Jim DeLa
Verified
(He/Him)
As seen in:
Observer Media Group,
MSN,
Yahoo Canada,
Yahoo News,
Yahoo Sports Canada,
WUSF Public Media,
Yahoo,
Yahoo Style Canada,
Yahoo Movies Canada,
KPHO-TV (Phoenix, AZ),
KSIX-TV (Honolulu, HI)
and
Covers:
Aviation/space, education, general assignment
Doesn't Cover:
Business
Jim is a journalist and photographer in Sarasota, Fla. Reporter for the Community News Collaborative/WUSF Public Media
Articles by Jim DeLa
Reward now offered for information about missing Venice teen
VENICE, Fla. (WWSB) - A reward is now being offered by Crime Stoppers of Sarasota for information to find a 15-year old Venice teen who has been missing since Aug. 15. Anabella Day Saben was reported to have run away from home. The Venice Police Department remains concerned about her safety and whereabouts. Anabella does not have her phone, making it difficult for her family, friends and investigators to contact her directly, police said Friday.
Double the cuteness for this week's ABC7 pets of the week
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - Meet Remus and Romulus... Two playful 11-week-old kittens looking for their forever homes. They're already neutered and microchipped. While they aren't bonded, the two have spent a lot of time together and get along well, said Marsh Panuce with Donte's Den and host of “Animal Outtakes.” Remus and Romulus are available through Sarasota County Animal Services.
Reward now offered for information about missing Venice teen
VENICE, Fla. (WWSB) - A reward is now being offered by Crime Stoppers of Sarasota for information to find a 15-year old Venice teen who has been missing since Aug. 15. Anabella Day Saben was reported to have run away from home. The Venice Police Department remains concerned about her safety and whereabouts. Anabella does not have her phone, making it difficult for her family, friends and investigators to contact her directly, police said Friday.
Double the cuteness for this week’s ABC7 Pets of the Week
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - Meet Remus and Romulus... Two playful 11-week-old kittens looking for their forever homes. They’re already neutered and microchipped. While they aren’t bonded, the two have spent a lot of time together and get along well, said Marsh Panuce with Donte’s Den and host of “Animal Outtakes.” Remus and Romulus are available through Sarasota County Animal Services.
Man gets 15 years for selling drugs that resulted in an overdose death
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - A Bradenton man was sentenced to 15 years in prison Aug. 26 for selling drugs used in a fatal overdose, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office said Friday. In March 2024, deputies responded to a report of a triple overdose on 64th Avenue East in Bradenton. They found three people unconscious. Two of the victims survived; the third, a 63-year-old man, died several days later.
Charlotte County middle school teacher suspected of abuse has troubling past
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - The Punta Gorda Middle School teacher arrested and charged with sexual battery of a boy in Sarasota County has a history of suspected child abuse going back nearly a decade, investigators’ and court records indicate. Brian L. Pavluchuk, 40, was arraigned in Sarasota County Court Friday after being charged with multiple counts of sexual battery and lewd and lascivious behavior with a child of a friend, court records say.
Man gets 15 years for selling drugs that resulted in an overdose death
SARASOTA, Fla. ( WWSB ) - A Bradenton man was sentenced to 15 years in prison Aug. 26 for selling drugs used in a fatal overdose, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office said Friday. In March 2024, deputies responded to a report of a triple overdose on 64th Avenue East in Bradenton. They found three people unconscious. Two of the victims survived; the third, a 63-year-old man, died several days later.
A-List Talks with Michael Cocozza of Trinity Custom Homes
Add Us On Google Add as a preferred source on Google SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - Meet the founder of the award-winning company that promises a home “worth handing down, built for the Gulf Coast, and the long run.”
California man gets 11 months for threatening Tampa podcaster
TAMPA, Fla. (WWSB) - A California man has been sentenced to 11 months in federal prison for threatening a Tampa podcaster, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced Thursday. George Russell Isbell, Jr., 70, had pleaded guilty June 24. According to court documents, in September 2025, Isbell mailed an “angry, offensive, and threatening letter” from San Diego to a media personality in Tampa, whose identity was protected.
Small plane crashes on the beach in Volusia County
NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. (WWSB) - A pilot towing a banner off New Smyrna Beach walked away after he crashed in the surf Thursday morning, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office said. The crash happened shortly before 11 a.m. Witnesses says the plane, a Piper PA-18 Super Cub, was towing a banner when it crashed into the water. The pilot, the sole occupant in the aircraft, was able to climb out of the plane on his own without serious injuries. No one else was injured.
Sarasota tourism numbers showing gains over last year
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - Sarasota tourism numbers are showing modest gains this year, according to new data released by Visit Sarasota County. Visitation and direct spending continued to show positive year-over-year increases, according to data collected by Downs & St. Germain Research. Visitors mostly came from the Midwest (30.0%) and the Northeast (27.5%). All international regions and the Southeast domestic market have experienced year-over-year decreases in visitation.
Teen hit-and-run victim not discovered near highway for three days, FHP says
IMMOKALEE, Fla. (WWSB) - The body of a 19-year-old hit-and-run victim in Collier County lay on the shoulder of a road for three days before it was discovered, the Florida Highway Patrol said Wednesday. The body of the bicyclist, a 19-year-old from Lehigh Acres was found Aug. 17 on the grass shoulder of State Road 29, south of State Road 82, near Immokalee in Collier County, the Highway Patrol said in a news release.
Teen seriously injured during football practice at Lemon Bay High
ENGLEWOOD, Fla. (WWSB) - A 15-year-old was injured during football practice Wednesday morning at Lemon Bay High School, Englewood fire officials said. The Englewood Area Fire Control District said paramedics received a trauma alert call at 6:25 a.m. to assist Charlotte County Fire & EMS, in caring for a 15-year-old boy. Charlotte County Fire & EMS told ABC7 the boy was evaluated on scene and declared a trauma alert. He was taken by ambulance to Sarasota Memorial Hospital for further treatment.
A-List Talks with Dean Cain
He's been Superman, a writer, producer and director. and Now, he's a podcaster.
Teen in critical condition after stabbing in Ruskin; 15-year old charged
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - A teenager is in critical condition after being stabbed during a fight in Ruskin, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said Tuesday. A 15-year-old is in custody, charged with attempted second-degree murder. ABC7 does not routinely identify juveniles involved in crimes. Detectives say on the afternoon of Aug. 24, deputies responded to a 7-Eleven on East Shell Point Road after reports of a stabbing. When deputies arrived, they found a juvenile with a stab wound to his arm.
Sarasota open house on parking issues leaves residents frustrated
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - An open house at Sarasota City Hall Monday night over parking restrictions and enforcement hours left many residents disheartened and frustrated. The meeting at City Hall was billed as an open house, with a presentation by city staff, followed by a question-and-answer session, with only written questions accepted. After realizing they would not actually be allowed to speak, many residents submitted questions and walked out.
Driver hits store on Bee Ridge Road
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - A driver lost control of their vehicle at Bee Ridge Road and McIntosh Road Monday afternoon and hit a building, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office said. An elderly driver heading east on Bee Ridge apparently tried to turn right onto McIntosh but wound up punching a hole into the Batteries Plus building on that corner, deputies said. The driver sustained minor injuries and and was taken to a hospital. The car was towed away.
Suspect arrested in Bradenton stabbing incident
BRADENTON, Fla. (WWSB) - A man suspected of stabbing a 15-year-old boy multiple times Aug. 18 has been arrested, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office said Monday. Quazone Taylor was located Sunday and taken into custody, charged with attempted murder. Detectives say the incident happened shortly before 3 p.m. Aug. 18 on 33rd Avenue Drive East. When deputies responded to the residence, they found a 15-year-old boy with multiple stab wounds to his neck and upper body.
Caught on camera: Air unit, good Samaritans try to rescue fisherman
VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. (WWSB) - A 911 call turned into an all-hands rescue attempt Sunday morning on a lake in Volusia County. Dispatchers received a frantic 911 call from a woman on a pontoon boat on Lake Woodruff after a man on the boat collapsed, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office said. A helicopter and ground units were dispatched. The air unit quickly located the boat. A flight paramedic jumped from the helicopter into the lake near the boat to render aid.
Florida gas prices hold steady as national averages rise
TAMPA, Fla. (WWSB) - Florida gas prices are remaining relatively stable over the past week, despite rising oil and gasoline futures, AAA is reporting. The state average for regular unleaded gasoline is $3.86 per gallon, about the same as a week ago. Meanwhile, the national average edged slightly higher over the past week, rising from $4.07 to $4.10 per gallon.
Sea turtle nests still hatching on Anna Maria as nesting season coming to a close
ANNA MARIA ISLAND, Fla. (WWSB) - Sea turtle hatchlings are still emerging from nests on Anna Maria Island even as nesting season appears to be coming to a close, a watch group said Friday. “This week we had no new nests or adult turtle crawls on the Island,” the weekly report from Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch said.
Hillsborough High School senior charged with making bomb threat to school
RIVERVIEW, Fla. ( WWSB ) - A Spoto High School student has been arrested after he called in a bomb threat against the school, t Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said. On Aug. 19, school resource deputies were notified of a bomb threat made by phone to the school. The school's receptionist received the call, and the caller asked, “Is this Spoto?” before claiming he had planted a bomb on the first floor of one of the buildings.
Hillsborough high school senior charged with making bomb threat to school
RIVERVIEW, Fla. (WWSB) - A Spoto High School student has been arrested after he called in a bomb threat against the school, t Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said. On Aug. 19, school resource deputies were notified of a bomb threat made by phone to the school. The school’s receptionist received the call, and the caller asked, “Is this Spoto?” before claiming he had planted a bomb on the first floor of one of the buildings.
Tampa OnlyFans star sentenced to prison for not paying $1.5 million in taxes
TAMPA, Fla. (WWSB) - A Tampa woman with apparent Sarasota ties was sentenced Thursday to a year in federal prison for not paying at least $1.5 million in taxes on income from her OnlyFans account. Kylie Perez, known as “Natalie Monroe” on the social media platform, will also serve a year of supervised release, for filing a false tax return, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said. Perez pleaded guilty on May 20.
Crash involving Sarasota police cruiser slowing traffic on U.S. 301 near downtown
Add Us On Google Add as a preferred source on Google SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - A crash involving a Sarasota Police Department patrol vehicle is affecting traffic on U.S. 301 near Adams Lane. the crash officed about 3 p.m. Minor injuries to both drivers were reported, police said. The crash is under investigation.
Caught on Camera: Boat captain rescued in storm near Big Pass
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - What started as a marine rescue call off South Lido Beach took an unexpected turn July 28, Sarasota Police said. Around 8:15 p.m., officers responded to a boat in distress near Big Pass. Officers learned one person had already made it safely to shore and began checking to see if anyone else was still on board. As first responders began to clear the scene, they learned the captain was still on board.
Health department lifts water quality alert for North Lido Beach
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - The water quality advisory issued last week for North Lido Beach has been lifted, county health officials said Tuesday. “Tests completed on Monday, Aug. 17 indicate that the water quality at North Lido Beach shows an acceptable level of Enterococcus bacteria established by state guidelines,” the department said in a news release.
Valve replacement to interrupt water service in areas in Manatee County
BRADENTON, Fla. (WWSB) - The Manatee County Utilities Department will be installing new valves in the water system affecting homes Tuesday along 51st Street West and 21st Avenue West. Water to these homes will be shut off from 8 p.m. Tuesday to 5 a.m. Wednesday. Customers are advised that once service is restored, all water used for drinking or cooking should be boiled as a precaution. A rolling boil of one minute is sufficient. As an alternative, bottled water may be used.
Community cleanup event set in North Sarasota
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - North Sarasota County residents looking to dispose of unwanted household items and yard waste can take part in an upcoming free community cleanup event. Join Sarasota County and drop off your items from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Aug. 22 at Newtown Estates Park, where dumpsters for residential customers will be available at 2800 Newtown Blvd., Sarasota. Additional free dumpsters will be located at the intersection of 23rd Street and Chester Avenue.
Fire destroys RV, damages home in Port Charlotte
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. (WWSB) - An RV was destroyed and a home damaged in Port Charlotte Sunday afternoon. The fire started around 2:30 p.m. on Sansedro Street in Port Charlotte. When the first engine arrived on scene, firefighters saw an RV fully engulfed in flames, with the fire extending into the attached garage of the home. Crews immediately began working to extinguish the fire and were able to contain the fire inside the home to the garage, preventing it from spreading into the living areas.
Two die in single-car crash in Venice
VENICE, Fla. (WWSB) - Two people have died in a single car crash in Venice Monday morning, police say. The crash happened abut 4:30 a.m. Monday on U.S. 41 Bypass near Patriots Park. All northbound lanes of U.S. 41 Bypass were shut down as Venice Police investigate. Traffic is being rerouted in the area. Drivers should expect delays.
AAA: Florida gas prices drift lower despite rising oil prices
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - Florida gas prices slipped lower last week despite oil prices moving higher, AAA is reporting. The state average fell 1 cent per gallon, declining from $3.88 last Sunday to $3.87 per gallon yesterday. Sunday’s state average of $3.87 per gallon is 2 cents less than Saturday but 79 cents more than this time last year. “Florida drivers saw a little relief at the pump last week, even as oil prices moved higher,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA - The Auto Club Group.
Tampa teacher charged with sending inappropriate messages to former student
TAMPA, Fla. ( WWSB ) - A Tampa middle school teacher has been arrested for allegedly having inappropriate communication with a former student, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said. Detectives launched a criminal investigation July 28 of Christian Schneider, 31, a teacher at Memorial Middle School. Detectives say they learned that Schneider has been sending inappropriate messages to his former teenage student at Franklin Middle School.
Tampa teacher charged with sending inappropriate messages to former student
TAMPA, Fla. (WWSB) - A Tampa middle school teacher has been arrested for allegedly having inappropriate communication with a former student, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said. Detectives launched a criminal investigation July 28 of Christian Schneider, 31, a teacher at Memorial Middle School. Detectives say they learned that Schneider has been sending inappropriate messages to his former teenage student at Franklin Middle School.
Sarasota commissioners say developers’ interests are behind out-of-state campaign
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - Two Sarasota County Commissioners say big developers are behind a shadowy campaign to unseat them in next week’s primary election. “We have outside players trying to weigh in and convince Sarasota voters to buy into what have been described as disinformation and disaccurate (sic) information,” District 4 Commission Joe Nuender said. Nuender and District 2 Commissioner Mark Smith say their voting records against unbridled development has made them targets.
Sea turtle hatchlings killed on Anna Maria Island; artificial lights blamed
ANNA MARIA ISLAND, Fla. (WWSB) - Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch is reporting that 55 loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings were killed Wednesday night on Gulf Drive after following artificial lights. “These baby turtles were only hours old and instead of following the light of the night sky reflecting on the water, they crawled towards artificial light shining from homes and businesses, straight into the road,” the volunteer group said on social media.
Woman ‘in crisis’ rescued from Gulf, Venice police say
VENICE, Fla. (WWSB) - A woman police say was in a mental health crisis was rescued recently from Gulf waters, Venice police said. In a social media post Thursday, police say they responded to Service Club Park following reports of a woman in the water acting erratically and making threatening statements. Officers found her offshore in neck-deep water. She refused repeated instructions from first responders to return to shore, police said.
Middle school student in North Port arrested after incident with faculty
NORTH PORT, Fla. (WWSB) - A student at Heron Creek Middle School in North Port was arrested Thursday after an incident between the student and members of the faculty, Sarasota County Schools said. “School administration and the School Resource Officer responded immediately, and the incident resulted in the arrest of the student,” a statement from the school district said. School officials would not say what occurred.
Fecal bacteria levels prompt water advisory at North Lido Beach
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - High levels of bacteria have been detected in Gulf waters off North Lido Beach, the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County said Thursday. A water quality advisory has been issued for the area of beach at 50 Benjamin Franklin Drive. The health department said tests of the water on Monday showed the level of Enterococcus bacteria exceeds the level established by state guidelines.
Tampa man charged with exposing himself to children on the way to school
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - A Tampa man has been arrested after witnesses say he exposed himself to children walking to school, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office says Thursday. Deputies responded to a call at about 6:45 a.m. Wednesday morning near 15th Street and College Park Drive in Tampa. Two juveniles riding scooters to school were approached by Quaze Moore, 32, the sheriff’s office said on social media.
Suspected Apple watch thief dons Walmart vest to pose an employee
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - A suspected thief impersonated a Walmart employee to try and steal Apple watches, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said. Detectives believe Devan Cherry, 42, walked into a Walmart on Fletcher Avenue Aug. 11, grabbed an employee vest in an attempt to steal merchandise but fled the store with only the vest.
Hit-and-run victim identified by family, Bradenton Police say
BRADENTON, Fla. (WWSB) - A day after a video of a seriously injured hit-and-run crash victim was released, Bradenton Police have identified him. Police announced Wednesday the victim’s name is Jose Jimenez, 47. A relative recognized him in the video released and contacted police. The crash happened Aug. 8 around 10:50 p.m. in the 1900 block of 14th Street West in Bradenton. He remains hospitalized with life-threatening injuries. Police released surveillance video Aug.
Woman charged with threatening Charlotte County deputy with a knife
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - A woman in Port Charlotte was tased by a sheriff’s deputy Aug. 10 after she allegedly threatened a deputy with a knife. Charlotte County Sheriffs Office deputies were investigating the theft and burglary of a vehicle in Port Charlotte when they spotted a woman running away from the area. According to a probable cause affidavit, a deputy gave chase and ordered the woman to stop. He observed the woman, later identified as Olesya A.
K-9 Ace makes first visit back to sheriff’s office after being shot in line of duty
POLK COUNTY, Fla. (WWSB) - A Polk County Sheriff’s Office K-9 made his first visit back to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Tuesday after the dog lost a leg in the line of duty. Ace, a 7-year-old German shepherd, was shot Aug. 6 while pursuing a suspect in a wooded area near Kathleen. The injury broke his leg and damaged an artery, causing serious blood loss. The suspect who shot Ace, Angel Bowers, was killed when deputies returned fire.
Man who escaped Tampa mental facility is recaptured in traffic stop
TAMPA, Fla. (WWSB) - A dangerous felon who escaped a Tampa mental health facility Aug. 3 is back behind bars, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said Tuesday. Dallas Dishman Jr., 36, was captured Aug. 9 during a traffic stop of a car he was a passenger in, the sheriff’s office said on social media. Dishman has an extensive violent criminal history and multiple active warrants.
Man arrested for pointing gun at beachgoers in Port Charlotte
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - A man has been arrested after he allegedly threatened several people with a gun at a Charlotte County beach. According to the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a 911 call Aug. 8 at the Port Charlotte Beach Complex about 7:15 p.m. Deputies found and detained 44-year-old Daniel J. Arnot, who was carrying a 9mm handgun. Detectives interviewed several witnesses who said Arnot, who was walking with his dog, brandished the gun several times.
Bradenton Police hoping public can help identify hit-and-run victim
BRADENTON, Fla. (WWSB) - The victim of a hit-and-run crash Aug. 8 in Bradenton remains hospitalized, unidentified and unable to speak with investigators, Bradenton Police said Tuesday. Police have released surveillance video in hopes someone will recognize him. The crash happened around 10:50 p.m. Saturday in the 1900 block of 14th Street West in Bradenton.
Crash closes southbound U.S. 41 Business in Venice
UPDATED at 7:30 a.m. with lanes reopening, one person airlifted. SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - A crash involving a car and a scooter closed southbound U.S. 41 Business in Venice early Tuesday, Venice Police reported. The incident happened about 6:45 a.m. at the intersection of U.S. 41 and San Marco Drive. One person was airlifted to Sarasota Memorial Hospital, police said. By 7:25 a.m., southbound lanes were reopened.
No injuries reported when school bus bumps SUV on Fruitville Road
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - A minor crash involving a school bus Monday morning ended with no injuries, no citations and little damage, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office said. Deputies say the crash happened about 8:30 a.m. at the intersection of Fruitville Road and Tatum Road. The bus was stopped in the left turn lane on Fruitville Road. Deputies say the bus driver said their foot came off the brake pedal and the bus rolled forward, striking the back of a Toyota Rav 4.
Suncoast early voting totals show about 10% have already cast their ballot
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - More than 11% of Sarasota County voters and 9% of Manatee County voters have already cast their ballots in Florida’s primary election, data show. As of 12:30 p.m. Monday, The Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections Office says 35,039 votes have already been cast by mail, while 3,816 people took advantage of in-person early voting. About 39,000 people in Sarasota County have already voted in Florida's primary election.
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Jim
Contact Jim, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack