Observe This: Today’s Top Stories

Five St. Petersburg residents arrested in Sarasota

→ Sarasota County Sheriff's Office has arrested five St. Petersburg residents in a scheme to steal approximately $11,000 in merchandise.

Sarasota County Sheriff's Office has arrested five St. Petersburg residents in a scheme to steal approximately $11,000 in merchandise.

The group was attempting to use a RushCard Vise card to make a large purchase at Look at Me Now Urban Wear on 17th Street. The transaction couldn't be processed as debit or as credit. One of the suspects pretended to call the bank, and the alleged bank representative gave the clerk permission to run the card "offline."

The clerk recalled a scam alert that detailed a similar crime, and stalled suspects until deputies arrived. Deputies found... [click here to read on!]

Tara Elementary to add sixth grade

→ Manatee County School Board members Monday night approved to expand grade levels at Tara and Palm View elementary schools.

Members of the Manatee County School Board Monday night approved a proposal to offer sixth grade classes at Tara and Palm View elementary schools next year.

As proposed, the expanded grade-level environment will offer a smaller learning community environment for sixth-grade students than at traditional middle schools. The number of sixth-grade students would be... [click here to read on!]

Man nearly robbed near Natalie Way

→ A suspect attempted to rob a man Monday night near the intersection of State Road 70 and Natalie Way.

An unknown suspect unsuccessfully attempted to rob a man near the intersection of Natalie Way and State Road 70 Monday night.

A Manatee County Sheriff's Office report states the victim, who remains unidentified, was walking home around 11 p.m. April 23 when he was confronted by an unknown suspect

The suspect unsuccessfully attempted to... [click here to read on!]

In the Public Eye: Glen Cappetta

→ When Glen Cappetta decided to start his own pedicab company, he had a business model in mind, but he knew finding the perfect location would be crucial to the company's success.

When Glen Cappetta decided to start his own pedicab company, he had a business model in mind, but he knew finding the perfect location would be crucial to the company’s success.

After traveling from city to city to test the various markets, the Pennsylvania native finally landed on Siesta Key nearly two years ago, and he hasn’t turned back since.

“I didn’t even know about Siesta Key at the time,” said Cappetta. “I kind of stumbled upon it, and now, I hardly even leave the island. I just love it here —how can you not?”

Cappetta found Siesta Key’s ... [click here to read on!]