Daily News Roundup: February 18, 2026
Off-Duty St. Petersburg Officer Saves Infant During Rottweiler Attack in Parrish
Off-duty officer Dale Johnson with the St. Petersburg Police Department is being credited with saving the life of a baby following a violent dog attack in Parrish that left a family shaken and a mother facing what she described as her worst nightmare.
Manatee County Opens Seats on Animal Welfare Advisory Boards
The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners has approved two animal welfare advisory boards and is now seeking applicants and nominees for seats.
County Commits $2 Million in Tourist Tax Funds to Rebuild Anna Maria City Pier Walkway
Manatee County Commissioners have approved up to $2 million in tourist development tax revenues to help the City of Anna Maria rebuild the hurricane-damaged City Pier walkway, advancing a key recovery project while leaving questions about a future ferry stop unresolved.
Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival Attracts Large Crowds to Historic Village
The annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival brought thousands of visitors to the historic fishing village of Cortez, drawing steady crowds over the two-day event.
IMG Academy Reaches Settlement in Federal Case Linked to Sanctioned Mexican Cartel
IMG Academy has reached a settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of the Treasury for a $1.72 million fine following a federal investigation into financial transactions connected to an individual tied to a sanctioned Mexican drug cartel, according to recent reporting.