North Port Sun

The recovery of the area’s real estate market is best illustrated by the shortages it’s created. “We’re having trouble getting listings, because everybody knows (values are rising). Some of the sellers think, ‘Well, I don’t have to sell right now. And if it went up 10 percent this year, then I’m … Find out how to read more online.

LATEST LOCAL NEWS

PGPD: Armed robber strikes local bank
Sat Jul 26 2014 11:18AM

PUNTA GORDA — Authorities were investigating a suspected armed robbery at a local bank late Friday afternoon. Around 4:30 p.m., a white man wearing a baseball hat and sunglasses walked … Find out how to read more online.

Tax holiday eases back-to-school pinch
Sat Jul 26 2014 08:58AM

Parents of North Port students can catch a break when they go to buy back-to-school clothes during the upcoming sales tax holiday. From Friday through Aug. 3, merchants won’t collect … Find out how to read more online.

Construction powers forward
Sat Jul 26 2014 08:00AM

PORT CHARLOTTE — County officials have determined that the incident in which a crane fell onto some power lines alongside U.S. 41 Thursday afternoon was just an accident, and the micro-tunneling … Find out how to read more online.

City raises max millage
Sat Jul 26 2014 08:00AM

NORTH PORT — City commissioners set the not-to-exceed millage for the 2014-2015 fiscal year higher than the current tax rate in a 4-1 vote in a meeting Thursday night, with Linda … Find out how to read more online.

State, National and World News

Worries drag stocks lower
Sat Jul 26 2014 01:19AM

NEW YORK (AP) — Investors got some bad news about the American shopper on Friday, driving down stocks and sending the Dow Jones industrial average to a loss for the week. Two major U.S. companies — the retail giant Amazon … read more.

Ukraine tensions build
Sat Jul 26 2014 01:19AM

KIEV, Ukraine — Russia is launching artillery attacks from its soil on Ukrainian troops and preparing to move heavier weaponry across the border, the U.S. and Ukraine charged Friday in what appeared to be an ominous escalation of the crisis. … read more.

Gaza sides agree to lull but truce efforts stall
Sat Jul 26 2014 01:19AM

JERUSALEM — Israel-Hamas fighting looked headed for escalation after U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry failed Friday to broker a weeklong truce as a first step toward a broader deal and Israel’s defense minister warned Israel might soon expand its … read more.

Japanese on evolution of ‘Godzilla’
Sat Jul 26 2014 01:19AM

TOKYO (AP) — Japanese fans want it known: The radiation- breathing, skyscraper- stomping monster they call “Gojira” was born right here in Japan, 60 years ago. No matter its evolution in Hollywood over the decades, the Godzilla creature began as … read more.

Everglades: Fungus among us
Sat Jul 26 2014 01:19AM

MIAMI — A fungus carried by an invasive beetle from southeast Asia is felling trees across the Everglades, and experts have not found a way to stop the blight from spreading. Then there’s a bigger problem — the damage may … read more.

Old story, new twists in Gaza war
Sat Jul 26 2014 01:19AM

CAIRO (AP) — The third Gaza war is playing out much like the first one more than five years ago: The harrowing civilian toll in Gaza is now at the center of the discourse, eclipsing the rocket attacks by Hamas … read more.

House votes to boost child tax credit for some
Sat Jul 26 2014 01:19AM

WASHINGTON — More families with higher incomes could claim the popular child tax credit under a bill that won approval Friday in the House. But in a dispute that divides Republicans and Democrats, millions of the poorest low-income families would … read more.

Net worth up for majority of lawmakers
Thu Jul 24 2014 09:38PM

TALLAHASSEE (News Service of Florida) — For most state lawmakers, 2013 was another good year financially, regardless of party. Still, those with an “R” affixed to their names are doing better, in general, when it comes to the bottom line … read more.

Boss of company in China meat scandal apologizes
Fri Jul 25 2014 01:19AM

BEIJING (AP) — The chairman of an American meat supplier apologized Thursday for a Chinese subsidiary that is accused of selling expired beef and chicken to restaurants including McDonald’s and KFC. Fast food chains in China suspended use of products … read more.

Gold drops to five-week low
Fri Jul 25 2014 01:19AM

(Bloomberg) — Gold futures fell to the lowest in five weeks in New York Thursday as the outlook for an improving global economy reduced demand for a haven. A preliminary China Purchasing Managers’ Index from HSBC Holdings and Markit Economics … read more.

Jobless claims unexpectedly drop to eight-year low
Fri Jul 25 2014 01:19AM

WASHINGTON (Bloomberg) — The number of Americans filing applications for unemployment benefits dropped last week to the lowest level in more than eight years, reflecting what could be a pickup in auto making during a typically slow time of year. … read more.

Oil falls on worries about US gasoline demand
Fri Jul 25 2014 01:19AM

(AP) — The price of oil fell near $102 a barrel Thursday, erasing gains from the day before. Benchmark U.S. crude for September delivery dropped $1.05 to $102.07 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. On Wednesday, the Nymex … read more.

Fla gets $42M in refunds under new health law
Fri Jul 25 2014 01:19AM

MIAMI (AP) — Federal health officials say nearly 1 million Floridians who bought insurance under the Affordable Care Act will receive roughly $42 million in refunds thanks to a provision in the law. The law requires insurers to spend at … read more.

2 geese cause flap at Fla. retirement community
Fri Jul 25 2014 01:19AM

EDGEWATER, Fla. (AP) — Two Australian magpie geese are causing quite a flap in a central Florida retirement community. The geese — who residents have named Lucy and Rickey — apparently love the swimming pool. While residents would prefer the … read more.

Landmark Miami restaurant closes its doors
Fri Jul 25 2014 01:19AM

MIAMI (AP) — A landmark restaurant that was the first to integrate in Miami is closing its doors. Jumbo’s Restaurant served its final plates of fried chicken and soul food on Wednesday. During segregation, black customers were forced to order … read more.

Red-necked stint makes rare appearance in Keys
Fri Jul 25 2014 01:19AM

KEY WEST, Fla. (AP) — A shorebird that breeds in Siberian Asia and parts of western Alaska has made a rare appearance in the Florida Keys. Swedish biologist Viktor Nilsson-Ortman spotted the red-necked stint last week near Naval Air Station … read more.

Iraq elects new president as attacks kill dozens
Fri Jul 25 2014 01:19AM

BAGHDAD (AP) — Iraqi lawmakers elected a veteran Kurdish politician on Thursday to replace long-serving Jalal Talabani as the country’s new president in the latest step toward forming a new government. But a series of attacks killed dozens of people … read more.

Planes with Ukraine bodies arrive in Netherlands
Fri Jul 25 2014 01:19AM

KHARKIV, Ukraine (AP) — Two more military aircraft carrying remains of victims from the Malaysian plane disaster arrived in the Netherlands on Thursday, while Australian and Dutch diplomats joined to promote a plan for a U.N. team to secure the … read more.

House, Senate chairs offer competing bills on VA
Fri Jul 25 2014 01:19AM

WASHINGTON (AP) — With Congress scheduled to recess in a week, the chairmen of the House and Senate Veterans Affairs committees offered competing proposals Thursday to fix a veterans’ health care program scandalized by long patient wait times and falsified … read more.

After much movement, stocks end where they began
Fri Jul 25 2014 01:19AM

NEW YORK (AP) — Only Wall Street could make the buying and selling of more than 3 billion shares look like nothing happened. Major U.S. stock indexes ended roughly where they began Thursday, despite investors having to work through a … read more.

Very bad week: Airline disasters come in a cluster
Fri Jul 25 2014 01:19AM

WASHINGTON (AP) — Nearly 300 passengers perish when their plane is shot out of the sky. Airlines suspend flights to Israel’s largest airport after rocket attacks. An airliner crashes during a storm, and yet another disappears. Aviation has suffered one … read more.

Execution offers evidence against lethal injection
Fri Jul 25 2014 01:19AM

ST. LOUIS (AP) — The nation’s third botched execution in six months offers more evidence for the courts that lethal injection carries too many risks and amounts to cruel and unusual punishment, death-row lawyers and other opponents said Thursday. Death-penalty … read more.

Feds cap fines for not buying health insurance
Fri Jul 25 2014 01:19AM

MIAMI (AP) — Federal officials have capped the amount of money scofflaws will be forced to pay if they don’t buy insurance this year under the new health care law. The caps are $2,448 per person and $12,240 for a … read more.

Doctor fired back at gunman in hospital attack
Fri Jul 25 2014 01:19AM

DARBY, Pa. (AP) — A doctor grazed by gunfire from a patient who had entered his office in a suburban hospital’s psychiatric unit stopped him by returning fire with his own gun and injuring him, authorities said. Investigators believe the … read more.

Pope meets Christian sentenced to death for faith
Fri Jul 25 2014 01:19AM

ROME (AP) — Pope Francis met privately Thursday with a Sudanese woman who refused to recant her Christian faith in the face of a death sentence, blessing the woman as she cradled her infant born just weeks ago in prison. … read more.

UN school in Gaza caught in cross-fire
Fri Jul 25 2014 01:19AM

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) — A U.N. school in Gaza crowded with hundreds of Palestinians seeking refuge from fierce fighting came under fire Thursday, killing at least 15 civilians and leaving a sad tableau of blood-spattered pillows, blankets and … read more.

Florida judge skeptical about fixing map now
Fri Jul 25 2014 01:19AM

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — A Florida judge said Thursday that he’s “extremely skeptical” about changing the state’s congressional districts before the 2014 elections. During a three-hour hearing that included echoes of past Florida courtroom clashes over elections, lawyers argued over … read more.

Obama wants limits on US company mergers abroad
Fri Jul 25 2014 01:19AM

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Staking out a populist stand ahead of the midterm elections, President Barack Obama on Thursday demanded “economic patriotism” from U.S. corporations that use legal means to avoid U.S. taxes through overseas mergers. “I don’t care if … read more.

Page: [1] 2 3 4 5 6 7

More Local News

Mayor post to see $1.2K boost
Sat Jul 26 2014 08:00AM

NORTH PORT — With the salaries of all five city commissioners on the table during a Friday workshop, the group decided that this coming fiscal year, their compensation should remain the same — with the exception of the board member holding … Find out how to read more online.

Allan Lane let go
Sat Jul 26 2014 08:00AM

NORTH PORT — Economic Development Division Manager Allan Lane will no longer serve the city when the fiscal year begins on Oct. 1. “It’s been a good run,” Lane told the Sun late Friday afternoon. “It wasn’t a total shock. Me and … Find out how to read more online.

City gives nod to 3 percent employee raise
Fri Jul 25 2014 08:00AM

NORTH PORT — City employees who haven’t received a raise in several years can expect a 3 percent wage increase for the upcoming fiscal year, commissioners agreed in a Thursday budget workshop. The proposed raises will go into effect for fiscal year 2014-2015 beginning … Find out how to read more online.

9-year-old calls in vehicle fire
Sat Jul 26 2014 08:00AM

ENGLEWOOD — In the eyes of the Englewood firefighters, Wesley Hottendorf is a hero. The 9-year-old boy made the 911 call Friday morning that alerted dispatchers to a vehicle fire on West Dearborn Street. “It’s just refreshing to see a … Find out how to read more online.

Crane topples into power lines
Fri Jul 25 2014 08:00AM

PORT CHARLOTTE — About 20,000 residents and businesses lost power Thursday afternoon when a crane toppled over onto some power lines. The incident happened in a construction zone for a county micro-tunneling project around 1:30 p.m., just off U.S. 41 southbound, between … Find out how to read more online.

Planning Commission approves fiscal neutrality changes
Sat Jul 26 2014 08:00AM

SARASOTA COUNTY — Sarasota County planning commissioners unanimously approved the third and final phase of amendments to the 2050 land-use plan, including highly controversial changes to the so-called “fiscal neutrality” component. The vote came after a nearly five-and-half-hour meeting Thursday … Find out how to read more online.

I-75 expansion on schedule
Fri Jul 25 2014 08:00AM

SARASOTA COUNTY — An Interstate 75 expansion project in South Sarasota County is on time for its expected completion date of summer 2016. The project will expand I-75 from four to six lanes from River Road in Venice to Sumter Boulevard … Find out how to read more online.

Job fair set for Aug. 6
Fri Jul 25 2014 08:00AM

NORTH PORT — On Aug. 6, job seekers and employers will have a chance to connect at a job fair hosted by the North Port Economic Development Corporation. The event, set for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the gym at … Find out how to read more online.

Because it’s there
Thu Jul 24 2014 09:40AM

ENGLEWOOD — Climbing the world’s highest free-standing mountain wasn’t initially on Bud Koranchan’s bucket list, but now he doesn’t stop thinking about it. The soon-to-be 73-year-old Englewood resident wants to see the dormant volcanic cones on a mountain in Tanzania. … Find out how to read more online.

Kids triathlon added to REV3 weekend
Fri Jul 25 2014 08:00AM

VENICE — When the REV3 Triathlon returns to Venice for its third running in November, it will feature a new twist aimed at young athletes. REV3 got the go-ahead from the Venice City Council this week to add a “Kids … Find out how to read more online.

Theatre Guild Parents’ Night Out canceled
Fri Jul 25 2014 06:15PM

NORTH PORT — A Parents’ Night Out event being sponsored by the North Port High School Theatre Guild has been canceled. The event was originally planned for 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Saturday night at the high school, and was … Find out how to read more online.

Chronic adult homeless shelter in question
Thu Jul 24 2014 09:41AM

SARASOTA COUNTY — Now that Sarasota city commissioners have abandoned the idea of a “come-as-you-are” shelter, county commissioners will have to decide if they want to continue pursuing the option as part of the 12-step plan to battle homelessness throughout … Find out how to read more online.

Page: [1] 2 3

AP Video

North Port Weather

Weather Forecast | Weather Maps | Weather Radar

Publish Your Photos