Governor Rick Scott has signed a comprehensive education bill that's drawing the ire of many public school officials. The measure- HB 7069- creates the "Schools of Hope" program, offering financial incentives to charter school... Read More.

The crime rate in Manatee County dropped 17 percentage points last year when compared to 2015, according to data in a report released Wednesday. In Manatee County, indexed crimes saw a decrease in every... Read More.

A North Port man has been charged with a pair of felonies involving a minor. 29-year old Daniel Ott was charged with this week with promoting sexual performance by a child and distributing obscene... Read More.

Two dozen cars have been broken into over the past week in one Port Charlotte neighborhood. Officials with the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office say most of the cars that were hit were unlocked. According... Read More.

The countywide recreational burn ban in Sarasota County has been lifted. Fire Chief Michael Regnier lifted the ban yesterday that had been in place since April 21st. When the ban was announced, Regnier said... Read More.

The fired Punta Gorda police officer who shot and killed an elderly woman during a citizens' academy...now wants the police pension board to pay for his disability pay. Lee Coel still faces manslaughter charges... Read More.

A Charlotte County man who was convicted in the murder of a 7-11 convenience store clerk in Punta Gorda wants a retrial. An attorney filed a motion on behalf of Michael Russo who was found... Read More.

Florida is cracking down on those found in possession of fentanyl. Gov. Rick Scott on Wednesday signed a bill that creates tougher penalties involving the drug or derivatives of the drug. One part of the legislation... Read More.