Edition #14 4-min read Sunrise 7:30 AM in Sarasota
Overnight Roundup
While You Were Sleeping: Friday, Oct. 16
Friday's overnight catch-up: a mosquito control helicopter crash in Myakka City, a 300,000-gallon sewage spill in Bradenton, a 65-year sentence in a Sarasota child sex abuse case, early voting starting Monday in Sarasota County, and a cold front bringing storms and cooler air.
Good morning, Suncoast. It's still dark and muggy out here, but the first real cold front of the fall is finally on its way. Overnight brought a sad story out of Myakka City, a sewer repair in Bradenton that's taking longer than anyone wanted, and a reminder that early voting is just days away. Here's what you missed while you were sleeping.
Public Safety
1. One dead after helicopter crashes in Myakka City
One person died when a mosquito control helicopter crashed just before 9 p.m. Thursday on 289th Street East near Dakin Dairy Farm in Myakka City, according to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office. Sheriff's spokesperson Randy Warren said the helicopter struck a private radio tower, about 150 feet tall, on private property before coming down in the backyard of a home, Bay News 9 reports. Fire officials believe the pilot was the person who died. A second helicopter flying nearby was not involved and landed safely. FOX 13 reports the FAA is responding.
Source: Bay News 9 Copy link
Environment
2. Bradenton sewer break spills more than 300,000 gallons
Manatee County Utilities crews are repairing a 24-inch sewer force main near 26th Street West and 60th Avenue West in Bradenton after a private contractor installing electrical conduit struck it Tuesday, releasing more than 300,000 gallons of wastewater, ABC 7 reports. Crews stopped the discharge at the break Tuesday evening, but additional overflows have occurred elsewhere in the collection system while crews manage flows during repairs. The county has issued emergency purchase orders for more help with the repair and cleanup. Suncoast Waterkeeper's Abbey Tyrna said Bowlees Creek could carry the wastewater toward the bay.
Why it matters: The county is asking drivers to avoid the area, and repairs could take several more days.
Source: WWSB / MySuncoast Copy link
Courts & Crime
3. Man sentenced to 65 years in Sarasota child sex abuse case
A Sarasota jury convicted Larry Wayne Riddle of attempted sexual battery on a child under 12, solicitation of a child under 16 and lascivious exhibition, State Attorney Ed Brodsky announced. Judge Andrea DeCanio sentenced him Thursday to 65.65 years in prison, the maximum allowed under Florida law, and designated him a sexual predator. Prosecutors said the abuse happened while Riddle, a family friend, stayed with the child's family at their Sarasota vacation home during spring break. The case was investigated by the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office Special Victims Unit, and investigators found Riddle had three prior convictions for sexual offenses against children in Broward County.
Source: WWSB / MySuncoast Copy link
Town Hall-ish Government
4. Early voting starts Monday in Sarasota County
In-person early voting for the Nov. 3 general election begins Monday in Sarasota County and runs 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. every day through Sunday, Nov. 1, weekends included, according to the Supervisor of Elections Office. Voters can use any of 11 sites: the Sarasota, Venice and North Port elections offices; the North Sarasota, Fruitville, Gulf Gate, Osprey, Venice and Shannon Staub libraries; Colonial Oaks Park; and Twin Lakes Park. The North Port office and Twin Lakes Park are new this year. Sample ballots are in the mail and at SarasotaVotes.gov, and you can bring one with you as a reference.
Why it matters: Any registered Sarasota County voter can vote at any of the 11 sites during the two-week window.
Source: WWSB / MySuncoast Copy link
Traffic & Tides Weather
5. Cold front brings storms, then cooler air and rough Gulf
Friday stays warm and humid, with highs in the upper 80s to near 90 and about a 50% chance of afternoon storms along the coast, higher inland, ABC 7 reports. A cold front moves through Saturday with more storms possible, followed by north to northeast winds and falling humidity. Sunday turns noticeably cooler, with highs in the upper 70s to lower 80s and lows in the 60s, and Monday and Tuesday look sunny and comfortable. Boaters should expect hazardous Gulf conditions starting Saturday, with winds of 20 to 30 knots and offshore seas up to 12 feet; small craft advisories are likely. The National Hurricane Center expects no tropical development over the next seven days.
Why it matters: Weekend boating plans may need to move, with rough seas expected from Saturday into next week.
Source: WWSB / MySuncoast Copy link
That's the overnight desk for Friday. Hold on to your weekend plans loosely, keep the boat tied up Saturday, and we'll see you tomorrow morning.