program to start this fall

Instructors in the two-year dual-language program will speak both English and Spanish.

2:25

Manatee County1 month ago

Officials at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport say they are getting things ready for this year's hurricane season. (Spectrum News)

Preparations in place at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport ahead of hurricane season

The airport sustained significant damage during last year’s back-to-back hurricanes.

2:26

Manatee County1 month ago

SARASOTA ORCHESTRA

Natalie Helm plays her cello. She is a principal cello at Sarasota Orchestra. (Spectrum Bay News 9/Julia Hazel)

SARASOTA ORCHESTRA

SARASOTA ORCHESTRA

$60 million donation to fund new music center for Sarasota Orchestra

Officials anticipate starting construction first quarter of 2027 and opening in late 2029.

2:22

Manatee County1 month ago

PARKINSON’S DISEASE

James Hogan is writing his name successfully after taking classes with FITE for your Write

PARKINSON’S DISEASE

PARKINSON’S DISEASE

Local organization provides classes to improve handwriting for people with Parkinson's Disease

A Manatee County based organization started in February helping people with Parkinson’s Disease regain their strength to write again

2:55

Manatee County1 month ago

MOTORCYCLE SAFETY MONTH

Riders at Harley Davidson's Riding Academy in Brandon work on skills to pass their license endorsement class. (Spectrum News)

MOTORCYCLE SAFETY MONTH

MOTORCYCLE SAFETY MONTH

With a eye on rider safety, May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness month

At the Rider Academy at Harley Davidson in Brandon, a class of students learns skills and works toward their motorcycle endorsements.

1:36

Tampa1 month ago

Hillsborough County issued an emergency burn ban Friday on all outdoor open burning in all areas of the county. (FILE IMAGE)

Hernando County rescinds countywide burn ban

The county cited recent heavy rainfall and projected weather conditions.

Tampa1 month ago

Morgan Bryant's coffee shop on Anna Maria Island was flooded, forcing her to rebuild from scratch. (Spectrum News/Julia Hazel)

AMI business owner reacts to $252M disaster relief grant Manatee County received

A public meeting will take place on Wednesday in Bradenton for anyone interested in sharing their thoughts on the grant.

2:25

Manatee County1 month ago

Dr. Francis Tobienne, Jr. teaches tenth through twelfth-graders various literature classes. (Spectrum News)

A+ Teacher: 'I am living my best life'

Dr. Francis Tobienne, Jr. is the English department chair at Inspiration Academy in Bradenton.

1:58

Manatee County1 month ago

Sheena Kurakula's team collaborates about their project. (Spectrum Bay News 9/Julia Hazel)

Braden River High students prepare for TSA nationals in June

This year the group chose to speak about COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).

2:44

Manatee County1 month ago

FLORIDA ON A TANKFUL

A life in laughter: Goat farmer Corinn Smith spreads good vibes, offering human-animal interactions at Blissful Goat Yoga in Myakka City. (Spectrum News/Bobby Collins)

FLORIDA ON A TANKFUL

FLORIDA ON A TANKFUL

Goat farmer talks healing with yoga

Florida on a Tankful visits Blissful Goat Yoga in Myakka City where goat farmer talks the healing power of nature.

2:03

Manatee County1 month ago

Eric Primeau inside his food truck, serving a customer. (Spectrum News/Julia Hazel)

Food truck owner invests in equipment to help more people after a hurricane

Eric Primeau owns Florida Poutine Company. He can help storm victims who need internet connections and power to recharge devices.

1:55

Manatee County1 month ago

Standing in front of his Sunny Shores home, J.D. White explains how it was flooded during Hurricane Helene. (Spectrum Bay News 9/Julia Hazel)

Cortez resident with cerebral palsy says he is still stressed from Hurricane Helene

There is uncertainty about what the upcoming storm season will bring, but J.D. White is determined to stick to his plan to be prepared.

2:03

Manatee County1 month ago

Damage to a Florida home after storm and tornadoes spawned by Hurricane Milton. (Courtesy Betty Queen)

Floridians mark Hurricane Preparedness Week before season starts

As Floridians continue to prepare for the upcoming storm season, state officials are focusing on safety with Hurricane Preparedness Week.

Florida1 month ago

India Miller in downtown Sarasota livestreaming and sharing her message with the community. (Spectrum News)

Trans Sarasota resident discusses Trump laws

A 2024 survey shows that 90% of LGBTQ+ young people said their wellbeing was negatively impacted due to recent politics.

3:06

Manatee County1 month ago

Kellie Day stands in front of her Manatee County home, which is being lifted ahead of the 2025 storm season. (Spectrum Bay News 9/Julia Hazel)

Longboat Key homeowner raises her home ahead of storm season

Kellie Day said Hurricane Helene’s storm surge flooded her home and that it was time to go higher.

2:14

Manatee County1 month ago

Bradenton restaurant GM accused of burglarizing the business, taking money

An employee of Oak & Stone, located at 1201 Barcarrota Blvd., arrived at the business Tuesday morning and noticed the entrance was unlocked.

Manatee County1 month ago

Authorities were eventually able to latch onto the boat, board it and shut off the engine.

Police chase down runaway high-speed boat in Sarasota

The Sarasota Police Department said the incident happened Monday when the boat was spotted going in circles at about 40 mph.

0:47

Manatee County1 month ago

Six monitors provide Manatee County emergency officials real-time hurricane data in one place. (Spectrum News)

All info, one place: Manatee County tries new hurricane approach

Manatee County is trying a new system to make decisions during hurricanes, hoping to maximize current data more efficiently.

2:16

Manatee County1 month ago

Gavin Gamber worked at the White House for the President George W. Bush administration as the senior advance representative. One big event that Gamber helped organize was the former president’s visit to the Vatican for the funeral of Pope John Paul II in 2005. (Spectrum News/Julia Hazel)

Former White House representative describes intricacies of presidents attending pope funerals

Gavin Gamber worked as a senior advance representative for the President George W. Bush administration.

2:05

Manatee County1 month ago

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