Manatee County

A mosquito-borne illness alert for malaria in Sarasota and Manatee counties was lifted this week, but “that doesn't mean we're out of the water” as the storm's rains have increased breeding areas.

The health department says individuals who contracted the disease were bitten in the Sarasota area. This is unusual because a vast majority of U.S. cases are detected after someone travels internationally.

Both cases were a type of malaria known as P. vivax, which is not as fatal as others. The latest discovery triggered a mosquito-borne illness alert for both counties.

A person who developed malaria after being bitten by a mosquito was treated promptly at a hospital and has since recovered. Here's a list of preventative measures you can take.

Spring breakers may be exposed to another outbreak of red tide, which is being pushed by southerly winds to some of the region's most heavily visited beaches.

Red tide is now affecting beaches along the central Pinellas coast. Winds from the south are expected to continue pushing the blooms northward.

Under a deal agreed to by the Florida Ethics Commission, Vanessa Baugh will pay an $8,000 fine and accept a public reprimand.

Court records don't show details of the settlement between the commission and Vanessa Baugh.

Neal Land & Neighborhoods said the hospital will be part of a medical district planned for its North River Ranch development in Parrish.

A survey of Sarasota and Manatee health professionals and first responders reflects how the COVID pandemic has deeply affected people who help others and the need for more trauma-based services.