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Vet with service dog denied access to public places

BRADENTON, Fla. - Thousands of men and women across the country have answered the call to serve in our armed forces.  And for many the transition back to civilian life can be a rough one.

City says red light cameras also help solve disputes

SARASOTA - Red light cameras remain unpopular with many drivers, who say they exist only to generate revenue. But Sarasota Police say video from one camera shows their other benefits.

Willowbrook contractor suing homeowner for slander

MANATEE COUNTY - Homeowners in a Manatee County community who have put legal pressure on their builder to fix defects in their homes are now being sued by a contractor doing some of the work.

Drug abuse prevention advocates fear marijuana legalization

BRADENTON - The push to make marijuana legal could appear on the ballot in 2014.  Advocates for legal marijuana have mastered the marketing – and gotten the money – to change people's perceptions of pot, and that leaves people who work against drug abuse struggling to blunt a rising tide …

Fine for backing in car raises eyebrows

$35 tickets are issued if a driver backs in their vehicle at several locations throughout the city of Sarasota.

Red light camera advocate gets one at intersection where husband died

BRADENTON - Two weeks away from giving birth to her daughter, Melissa Wandall learned that her baby girl would never meet her father.

Couple charged with Child Neglect after 3-year-old's death

SARASOTA - A Sarasota couple was arrested Monday after investigators say a 3-year-old girl suffered massive internal injuries while in their care, leading to the girl's death.

Willowbrook homeowner speaks out about slander lawsuit

BRADENTON, Fla. – A Manatee County homeowner says the victim is now being sued. He owns a home in the Willowbrook townhome community, where people there put legal pressure on the builder, KB Home, to fix defects in their homes. But now he says a contractor is suing him.

Homeowners upset at plan to convert golf course into homes

Ray Collins

SARASOTA COUNTY - Realtors say it's another sign of the housing market making a comeback -- but not everyone is pleased about plans to close one of the oldest public golf courses in the area.

5/31-13 - Lunch with Chef Judi - Ilias

Chef owner Ilia Tasho has a master’s degree in yogurt making and his family has been in the restaurant business in Greece and Albania for 100 years, needless to say.

1 dead, 3 injured in Sarasota crash

SARASOTA - One person is dead and 3 others injured after a vehicle crash in Sarasota.

Woman picks up tab for 180 at Fla. restaurant

The Associated Press

PLANT CITY, Fla. (AP) — A mystery woman who many say looked like the Florida woman who recently won the Powerball jackpot picked up the tab for 180 diners at a Plant City restaurant.

World-famous statue could find a home on Sarasota bayfront

SARASOTA, Fla. – In a town that’s already the home to a statue depicting one of the most well-known moments of the World War II era, a campaign is underway to bring another piece of history to Sarasota’s bayfront: an original monument showcasing perhaps the most iconic image of the second…

Nearly 300 Manatee School positions to be cut

BRADENTON - More teachers are facing the chopping block in Manatee County. Superintendent Rick Mills laid out his financial recovery plan Monday, which includes the elimination of 282 positions within the district.

Local artist found not guilty in DUI arrest case

SARASOTA - A jury needed little time to reach a verdict in a case against a Michigan woman charged with trying to escape arrest in Sarasota.

Man arrested for beating small dog that didn't obey commands

SARASOTA, FL. - The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a man for beating his small dog when she wouldn’t obey his commands.

Sarasota man arrested for DUI files suit against trooper

SARASOTA - A Florida Highway Patrol trooper under scrutiny for previous arrests is facing another legal battle, after a man arrested for DUI files a lawsuit against him.

Both drivers charged in North Port road rage shooting incident

NORTH PORT, Fla. - Charges have been filed against both drivers involved in an incident Tuesday in North Port, during which investigators say both men threatened each other with shotguns -- one of whom even pulled the trigger.

Oklahoma tornado relief draws donations, brings on scams

SARASOTA - The images of devastation in Oklahoma inspire an outpouring of help for victims of the tornado. But, sickening as it may sound, scammers wait to prey on that generosity.  Oklahoma's Attorney General has already had to warn people, in his state and even here on the Suncoast, to …

School Board votes to demolish tennis courts

By a 5-0 vote, board members will move forward with plans to demolish the eight tennis courts at Sarasota High School and build a bus loop drop off in its place.

Bradenton boy recovering from dog bites

The 13-year-old was attacked by two Australian Shepherds on Christmas Eve.

Manatee County School district releases economic recovery plan

BRADENTON - Faced with the threat of being overtaken by the state and with its teachers fearing layoffs, the Manatee County School District is releasing a new recovery plan they hope can help turn around its dire financial situation -- and it includes $21.9 million in cuts.

Llama busts loose in Fla., subdued with taser

The Associated Press

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — When Scooter the llama busted out of his penned-in yard in Tallahassee, Florida, it took three county sheriff's deputies and a taser gun to get him back in again.

Disney World patron finds gun on ride

The Associated Press

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) — A Walt Disney World patron on a ride with her grandson found a loaded gun on her seat.

YouTube video claims to show skunk ape in Myakka River State Park

SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. - People are once again claiming that they have spotted the rare and elusive skunk ape. They say they spotted Florida's version of Bigfoot at Myakka River State Park. But could it be?

Evacuation Zones

Here you will find links to your local evacuation zone.

Deputies: 6-year-old boy brought along to drug deal

SARASOTA, Fla. - The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a man who brought a six-year-old boy with him as he and a friend drove to a north Sarasota home to buy drugs.

World No Tobacco Day

The state of Florida and its partners recognize May 31 as World No Tobacco Day

Fatal motorcycle crash on Bee Ridge and Tuttle

SARASOTA - A fatal crash involving a motorcyclist shut down portions of a Sarasota intersection Monday.

New numbers show sharp increase in area's homeless population

Compared to 2011, analysts say the number of homeless men, women and children on the Suncoast has doubled.

SRQ approved to hire private security company

SARASOTA - The TSA's role could change soon at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport. SRQ has been approved to hire a private firm to conduct security screenings at the airport.

Delmer Smith is sentenced to death

MANATEE COUNTY - Nearly four years after brutally murdering Kathleen Briles inside her Terra Ceia home, Delmer Smith learned today that he will die as punishment for the crime.

Torn Rotator Cuffs

Surgery-free alternative you can do for free!

6/11/13 - Salad Mimosa

Chef Larry Barrett

This recipe is incredibly simple ~ just use the finest ingredients possible. Serves Six. Avocado Mousse Two Ripe Mashed Avocados Two Tablespoons Fresh Lime Juice One Clove Chopped Fresh Garlic Salt/Peppe…

Police to crack down on ATV riding and camping in North Port

Contact Josh at jtaylor@mysuncoast.com

North Port police say they'll be out in full force this weekend cracking down on illegal ATV riding and camping in the city.

Motorcycle accident closes U.S. 301 Saturday

SARASOTA - Accident shuts down parts of U.S. 301

Half cent sale tax rally

Bradenton---A special election is underway in Manatee County--and one item is causing controversy.  It involves a tax to pay health care for the poor.

Family of missing Bradenton soldier wants answers

BRADENTON, FL. - Heartache and worry for a Bradenton family.  Their son, a US Army soldier  and combat veteran has been missing for 45 days.

Amazing Women of the Suncoast: Linda Larsen

SARASOTA - Every Monday we bring you a story of an amazing woman here on the Suncoast. And today we introduce you to a remarkable Sarasota woman who went from making headlines as a victim to using her story to inspire thousands around the world.

Suncoast residents react to government snooping

Suncoast residents debate privacy versus security

Managing ALS

There are significant therapies and new treatment guidelines to manage the symptoms of ALS.

Police: Robber threw hammer, took cash

SARASOTA - Police need your help solving an armed robbery in which they say the suspect threw a hammer at a smoke shop employee.

Sarasota sidewalks not ADA compliant

SARASOTA, Fla. - Walking was once thought to be one of the safest means of traveling. But some say a stretch of sidewalk in Sarasota maybe changing those beliefs, and one man is fighting to get area sidewalks up to the basic ADA compliance standards.

Nick Wallenda practices open to public through June 19th

SARASOTA - Despite a rainy weekend, Nik Wallenda took to the high wire to practice for his upcoming Grand Canyon walk. But Monday he'll take a much deserved day off.

Nik Wallenda to practice for Grand Canyon at Sarasota park

SARASOTA - Before Nik Wallenda walks a wire across the Grand Canyon next month, he'll prepare in his hometown. There's still some paperwork to complete, but Wallenda will practice at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota.

Catholic priest gets life for having sex with boy

SARASOTA COUNTY - A Catholic priest will spend the rest of his life in prison for having sex with a 14-year-old boy.

Survival Kit

Whether you stay or go, you should still put together a hurricane survival kit long before a storm ever threatens.

Deputies: Sarasota woman ran over and killed husband in driveway

SARASOTA - The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Sarasota woman in connection with the death of her husband in the driveway of their home.

Pedestrian hit by car while crossing Bee Ridge Road

SARASOTA - Authorities say a Sarasota man was injured Friday night when he crossed Bee Ridge Road into the path of a vehicle.

ABC 7 Weather Watchers

5/27/13 - Jerk chicken legs with mango chutney

Chef Judi Gallagher

Perfect for those summer cookouts, make extra mango chutney as gifts for all your friends.  Now we just need the blueberry peach pie and we have a summer holiday feast!

103 arrest warrants issued after undercover operation for EBT card fraud

BRADENTON - Manatee County Sheriff Brad Steube says his deputies have busted dozens of people for food stamp fraud. And he says he has arrest warrants out for a hundred more.

FBI agent fatally shoots man in Orlando

The Associated Press

UPDATE - WASHINGTON (AP) — The FBI says a man being questioned by authorities in the Boston bombing probe was fatally shot when he initiated a violent confrontation.

Ocular Melanoma

SARASOTA - Melanoma is a familiar word if you live on the Suncoast, but Ocular Melanoma starts in the eye and can only be detected in an eye exam.

Manatee Co. Sheriff's deputy charged with DUI

PARRISH, Fla. - An off-duty Manatee County Sheriff's deputy had been placed on administrative leave after an early-morning arrest for DUI.

Record collectors have new place to shop in Venice

VENICE - They say if you want to succeed in business, follow your passion. Do what you love, and you'll love your job. One Suncoast woman has taken that advice to heart; but a lot of people are shocked to see the kind of business she has opened.

Deputies: Woman bites boyfriend's penis for not having sex

BRADENTON, FL.  A 19-year-old high school student has been arrested after authorities say she bit her boyfriend's penis when he refused to have sex with her.

Possible shark fishing ban at the Venice pier

VENICE, Fla. - City leaders in Venice are considering a ban on shark fishing at the Venice Municipal Fishing Pier.

6/7/13 - Lunch with Chef Judi - Caragiulos

Considered a Sarasota institution, Caragiulos is still a family run Italian recipe with a darn good pizza and a laid back feel. Never menu items and a cleaner look have peaked my interest as of late and sent me back looking for more Italian soul food.

Disease patients say marijuana helps them

PARRISH--Thirty year old Ryan Roman has spent the last eight years fighting aggressive spinal and brain cancer.

Celebrating Suncoast Mothers grand prize drawing Thursday

ABC 7 has been celebrating Suncoast moms all month in May by giving away spa packages and beautiful bouquets.