VENICE, Fla. — The Venice Police Department and the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of a manatee in distress over the weekend.
Police said when they arrived, they found an injured manatee exhibiting signs of cold stress, cuts, and visible scarring along its tail. FWC and Mote Marine staff were notified to assist with the rescue.
Marine units safely removed the manatee, and Mote Marine transported the manatee to ZooTampa for specialized rehab and recovery.

Multiple Hillsborough County schools are closing down in 2027
Tampa Bay 28 reporter Jada Williams has the latest on how Hillsborough County Public Schools is planning major student reassignments and school closures for the 2027-28 school year.
Multiple Hillsborough County schools are closing down in 2027; parents aren't on board