Daily News Roundup: August 9, 2025
Body Discovered in Pond Off I‑75 Near Last Known Location of Missing Teen Giovanni Pelletier
The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office confirmed on Friday evening they have found a body in a retention pond at the southbound off-ramp of Interstate 75 and State Road 70. In the same vicinity, 18-year-old Giovanni Pelletier’s backpack and phone were previously located.
Florida Offers Free Swim Lessons to Prevent Childhood Drowning
The Florida Department of Health has launched its annual Swimming Lesson Voucher Program, offering free swimming lessons to eligible Florida families in an effort to combat childhood drowning—the leading cause of unintentional death among children ages 1–4 in the state.
Sarasota Paradise to Join USL League One in 2026 Expansion
The USL League One map is set to grow in 2026, with seven new teams joining the competition, including Sarasota Paradise. The announcement marks a significant milestone for the Sarasota-based club as it prepares for its first professional season.
Bradenton Man Arrested in SWAT Raid; Drugs, Guns, and Cash Seized
Bradenton Police arrested Brent Bernard Williams, 60, on Wednesday after serving a search warrant at his residence off 23rd Street East. The operation, carried out by the department’s Crime Reduction Team and SWAT unit, followed an ongoing investigation linking Williams to drug trafficking.
Two Teens Killed, Two Injured in Early Morning Manatee County Crash
Two 19-year-olds were killed and two other teenagers injured early Saturday morning in a single-vehicle crash in Manatee County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.