WEATHER FORECASTMorning storms exit by the afternoon

STORM PREPS Tampa Bay's complete guide to Storm Season 2025

LOCKED DOOR LAWSchool districts given more flexibility with revised locked door law

WHAT'S POP-IN TAMPATampa's Downtown Partnership hosting "What's Pop-In" events through next week

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MANATEE COUNTY NEWS

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 County1 day 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 days 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 days 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 days 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 days 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 days 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 days 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 County3 days 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 County4 days 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

Tampa1 week 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

Florida1 week 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

Tampa1 week 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 County1 week 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 County1 week 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

Tampa1 week ago

Ariana Morales (Courtesy / Spectrum News)

A+ Teacher goes from intern to educator

Ariana Morales teaches first grade at Samoset Elementary.

1:58

Manatee County1 week 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 County1 week 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 County1 week 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 week 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 County2 weeks 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 County2 weeks 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 County2 weeks 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

Tampa2 weeks 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.

Tampa2 weeks 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 County2 weeks 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 County2 weeks 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 County2 weeks 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 County3 weeks 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 County3 weeks 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 County3 weeks 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.

Florida3 weeks 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 County3 weeks 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 County4 weeks 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

Interim police chief Frank Rubino gives a green decal to the manager of ACE Hardware in Longboat Key. (Spectrum Bay News 9/Julia Hazel)

Longboat Key launches new decal re-entry program for the 2025 hurricane season

This new system means drivers won’t have to stop for ID checks after a major storm.

2:35

Manatee County1 month ago

The crash happened shortly after 10 a.m. at the airport, located at 42650 State Road 64 East. (Sky 9)

Small plane crash causes brush fire near Myakka City

It happened shortly after 10 a.m. at the airport, located at 42650 State Road 64 East.

Manatee County1 month ago

The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has released video of a crash between a deputy and a driver accused of driving under the influence.

Surveillance video shows driver colliding with Manatee deputy; DUI charge filed against suspect

The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has released video of a crash between a deputy and a driver accused of driving under the influence.

Manatee County1 month ago

Smoked grouper fish spread from Gully’s in Parrish. (Spectrum News/Bobby Collins)

Gully's in Parrish: Mullet isn’t the only fish smoked and spread

The Chef's Kitchen visits Gully's in Parrish, home of smoked mullet and smoked grouper spread.

1:58

Tampa1 month ago

(Spectrum News)

State program helps manage pesticides at Manatee golf courses

Over 50 golf courses in the county are regularly inspected for compliance.

2:57

Manatee County1 month ago

SEA TURTLE NESTING

Chuck Anderson, a volunteer with Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shoreboard Monitoring. (Spectrum Bay News 9/Julia Hazel)

SEA TURTLE NESTING

SEA TURTLE NESTING

Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch prepares for sea turtle nesting season

Chuck Anderson and his crew his crew of volunteers are searching the beach and educating the public to keep sea turtles safe.

2:40

Manatee County1 month ago

Julie Madison feeding one of her clients dogs at her home

Bradenton dog trainer prepares home to take in dogs during a hurricane

During Hurricane Milton, 17 dogs stayed inside her home — including her own, her clients’, and 11 emergency take-ins.

2:18

Manatee County1 month ago

Kailey Gratzer stands in her backyard in front of her home, which was damaged during Hurricane Helene, and the trailer where she and her family are currently living. (Spectrum News)

Ellenton family still rebuilding from last year's hurricanes worries about the coming storm season

Kailey Gratzer's home was flooded during Hurricane Helene.

2:39

Manatee County1 month ago

Christopher Malave looks through some of his school notes. (Spectrum Bay News 9/Matt Lackritz)

Tampa Bay Crisis Center encourages open dialogue in wake of FSU shooting

Center officials say this is a very stressful time for both the students on campus and parents with children at the university.

1:55

Manatee County1 month ago

New College of Florida marketing director arrested, fired from job

The director of marketing and media for New College of Florida is facing charges of exposure of sexual organs.

Manatee County1 month ago

An ambulance at Manatee County's EMS Station #16. (Spectrum Bay News 9/Julia Hazel)

Manatee EMS wants to expand traffic light technology

The program began last year and has helped first responders get to emergencies in a more timely fashion.

2:20

Manatee County1 month ago

FLUORIDE DISCUSSION

Four Tampa Bay area communities have recently voted if fluoride should remain in drinking water. (File photo)

FLUORIDE DISCUSSION

FLUORIDE DISCUSSION

Manatee County votes to pull fluoride from drinking water

Manatee County commissioners voted Tuesday morning to stop adding fluoride to county drinking water. The vote was 5-1 to stop adding the mineral.

Manatee County1 month ago

Local Relief Founder and Executive Director Heather Hackett says she hopes the tool connects communities to everything they need in crisis. (Spectrum News/Melissa Eichman)

Local Relief app provides free resources to help prepare and recover from disasters

Local Relief Founder and Executive Director Heather Hackett says she hopes the tool connects communities to everything they need in crisis.

2:07

Tampa1 month ago

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