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Written for 5AM North Port’s editions from the reports of two or more newsrooms.
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From Sarasota Herald-Tribune, Tampa Bay Times and 13 more newsrooms, gathered by 6AM News, 6AM City’s local news service, in the last two days.
Sarasota Herald-Tribune12 hours ago
Sarasota County waterfront restaurant with decades of history reopens, on Sarasota Herald-TribuneSarasota County waterfront restaurant dating back to 1948 reopens with new menu.
Tampa Bay Times14 hours ago
Florida’s most overpopulated jail is poised to reach an overcrowding milestone, on Tampa Bay TimesDespite a planned addition, the Sarasota County Jail is housing 300 more inmates than officials say it can safely hold.
ABC7 WWSB19 hours ago
Jury duty scam targets Sarasota County residents, victim loses more than $40,000, on ABC7 WWSBA jury duty scam targeting Sarasota County residents is leaving some people frightened and, in one case, out more than $40,000.
ABC7 WWSB23 hours ago
Farmers Markets Saturday Forecast, on ABC7 WWSBHumidity and dew points drop Saturday
Gulf Coast News and WeatherNov. 6
'It was, like, sputtering': Witnesses describe moments before DeSoto County plane crash, on Gulf Coast News and WeatherA twin-engine plane crashed in DeSoto County, injuring two people who were rescued by first responders; the FAA is investigating the incident.
Gulf Coast News and WeatherNov. 6
Florida International Air Show takes off in Punta Gorda, on Gulf Coast News and WeatherThe Florida International Air Show, Nov. 7-8, will feature aerobatic performances, parachute jumps, and static aircraft displays this weekend in Punta Gorda.
Also reported byWINK News
Sarasota Herald-TribuneNov. 6
Venice football makes first ever FHSAA Open Division as an eighth seed, on Sarasota Herald-TribuneVenice football made the first-ever Open Division, a bracket made up of the top eight teams in Florida, which was announced on Friday, November 6.
ABC7 WWSBNov. 6
Venice comes up short in bid to reach state finals in Class 6A Girls Volleyball, on ABC7 WWSBThe Venice Lady Indians Volleyball Team lost in the FHSAA Class 6A state semifinals to Horizon after pulling ahead two sets to none in the early part of the contest.
Cape Coral BreezeNov. 6
‘From Broadway to a Galaxy Far, Far Away’ to be presented by The Florida Philharmonic, on Cape Coral BreezeGrab your popcorn, cue the spotlight, and get ready to hum along. On Sunday, Nov. 15 at 4 p.m., Maestro Richard Stoelzel and The Florida Philharmonic will present “From Broadway to a Galaxy Far, Far Away” at Burnt Store Presbyterian Church in Punta Gorda. It’s the pops concert of the season, and it’s packed with
WINK NewsNov. 6
Charlotte County Sheriff's Office issues warning after scam calls, on WINK NewsThe Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office sent a warning after multiple people lost money to callers who pretended to be with the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office and asked for bond money.
ABC7 WWSBNov. 6
SMH breaks ground on Venice rehab pavilion, on ABC7 WWSBSarasota Memorial Health care system leaders broke ground Friday morning on an $82.5 million rehab center.
Also reported byBusiness Observer
WFLANov. 6
Sarasota cierra temporada de anidación 2026 con casi 5,000 nidos de tortugas marinas, on WFLALa temporada de anidación de tortugas marinas llegó a su fin en Sarasota County con 4,928 nidos documentados entre Longboat Key y Venice. La mayoría correspondió a tortugas caguama, aunque también se registraron casi 200 nidos de tortuga verde.
ABC7 WWSBNov. 6
Sarasota schools rated ‘high performing’ by state, on ABC7 WWSBThe School of Excellence distinction is based on a record of student achievement over time rather than a single year of results.
ABC7 WWSBNov. 6
Venice Fire Rescue celebrates 100 years of service, on ABC7 WWSBAs part of the city's centennial, Venice Fire Rescue is teaming up with Venice Heritage to celebrate 100 years of fire service.
Sarasota Herald-TribuneNov. 6
Venice volleyball reverse swept in semifinal match against Horizon, on Sarasota Herald-TribuneIn its first state semifinals appearance since 2022, Venice volleyball was reverse swept, losing 3-2 to Horizon on Friday, November 6.
WGCUNov. 6
Charlotte County utilities rescinds boil water alert for Burnt Store Village area, on WGCUA precautionary boil water advisory put in place after a low water pressure issue is rescinded for customers in the Burnt Store Village area south of Zemel Road.
Florida TrendNov. 6
Friday’s Afternoon Update, on Florida TrendABC7 WWSBNov. 6
$8.75 million remodel Snook Haven Park, on ABC7 WWSBSnook Haven Park will reopen with new accessible riverfront amenities.
Sarasota Herald-TribuneNov. 6
Vote for the Herald-Tribune Sarasota, Manatee Top Team for October, on Sarasota Herald-TribuneThe Herald-Tribune will be honoring Sarasota and Manatee's top high school teams each month. Vote here for the best squad
Sarasota Herald-TribuneNov. 6
Top Sarasota area concerts include Grammy-nominated guitarist, on Sarasota Herald-TribuneThe top concerts taking place in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties this week, Nov. 6-12.
Bay News 9Nov. 6
Residents vocal about latest Venice Airport master plan, on Bay News 9The future of the Venice Municipal Airport is in the hands of city leaders, but residents are weighing in with their thoughts.
Florida WeeklyNov. 6
‘Madama Butterfly’ unfurls her wings, on Florida WeeklySwarming to one of the world’s top five performed operas — Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly” is sold out in Naples and quickly drawing a kaleidoscope of enthusiasts to the nearest shows
Florida WeeklyNov. 6
Englewood Hospital earns Healthgrades Five-Star ratings, on Florida WeeklyHCA Florida Englewood Hospital has earned five-star ratings from Healthgrades in five clinical areas, recognizing the hospital's commitment to delivering high-quality care and exceptional patient outcomes. The latest distinctions include
Gulf Coast News and WeatherNov. 5
Debris and flooding frustrate Port Charlotte neighbors during wastewater project, on Gulf Coast News and WeatherResidents in a Port Charlotte neighborhood say construction for a wastewater collection system has caused flooding and debris issues, with the project expected to finish in 2028.
ABC7 WWSBNov. 5
Baby Basics fundraiser to support working families with diapers, wipes and books, on ABC7 WWSBBaby Basics provides diapers, wipes and books to working families in Sarasota County. Its Nov. 16 fashion show and luncheon will help support that mission.
The Bradenton TimesNov. 5
Judge deals death blow to Sarasota County’s fight against Live Local Act, on The Bradenton TimesA judge’s ruling this week could clear the way for more than 7,600 apartments in rural Sarasota County, dealing a major blow to local officials and residents who have fought to keep large-scale …
Florida WeeklyNov. 5
ShaToby tribute puts Shania Twain and Toby Keith onstage in Punta Gorda, on Florida WeeklyThe last few years have been as much a comeback for tribute artist Cristi Vale as for her idol, Shania Twain.
Florida Catholic MediaNov. 5
Catholic Charities Hurricane Ian recovery switches gears, on Florida Catholic MediaFORT MYERS | Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc. has concluded its mission leading the Lee County Unmet Needs Long-Term Recovery Group (LTRG), a collaborative effort of local nonprofit, faith-based
Florida Catholic MediaNov. 5
All encouraged to attend annual Catholic Mass on Veterans Day, on Florida Catholic MediaVENICE | The Diocese of Venice will be hosting the 17th annual Catholic Mass Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2026, at the Sarasota National Cemetery.
Florida Catholic MediaNov. 5
Diocese of Venice news briefs — Nov. 6, 2026, on Florida Catholic MediaCatholic school principals meet with bishop
WINK NewsNov. 5
Two people safely pulled from plane crash in DeSoto County, sheriff's office says, on WINK NewsA plane crashed near Southeast County Road 760A and Southeast County Road 763.
Gulfshore BusinessNov. 5
Punta Gorda’s new council member targets downtown revival, on Gulfshore BusinessGary Butler, new District 4 Council member, prioritizes revitalizing Punta Gorda’s downtown focusing on the long-vacant City Marketplace lot to boost economic vitality and commercial growth.
ABC7 WWSBNov. 5
Venice Police, Sarasota County Deputies round up cows that escaped enclosure, on ABC7 WWSBPolice said rain and strong winds helped the cows get out.
Florida WeeklyNov. 5
"Are You Afraid of the Dark?" Reception, Visual Arts Center, Punta Gorda, on Florida WeeklyClick here to view this article from floridaweekly.com.
ABC7 WWSBNov. 5
Rise and Shine Saturday set for Nov. 14 in Sarasota, on ABC7 WWSBFamily-friendly event is part of the Living Arts Festival, which runs Nov. 8-15
Sarasota Herald-TribuneNov. 5
Beckett Hammers carries her family's Venice volleyball legacy forward, on Sarasota Herald-TribuneBeckett Hammer's has deep Venice family ties. But for most of her life, she lived 600 miles away from it. Now, she's carrying that legacy forward.
Florida WeeklyNov. 5
Test your skills at spades, on Florida WeeklyWant to test your skills at a game of spades?
Gulfshore BusinessNov. 5
Charlotte County sheriff warns of $47M budget loss from tax cuts, on Gulfshore BusinessCharlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell warned that voter-approved Amendment 3 could slash his department’s funding by $26 million in 2028 and $47 million in 2029, risking cuts in personnel and
WGCUNov. 5
‘Disastrous’: Amendment 3 passes, leaving Suncoast leaders facing tough choices, on WGCUDespite months of warnings from local government officials that a proposed property tax cut could force deep cuts to public services, Florida voters passed Amendment 3 on Tuesday, forcing leaders across the Suncoast to make tough decisions in the coming years.
In brief
The short notes of 5AM North Port’s last two editions. Open one to read it, with its sources.
VolleyballVenice was reverse swept, 3-2, by Horizon in the Class 6A semifinal on Fri., Nov.
Venice was reverse swept, 3-2, by Horizon in the Class 6A semifinal on Fri., Nov. 6. It was Venice's first state semifinals appearance since 2022. The Lady Indians won set one when the Hawks couldn't return a volley on set point, with Venice up 24-21.
News Notes · Saturday’s editionSources: Sarasota Herald-Tribune, ABC7 WWSB
FootballVenice made the FHSAA's first Open Division, a bracket of the top eight teams in Florida, as the No.
Venice made the FHSAA's first Open Division, a bracket of the top eight teams in Florida, as the No. 8 seed. Its pool includes No. 1 St. Thomas Aquinas and No. 5 Lakeland.
News Notes · Saturday’s editionSource: Sarasota Herald-Tribune
SchoolsSarasota County Schools were again named an Academically High-Performing School District for 2025–26 by the Florida State Board of Education.
Sarasota County Schools were again named an Academically High-Performing School District for 2025–26 by the Florida State Board of Education. Seventeen district-managed schools earned the School of Excellence designation, including Toledo Blade and Venice elementaries.
News Notes · Saturday’s editionSource: ABC7 WWSB
Snook HavenSnook Haven Park at 5000 E. Venice Ave. will reopen after an $8.75 million remodel, with a ribbon-cutting set for 8:30 a.m.
Snook Haven Park at 5000 E. Venice Ave. will reopen after an $8.75 million remodel, with a ribbon-cutting set for 8:30 a.m. Fri., Nov. 6. New amenities include a covered dining pavilion over the Myakka River, a performance stage and patio, a fishing pier and accessible parking.
News Notes · Saturday’s editionSource: ABC7 WWSB
Airport planVenice is hosting workshops where residents can discuss the Venice Municipal Airport's master plan.
Venice is hosting workshops where residents can discuss the Venice Municipal Airport's master plan. Susan Lang, who lives a few blocks away, said, "We have homes literally a few hundred feet from the runway protection zone."
News Notes · Saturday’s editionSource: Bay News 9
Sea turtlesMote Marine Laboratory recorded 4,928 sea turtle nests along 35 miles of Sarasota County coastline, from Longboat Key to Venice, in 2026.
Mote Marine Laboratory recorded 4,928 sea turtle nests along 35 miles of Sarasota County coastline, from Longboat Key to Venice, in 2026. That includes more than 4,700 loggerhead nests and 196 green sea turtle nests.
News Notes · Friday’s editionSource: WUSF
Port CharlotteResidents say debris-filled roads and worsening flooding have come with construction of a wastewater collection system in their neighborhood.
Residents say debris-filled roads and worsening flooding have come with construction of a wastewater collection system in their neighborhood. Resident Joan Steelman said flooding was not an issue in the area before the construction began.
News Notes · Friday’s editionSource: Gulf Coast News and Weather
Veterans DayThe Diocese of Venice will host its 17th annual Catholic Mass on Veterans Day on Nov.
The Diocese of Venice will host its 17th annual Catholic Mass on Veterans Day on Nov. 11 at the Sarasota National Cemetery. Father Robert J. Kantor, a retired U.S. Navy chaplain, will be the main celebrant and homilist.
News Notes · Friday’s editionSource: Florida Catholic Media
ParadeThe Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce says its 48th annual Christmas Parade will take place Sat., Dec.
The Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce says its 48th annual Christmas Parade will take place Sat., Dec. 12. This year's theme is "Sleigh Bells & Seashells."
News Notes · Friday’s editionSource: Florida Weekly
Baby BasicsBaby Basics of Sarasota County gives free diapers, wipes and books to low-income working families who don't receive government assistance.
Baby Basics of Sarasota County gives free diapers, wipes and books to low-income working families who don't receive government assistance. The all-volunteer nonprofit serves more than 150 babies through distribution centers in Sarasota and Venice.
News Notes · Friday’s editionSource: ABC7 WWSB