Latest news with #SarasotaHerald-Tribune
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Yahoo
Alligators hamper teenager's rescue in fatal Florida crash
Efforts to rescue a teenager who drove off a bridge and plunged into a murky canal in southwest Florida were hampered by two dangerous obstacles: a pair of large alligators. Police and fire rescue workers responded to the crash in Venice, Florida, June 22 and found a red Ford Ranger submerged with one person trapped inside. Rescue swimmers entered the water and found the person, but because the alligators were seen lurking in the water near the car, the swimmers were recalled and a dive team brought in. After Florida Fish and Wildlife officials removed the predators, the man, identified as 19-year-old Fredy Chavez Sanchez, was pronounced dead. Officials have not yet released the cause of death. The alligators measured 7 feet, 9 inches and 7 feet, 7 inches, respectively, according to Florida Fish and Wildlife. Police say the car was speeding when it swerved off the road, struck a pole and dove into the canal. The investigation is still ongoing. A GoFundMe campaign for Chavez's family said he died instantly. Chavez, who recently graduated from high school, was originally from Guatemala, according to the fundraiser. An estimated 1.3 million alligators ranging in size from roughly three to 13 feet live in Florida, but they rarely attack people for reasons other than food, according to the FWC. Two people so far in 2025 have been bitten by alligators in Florida, including one person who died, according to FWC data through May. In 2024, 11 people in Florida were bitten by alligators, but the state did not record any deaths. Since 1948, the agency says 453 alligator "bite incidents" have occurred, with 26 resulting in death. Alligator bites are mostly likely to happen near water, the agency says. This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Alligators delay rescue of Florida teen after fatal crash
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Yahoo
Former Siesta Key hotel manager arrested after allegedly stealing $100k from resort
A former Siesta Key hotel manager faces fraud charges after allegedly stealing $110,000 from a top-rated resort, Sarasota deputies said. Billy Vann Prater Jr., 39, was arrested on May 21 after deputies said he used his status as the Siesta Key Palms Resort manager at 1800 Stickney Point Road to give free rooms or cancel rooms, while pocketing the money. The resort's owner met with Sarasota County Sheriff's Office deputies on Nov. 26 to file a fraud report. He told deputies that he had discovered theft from the resort by his former office manager following a financial audit. Riley Hudson, Prater's attorney, declined to provide a comment about the case but stated that all defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. In case you missed it: Caught on camera: Bradenton traffic dispute escalates to gunfire and criminal charges In addition to using his status to give free rooms, Prater hired a handyman to do jobs on the property, but it was unclear what work was done and if the amount paid was inflated, the owner told deputies. Prater also committed FEMA fraud by adding extra stays to FEMA-approved accounts even though the guests didn't stay those nights, deputies said. The information was forwarded to FEMA, and the owner was left paying FEMA $7,003. A financial audit found that the money was taken from the end of 2023 through 2024 when it was discovered. Prater bonded out of jail on May 22 for $50,000. He has a criminal arraignment hearing on June 20. Melissa Pérez-Carrillo covers breaking news and public safety for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Reach out at mperezcarrillo@ This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Ex-Siesta Key hotel manager arrested for alleged $100k resort theft
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Wake up, Floridians: Our politicians don't respect or represent us
Are the older folks of Florida just going to sit back while protecting their wallets? The nation is facing an economic and social crisis. Our elected officials at all levels are hiding out, potentially allowing the most vulnerable citizens to lose vital services and assistance. Our leaders are so out of touch with the average Americans' needs, instead moving toward assisting the wealthy to get wealthier. I'll leave the social issues for another letter. Wake up, Floridians, you're being taken for a sad ride while potentially sucking the fumes of the Big 'Bad' Bill. Think of the impact on your grandchildren – or maybe you don't care! Robert Richard, Sarasota This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Wake up, Floridians: Our politicians do more harm than good | Letters
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Mark your calendars! Chick-Fil-A's peach milkshake makes its return next week, see when
The Peach Milkshake is returning to Chick-fil-A! The popular seasonal dessert is returning to the chain for its 16th anniversary and will be available nationwide beginning Monday, June 9. "There's something about the Peach Milkshake that really feels like the start of summer, and for 16 years our Guests have expected– and anticipated – its return,' said Allison Duncan, director of menu and packaging at Chick-fil-A, in a news release. "As we continue to surprise and delight our Guests with new and unique flavors throughout the year, we wanted to offer a spin on the peach taste everyone knows and loves with the Peach Frosted Lemonade." Peach Milkshake: Hand-spun the old-fashioned way, this creamy milkshake features Chick-fil-A Icedream dessert and peaches, topped off with whipped cream and a cherry. Introducing the New Peach Frosted Lemonade: Combines of Chick-fil-A Lemonade (or Diet Lemonade) and Icedream dessert mixed with peaches. They are available for a limited time at participating restaurants nationwide starting June 9 through Aug. 16. There are over 3,000 Chick-fil-A restaurants in the United States, with nearly 250 in Florida. To find a location near you and secure a shake, visit their website here. Chick-fil-A also announced that its pineapple dragonfruit seasonal beverages would stick around a little longer. According to the chain, the drink lineup was initially introduced as part of the spring menu and will be available through Aug. 16 while supplies last. The lineup features four beverages, including: Pineapple Dragonfruit Frosted Lemonade: Combines Chick-fil-A lemonade or diet lemonade and Chick-fil-A's signature IceDream dessert with natural pineapple and dragonfruit flavors. Pineapple Dragonfruit Lemonade: Combines Chick-fil-A lemonade or diet lemonade with natural pineapple and dragonfruit flavors. Pineapple Dragonfruit Iced Tea: Mixes classic iced tea with natural and pineapple and dragonfruit flavors. Pineapple Dragonfruit Sunjoy: Combines Chick-fil-A's Sunjoy beverage (lemonade mixed with iced tea) with natural pineapple and dragonfruit flavors. USA TODAY contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Chick-fil-A peach milkshake will return. See when in Florida
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Linda Cohn Makes Tear-Jerking Announcement on Tuesday
The cast and crew of Sportscenter has been a mainstay in tens of millions of American households over the past few decades, producing legends of the broadcasting world including Stuart Scott, Linda Cohn, Scott Van Pelt, Dan Patrick and others. Cohn, known for her light-hearted, sweet demeanor and encyclopedic sports knowledge, has been one of the show's most popular and well known anchors for years. Advertisement On Tuesday, the longtime Sportscenter anchor made a major announcement about the show's future that had fans reacting in the comments section. Sportscenter anchor Kevin Negandi (L), Florida basketball coach Todd Golden and sports journalist Hannah Storm at the Dick Vitale Gala on May 2, 2025. © Thomas Bender/Sarasota Herald-Tribune / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images "Ended too soon. The LA Sportscenter is no more. We said goodbye Monday Night," Cohn said on her X page, tagging ESPN's Neil Everett and Stan Verrett in her post. "Best trio since Rush," one fan said in the comments. "Does this mean we get another show of three to four ex professional players yelling at each other?" another asked sarcastically. "Legends," reporter Steve Wyche added underneath the picture with three raised hands emojis. A video of Sportscenter anchors signing off over the course of the show's history was shared on X by ESPN. "One of the best crews in the game will be missed!" a fan said. Advertisement "Sportscenter not gonna be the same without Stan and Neil," another fan added. Another shared a photo of the time he got to sit at the Sportscenter anchor's desk on X after hearing the news. "Love the Sportscenter crew's heartfelt goodbye gesture always," another fan added. "We will miss all of them! Thank you Stan and Neil for keeping me informed ever since I was a young boy in elementary school and now an adult!' Related: Phoenix Suns CEO Facing Lawsuit Involving Indiana Fever's Sophie Cunningham
