Daily News Roundup: February 3, 2025
Authorities Search for Missing 12-Year-Old in Manatee County
The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office is actively searching for 12-year-old Leo Ross Carey, who was last seen around 12:45 p.m. on February 2, 2025, in the 4400 block of Rayfield Drive. Authorities have classified him as a runaway juvenile.
Jenna Bush Hager to Headline Luncheon Fundraiser
The Library Foundation of Manatee County will welcome humanitarian, correspondent, and bestselling author Jenna Bush Hager as the featured speaker at its fundraising luncheon, Booked for Lunch: Supporting Manatee Libraries. The event will take place on Friday, April 4, 2025, at the GROVE ballroom in Lakewood Ranch.
Bradenton Police Seek New Leads in 2003 Homicide of Denisha Williams
The Bradenton Police Department is renewing its efforts to solve the 2003 homicide of Denisha Williams, a 41-year-old woman found deceased in her apartment at 1909 5th St. W. on February 28, 2003. Evidence at the scene revealed she sustained multiple injuries and struggled with her attacker. Despite nearly 22 years of investigation, the case remains uns…
Clearwater Man Sentenced to Over 11 Years for Role in Ellenton Armored Truck Robbery
Jorge Serrano Espinoza, 20, of Clearwater, has been sentenced to 11 years and 3 months in federal prison following his conviction for Hobbs Act robbery and brandishing a firearm during a violent armored truck heist. On June 9, 2023, Espinoza, alongside James Battle and Carlos Keanu Smith, tracked an armored truck from Pinellas County to a gas station in…
Manatee County Commissioners Hire Four New Aides, Expanding Public Accessibility
Manatee County Commissioners have expanded their staff, hiring four new aides, marking the first time each of the seven commissioners will have a dedicated aide. This move, discussed in a January BOCC special meeting, is aimed at enhancing commissioners' accessibility and improving community engagement. The new aides, selected for their varied qualifica…