While You Were Sleeping: Saturday, Oct. 31

Water from the bay spilled onto North Shore Drive on Anna Maria Island as king tides brought higher-than-normal water levels to the coast, WWSB reports. Some drivers slowed down and made their way through the water, while others had to find another way around. Manatee County had warned residents to watch for flooding this weekend, and stormwater engineering manager Tom Gerstenberger said this king tide cycle is happening with the passing of the full moon.

Why it matters: The county says the flooding should be temporary, mostly in the early morning and overnight hours, and that tide levels are expected to recede over the weekend; officials urge people to watch tide levels and keep vehicles and property out of harm's way.

The Florida Department of Health in Manatee County confirmed a second locally acquired dengue case on Friday, one week after the county's first publicly announced local case, WWSB reports. DOH-Manatee said it is working with Manatee County Mosquito Control on increased surveillance and prevention, including truck fogging, aerial larviciding and inspections for breeding areas. The department did not say where either person may have been exposed or whether the cases are connected.

Why it matters: Dengue spreads through the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito, so health officials are asking residents to drain standing water, fix damaged screens, wear long sleeves and use EPA-registered repellent.

In its first six months, Keep Manatee Beautiful's Illegal Dumping Rapid Response Program removed 64,580 pounds of debris, more than 32 tons, and made 107 trips to the landfill, WWSB reports. Executive director Jennifer Hoffman said the work was done by "two men, a truck, and a trailer," with crews aiming to look at reported dumping sites within 48 hours. Finds included a stack of six to eight mattresses left in a road median.

Why it matters: Manatee County has committed continued support to keep the service going, and the nonprofit says quick removal helps keep dumping sites from attracting more waste.

Spanish restaurant Alma de España will welcome diners Nov. 1 at 239 S. Links Ave. in downtown Sarasota, a property its owner bought for $1.65 million, the Business Observer reports. The building was previously home to Indigenous, which closed in mid-September, and Alma de España closed its South Osprey Avenue spot near Southside Village on Sept. 30 to get ready for the move. Chef and owner Elier Rodriguez plans a grand opening with live guitar and percussion, a flamenco performance, and tapas and cocktails.

Why it matters: The menu, from gazpacho to paella to flan, reflects the flavors of Spain and Cuba, where Rodriguez was born and raised.