Bradenton.com: Local

Digital Village freshened, with more features

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:14 EDT

LAKEWOOD RANCH — As part of a redesign that includes new software, Digital Village will soon be able to allow its more than 5,000 users to customize the site to include the top things they use the most.

Icons open 'windows into heaven'

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:44 EDT

Sometimes, it's easier for artist George Filippakis to work lying on his back on scaffolding that crisscrosses the high sunlit dome at St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church.

Citizens Insurance OKs 10 percent jump in premiums

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:44 EDT

TALLAHASSEE — Roughly one million customers of the Citizens Property Insurance Corp. will see a 10 percent increase on their premiums on Jan. 1, but that still won’t come close to making the company solvent.

Feds update Chinese drywall probe

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 01:34 EDT

MANATEE — Federal investigators plan to inspect more homes with Chinese drywall, but say it will be at least two more months before they can conclude whether it contains any potential health risks.

Police briefs: Man arrested after fight over shorts

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:16 EDT

NORTH MANATEE — A 42-year-old man was arrested Tuesday after witnesses said he tried cutting a pair of shorts off another man.

Manatee reports 5 more swine flu cases

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:15 EDT

MANATEE — The Manatee County Health Department reported five new cases of swine flu Wednesday in the county.

Bumpy economy, smoother driving

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 01:23 EDT

MANATEE — Local roads became less congested as the economy worsened and gasoline prices rose, according to a study released Wednesday.

Deputies: Dad dumped body, asked fifth-grade son to help

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:15 EDT

The man accused of killing a prostitute last month and then dumping her remains near Eatonville asked his fifth-grade son to help get rid of the body, records show.

New growth management law challenged

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:16 EDT

TALLAHASSEE — A group of local governments sued Gov. Charlie Crist and the Legislature on Wednesday, accusing the state of violating its constitution in passing a growth-management law that opponents bash as a developer-relief act.

Bruce Fast will tell jury today: My son did it

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:19 EDT

BRADENTON — Bruce Fast is preparing to face a man he knows all too well — the man he believes killed and dismembered his wife.

Attorney denies evidence linking Fast with murder

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 15:55 EDT

BRADENTON - Thomas Fast did not kill and dismember his stepmother and the state has no hard evidence linking him to her body parts found in a storm drain weeks after her disappearance. So says Fast's attorney Assistant Public Defender Franklin Roberts.

Swift waters to blame for man’s death at Longboat Pass

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 12:09 EDT

BRADENTON BEACH — Longboat Pass is known for quick currents. The popular fishing spot has signs with bright red lettering warning people not to enter the water.

Great grandma going strong on marimba

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 01:51 EDT

BRADENTON — Betty Dial paused, mallets in hand, and the marimba awaited her familiar touch. Soon a melody with a hint of the Carribean brightened the darkened sanctuary at Westside Christian Church.

“It’s been an outlet my whole life,” Dial said. “People say how much they enjoy listening. That keeps me going.”

The 85-year-old great grandmother and her 73-year-old marimba.

Police: Dad gave his son morphine

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:15 EDT

MANATEE — A Bradenton father whose 16-year-old son suffers from a heart condition was arrested this week for reportedly giving the teenager morphine without a prescription.

Woman accused in stabbing gets bond

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:00 EDT

MANATEE — A Rubonia woman accused of stabbing a 72-year-old relative this week remained behind bars Tuesday after having her bond set at $20,000.

Restaurant steak heist reported

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 02:01 EDT

MANATEE — A couple was behind bars Tuesday after they failed to pay a local steak house for food and drinks then reportedly attempted to leave the restaurant with steak.

Imagine sets open houses and BBQ

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 01:51 EDT

MANATEE — Imagine School at Lakewood Ranch, a public, tuition-free charter school, will open its doors to prospective parents three times this month.

Jury picked in Fast murder trial

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 12:09 EDT

BRADENTON — Thomas Fast told a judge he is comfortable with the jury he and his attorneys selected Tuesday after expressing in the past that he wanted to represent himself in his first-degree murder trial because he is unsatisfied with his defense.

Advisory issued for Palma Sola

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 01:46 EDT

BRADENTON — The Manatee County Health Department reissued an advisory Tuesday for swimmers and waders to stay out of Palma Sola south beach waters.

More rain in store for Manatee and Sarasota counties

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:28 EDT

MANATEE — A National Weather Service official says there’s not a trace of a hurricane in the Atlantic Ocean right now.