VENICE, Fla. — Venice Police say a body found in a vehicle in a pond on Saturday morning is believed to be a 44-year-old woman missing since September 30.Police say a green Nissan Xterra with a body inside was found around 11:45 a.m. in a large pond in the Toscana Isles subdivision. Authorities believe the body is that of Tracey Rieker. Rieker was missing for more than a week and recently police announced that a 24-hour tipline was opened for information on her disappearance.According to police, the case is being treated as a traffic homicide at this time. Police say they're recovering the veh ..read more

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.—Shen Yun is an international phenomenon that showcases 5 millennia of traditional Chinese culture through music, dance and performance. The show is coming to Mahaffey Theater in St. Pete February 14-20.Shen Yun creates an entirely new production every year. Enjoy story-based dancing by classically trained performers, unique live orchestra blending Eastern and Western instruments, resounding voices from solo vocalists, stunning costuming and dazzling animated backdrops. The show brings to light a lost culture that can't be shown in China due to its current political climate ..read more

VENICE, Fla. — Shark fishing from the Venice Fishing Pier is now illegal after city officials passed a new ordinance on Tuesday. The change comes after the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission implemented new shark fishing regulations in July. According to the ordinance, city officials found it unlikely that shark fishing from the pier would comply with the new regulations. SARASOTA NEWS | The latest headlines from Sarasota CountyThe new regulations require those fishing for sharks from shore, who are age 16 and over, to pass an online educational course and get a no-cost permit t ..read more

VENICE, Fla. — A 94-year-old man is charged with first-degree premeditated murder after shooting and killing his wife because she'd had dementia, according to the Venice Police Department.Wayne Juhlin shot and killed his 80-year-old wife in their home on Aston Gardens Dr. Monday night, according to police.SARASOTA NEWS | The latest headlines from Sarasota CountyJuhlin told police that "he intended on turning the gun on himself and taking his own life after killing his wife, but the gun malfunctioned."After the gun prevented him from carrying out his suicide, Juhlin eventually called 911 to rep ..read more

VENICE, Fla. — A Venice woman will compete for love on the upcoming season of ABC's "The Bachelor."On Wednesday, the network named Courtney Perry as one of 33 women that will be featured on the show's next season.The women will try to win over the heart of Peter Weber, A.K.A. Pilot Pete.Weber was eliminated by Hannah Brown during the most recent season of "The Bachelorette."Fans gave 'Pilot Pete' his nickname because he's a pilot for Delta Air Lines. "The Bachelor" premieres on ABC in January ..read more

VENICE, Fla. — A landscaper in Venice drowned on Friday in a freak accident involving a lawn mower, according to fire rescue and police. The 34-year-old victim, who has not been identified, was found trapped in a lake underneath an upside-down zero-turn lawn mower. The victim was at the Lakes of Capri condominium complex as part of a landscaping crew. Fire responders got the man out and attempted CPR, but the victim was later pronounced dead at Venice Regional Bayfront Health, according to police. Officials say the victim got too close to the inclined edge of the lake while operating the mower ..read more

VENICE, Fla. — Sarasota County staff with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection are cleaning up more than 445,000 gallons of sewage after a contractor struck a 16-inch pipe in Venice.According to the DEP, a contractor working for a private developer struck the 16-inch pipe at a construction site next to Jacaranda Boulevard between Border Road and Laurel Road shortly after 1 p.m. on Wednesday.RECOMMENDED: St. Pete relying on dogs to sniff out sewage problemsAfter hitting the pipe, the contractor quickly created a holding pit for the sewage to prevent it from leaving the constructio ..read more

VENICE, Fla. — A Venice man has been arrested after he reportedly used a tile scraper to kill an 8-pound chihuahua during a domestic dispute.On Saturday, April 6, 2019, deputies in Sarasota County responded to a Venice residence at approximately 7 p.m. for a reported domestic dispute. SARASOTA COUNTY NEWS | The latest headlines from Sarasota CountyFlorida congressman's bill would make animal cruelty a federal felonyAaron Merwine, 26, was attempting to kill the small dog named "Lucky" with a tile scraper before also threatening to kill a female inside of the home, according to deputies. Merwine ..read more

VENICE, Fla. — Welcome to the shark tooth capital of the world.How cool does that nickname sound?Venice, at the southern end of Sarasota County, is located about an hour south of St. Petersburg. The city is a fun, offbeat destination for Tampa Bay area families looking for affordable spring break options.If you decide to visit Venice, here are four insider tips:• Anyone just visiting for a day can park for free at the Venice Fishing Pier. There is access to the beach, the pier and bathrooms.• If you're looking for shark teeth, you can rent a sifter at the pier for $7.• Sharky’s restaurant on t ..read more

VENICE, Fla. — A high school student who is battling cancer expected her day to be like every other at Venice High School, but she was wrong. Instead, with her high school's band playing in the background, Sydney Hampton was escorted into a limousine with no idea that she was about to be on her way to Hollywood.  The teenager has had a rough couple of years. After her father passed away from cancer, she was diagnosed too. "She’s really handling it well, she’s the best person to get through this,” her mom, Eileen Hampton, said.Thanks to Make-A-Wish ..read more