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
Florida asks for federal assistance for Hurricane Isaias recovery efforts
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WWSB) - The State of Florida has the federal government to issue a major disaster declaration in 15 Panhandle counties affected by Hurricane Isaias. Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that the Florida Division of Emergency Management submitted the request asking for additional federal resources, including public assistance for 15 counties and individual assistance for eligible residents in eight designated counties.
Turtle watchers release final numbers for 2026 nesting season
ANNA MARIA ISLAND, Fla. (WWSB) - The final data from the 2026 sea turtle nesting season have been released, noting an average year with 460 total nests documented. Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch also noted hatchling production was down, probably from beach erosion and water intrusion, and an increased presence of coyotes that prey on nests.
Teen charged with making threat to school; trying to frame her ex-boyfriend
RIVERVIEW, Fla. (WWSB) - A 15-year-old girl is facing serious charges after she threatened to commit a shooting at her ex-boyfriend’s school, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said. The 15-year-old girl, who ABC7 is not identifying because of her age, is accused of trying to put the blame for the threat on her ex-boyfriend. On Oct.
St. Petersburg man charged in area bank robberies
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WWSB) - A St. Petersburg man has been charged with robbing two Tampa Bay-area banks, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said Monday. David Sartin, Jr., 40, who has previously served time in prison for bank robbery in Texas, faces up to 20 years in federal prison on each count. According to court documents, on Aug. 24, Sartin allegedly robbed a bank in Largo. On Sept. 15, prosecutors say he robbed another bank in St. Petersburg.
A-List Talks with Mary Talley Bowden
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - Meet Dr. Mary Talley Bowden, a Stanford-trained otolaryngologist and a mother of four, who stood up against the medical establishment during the COVID-19 pandemic. She became a fierce advocate of early treatment protocols, including controversial drugs like ivermectin. When she began posting her patient outcomes on social media, she faced intense opposition and professional consequences.
A-List Talks with David Chessler and ‘Shark Tank’ star Kevin Harrington
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - If you’ve ever been hungry at an airport or other location and wanted real, hot food, you know it’s nearly impossible to find. A-List Talks host Adam Armbruster sits down with David Chessler, the entrepreneur behind the technology of Crave-n-Go kiosks, and his partner, Kevin Harrington, one of the original stars of “Shark Tank.”
A-List Talks with Christine Marvin, of the multi-generational Marvin Windows
A-List Talks with Christine Marvin, of the multi-generational Marvin Windows
A-List Talks with environmental activist Lourdes Ramirez
Lourdes Ramirez has filed a new lawsuit to protect 162 Beach Road.
Man gets eight years for trying to destroy Cold War-era tank outside Sarasota VFW
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - A man who tried to set fire to a tank on display outside a Sarasota VFW hall in 2025 has been sentenced to eight years in prison, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said Tuesday. Trang Johnny Nha Phan,34, pleaded guilty in June to charges of attempted arson of federal property and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. According to court documents, on Feb.
Coast Guard rescues 40 after machete fight breaks out on boat
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (WWSB) - U.S. Coast Guard crews rescued at least 40 people 10 miles offshore Mona Island Monday, following the report of a capsized makeshift vessel. Two bodies were also recovered. Rescue efforts are still ongoing. Mona Island is an uninhabited, protected nature reserve between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. Crew members from another vessel reported to the U.S. Coast Guard at approximately noon, they rescued four people in the water.
Manatee County Agricultural Museum says more than $74K stolen from bank account
PALMETTO, Fla. (WWSB) - The Friends of the Manatee County Agricultural Museum say more than $74,000 set aside for a new storage facility was stolen from the nonprofit’s bank account. The Friends of the Manatee County Agricultural Museum is the nonprofit organization that supports the museum’s operations and programming. The group says its mission is focused on preserving and sharing Manatee County’s agricultural history through exhibits, education and hands-on programs.
Manatee mother arrested after 4-year-old son kills himself with her gun, deputies say
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - A Manatee County woman has been charged in the June death of her 4-year-old son who shot himself with her handgun, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office said. Diamond Sharee’Nicole Phillips, 29, was arrested Sept. 22 on charges of culpable negligence involving a firearm accessible to a minor. She was released Sept. 23 on a $10,000 bond, jail record show.
Florida prosecutors hand down 20 indictments for voting fraud
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - The State of Florida announced Thursday that 20 Florida residents have been indicted, accused of voter fraud in previous elections. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, along with Gov. Ron DeSantis, announced the prosecutions in a statewide election-integrity operation targeting illegal voting in Florida elections. Uthmeier’s office said since Florida established the Office of Election Crimes, there have been more than 100 election fraud-related prosecutions.
Vote-by-mail ballots heading to voters in Sarasota County
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - More than 77,000 vote-by-mail ballots have been sent to Sarasota County voters in the initial mailing for the Nov. 3 general election, officials said Thursday. The ballots, sent to voters who requested a vote-by-mail ballot, follows ballots sent last week to registered military and overseas voters with requests on file. “Voting by mail continues to be a secure and convenient way to vote,” Supervisor of Elections Ron Turner said in a news release.
Manatee mother arrested after 4-year-old son kills himself with her gun, deputies say
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - A Manatee County woman has been charged in the June death of her 4-year-old son who shot himself with her handgun, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office said. Diamond Sharee’Nicole Phillips, 29, was arrested Sept. 22 on charges of culpable negligence involving a firearm accessible to a minor. She was released Sept. 23 on a $10,000 bond, jail record show.
Motorcyclist dies in crash on Clark Road
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - A motorcyclist was killed in a collision Wednesday at Clark Road and MacIntosh Road, the Florida Highway Patrol said. The crash involved the motorcycle and a gray SUV, troopers said. After the crash, the motorcyclist was taken to Sarasota Memorial Hospital where they later died. No details have been released about the cause of the crash.
Charging lithium-ion battery causes Port Charlotte store blaze
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. (WWSB) - A lithium-ion battery fire caused major damage to a business in Port Charlotte Tuesday, fire officials said. Shortly after 1 p.m., Charlotte County Fire & EMS was dispatched to Batteries Plus on Tamiami Trail. Firefighters found that a lithium-ion battery was on fire and additional batteries were exploding inside the store. No injuries were reported.
State, Polk County move to protect nearly 1,000 acres of farmland
LAKELAND, Fla. (WWSB) - Polk County and the State of Florida have teamed up to permanently protect nearly 1,000 acres of agricultural land, Polk County officials announced Wednesday. The two properties, totaling approximately 991 acres of working Florida agricultural land, were purchased under the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Rural and Family Lands Protection Program.
Woman found dead along Tampa street
TAMPA, Fla. (WWSB) - Deputies in Hillsborough County are trying to identify the body a of a woman found lying by the road in Tampa, the sheriff’s office said. At about 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, a deputy was driving through the area of Sligh Avenue and 78th Street when he saw an adult female lying on the side of the road, unresponsive, with no visible signs of injury. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene. No other details have been released.
Water restrictions in Southwest Florida extended until March
TAMPA, Fla. (WWSB) - The Southwest Florida Water Management District has extended current water restrictions through March 31, 2027, due to ongoing drought conditions, the district announced Wednesday. The district’s governing board voted Sept. 22 to extend the Modified Phase III “Extreme” Water Shortage, which requires all residents, including those on private wells, to continue following one-day-per-week watering restrictions with strict watering hours.
County to ask state to approve boat speed restrictions off South Lido Beach
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - The Sarasota County Commission will ask the state to approve boat speed restrictions around South Lido Beach. At a County Commission meeting Tuesday, commissioners directed staff to prepare a request to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to approve a slow speed/minimum wake zone around the county owned and operated Ted Sperling Park. South Lido Beach is located at the confluence of the Gulf, Big Sarasota Pass, Sarasota Bay and Brushy Bayou.
Stolen gun, drugs found during Sarasota traffic stop
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - Two convicted felons were arrested during a traffic stop after police found drugs in the car and the two occupants carrying guns, the Sarasota Police Department said Tuesday. Davion Baker, 22, and Sylvester Sanders, 24, are facing felony charges, police said. On Sept. 15, at about 10 p.m., Sarasota Police officers stopped a vehicle north of General Spaatz Boulevard on North Tamiami Trail.
Vehicle, Breeze bus collide in North Port
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - Seven people were injured Monday in North Port when a Sarasota County Breeze bus hit a large road marker after a collision with another vehicle, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s said. After the collision, the bus hit the State College of Florida sign on Tamiami Trail and West Villages Parkway, winding up with its front wheels off the road and onto the sign’s pedestal.
Venice man pleads not guilty after allegedly shooting chronically ill wife
VENICE, Fla. (WWSB) - A Venice man who told police he killed his wife because she was suffering from chronic illness had pleaded not guilty to murder, court records show. According to a probable cause affidavit, Walter Lee Edgerton, 83, called 911 on Sept. 16 saying his wife was dead. When paramedics arrived expecting a medical emergency, they found the victim seated in a recliner under blanket. When they began to examine her, they found a gunshot wound to the side of her head.
Sarasota libraries launching new family reading program
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources is set to begin a reading program for families with children 0-6 years of age. The launch of Little Otter’s Big Reading Adventure on Monday, Sept. 28, will feature a live otter demonstration at Mote SEA Aquarium. The new early literacy initiative encourages children and their families to read together, build early literacy skills and celebrate milestones along the way.
Driver airlifted after predawn crash on I-75 in Charlotte County
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - A driver was airlifted to a hospital after their sedan and a semi truck collided in a predawn crash on I-75 in Charlotte County Sunday. According to Charlotte County Public Safety, the crash happened about 5:45 a.m. in the southbound lanes near Tucker’s Grade. When first responders arrived, they discovered the injured driver trapped inside the vehicle. It took firefighters 30 minutes to cut away enough of the wreckage to free them.
Pain at the pump: Florida’s average price for gas hits $4.30 a gallon
TAMPA, Fla. (WWSB) - Florida gas prices surged 21 cents per gallon last week as rising crude oil prices pushed fuel costs higher nationwide. Prices edged a bit lower through the weekend, settling at $4.30 per gallon on Sunday. Sunday’s state average of $4.30 a gallon is: 15 cents more than a week ago 35 cents more than a month ago $1.16 per gallon more than this time last year The increase in pump prices comes as crude oil prices continue to climb.
Sarasota High football team honored for community service efforts
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - The Sarasota High School football team has been honored for “extraordinary commitment to community service and leadership” by a mentorship program run by legendary coach Urban Meyer. The award and a $20,000 check were presented to players and coaches Friday evening before the Sailors' game with Parrish Community High School. The team logged more than 350 hours of service working with the Senior Friendship Center of Sarasota.
Sarasota High football team honored for community service efforts
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - The Sarasota High School football team has been honored for “extraordinary commitment to community service and leadership” by a mentorship program run by legendary coach Urban Meyer. The award and a $20,000 check were presented to players and coaches Friday evening before the Sailors’ game with Parrish Community High School. The team logged more than 350 hours of service working with the Senior Friendship Center of Sarasota.
Body of woman found in Bradenton parking lot; man charged with murder
BRADENTON, Fla. (WWSB) - A woman was found murdered in a parking lot along U.S. 41 Thursday night and a man is in custody, charged in her death, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office said. The sheriff’s office said deputies responded to a 911 call at about 11:15 p.m. to a parking lot near the former WingHouse Bar and Grill on U.S. 41 and 51st Avenue Drive West. The found the body of a woman in the parking lot with injuries indicating homicide.
A-List Talks with Lijana Wallenda
Add Us On Google Add as a preferred source on Google SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - She is high-wire royalty, born into one of the most famous circus families in the world. Hers is an incredible story of survival, resilience and courage.
Dreamers Academy groundbreaking celebrates expansion milestone
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - Dreamers Academy, a Spanish immersion K-8 public charter school in Newtown, broke ground Thursday for a new upper school campus. The new 10-acre upper campus in Newtown is a major milestone in the school’s expansion. The state-of-the-art 42,000-square-foot middle school building will be home to the Academy’s growing middle school program when it opens in August 2027.
‘Operation No Place to Hide’ nets 120 arrests in Hillsborough County
TAMPA, Fla. (WWSB) - Deputies in Hillsborough County recently conducted a massive sweep targeting wanted suspects, arresting 120 people in a eight-day period. “Operation No Place To Hide,” was an operation aimed at serving active warrants Sept. 8-15, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said. Deputies attempted to serve 667 warrants and arrested 120 people with active warrants, the sheriff’s office said on social media.
Search for missing paddleboarder expands off Jupiter Beach
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - The U.S. Coast Guard continues to search for a paddleboarder missing off Jupiter Beach since Tuesday. Matt Pawlowski, 48, was last seen four miles off Jupiter Beach heading east, the Coat Guard said. He was wearing a white hat, orange shirt and gray shorts on a 14-foot lime green and yellow paddleboard.
Watch: Two rescued from tree limb after boat capsizes on Hillsborough River
TAMPA, Fla. (WWSB) - Two men were rescued Tuesday after they found themselves stranded atop a tree limb after their boat capsized in the Hillsborough River. Aerial and body camera footage captured the rescue Sept. 15. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office received a call at about 3:30 p.m., near Morris Bridge Park. The two boaters managed to grab tree limbs when their boat capsized. They were left stranded when the boat continued downriver without them.
Caught on camera: Sarasota Police officers rush into harm’s way to save motel guests
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - Sarasota Police have release dramatic body camera video of officers helping to evacuate people from a motel Sept. 12. In a social media post, just before 7 a.m. last Saturday, officers rushed to the motel in the 4000 block of North Tamiami Trail. When they arrived, officers immediately began evacuating the motel, going room to room to make sure everyone had made it out safely.
Caught on camera: Trespasser seen slashing tires, Hillsborough deputies say
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. (WWSB) - A man apparently angry for being forced to leave a Hillsborough County home was arrested for slashing the car tires of the homeowner, the sheriff’s office said. On Sept. 12, a man identified as Keilos Ferdinand, 26, was citied for trespassing in a home. Less than an hour after deputies told him not to return, a sheriff’s office drone spotted him back at the residence, the sheriff’s office said on social media.
Watch: 8-foot gator a bit too feisty for Manatee deputies
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office is used to calls for help in dealing with a nuisance animal. But some jobs call for an expert. Recently, deputies responded to a homeowner’s report of a ”4-to-5-foot" alligator in her backyard, the sheriff’s office said on social media. After attempting to relocate it to a pond across the street, they decided a trapper might be better suited to handle the reptile, who was clearly becoming annoyed with all the attention.
First Alert Traffic: Crash closes lanes at University Parkway and Cattlemen Road
UPDATED at 6:25 a.m. with additional information SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - A crash involving a vehicle and a bicycle is blocking some eastbound lanes of University Parkway at Cattlemen Road, at University Town Center. The right turn lane from University to Cattlemen is closed. Expect delays in the area. Avoid the area if possible.
Driver crashes pickup, but smells terrific
LAKELAND, Fla. (WWSB) - A 22-year-old man driving near Lakeland Monday morning learned a valuable lesson: While personal grooming habits are important, you should keep your eyes on the road. The Florida Highway Patrol said the man was driving a GMC pickup on State Road 570 at about 7 a.m. While negotiating a curve, the driver also was applying deodorant. Troopers say he hit a crash barrier and came to rest on top a concrete barrier wall.
Upgraded elections office to open this week in North Port
NORTH PORT, Fla. (WWSB) - A new, larger voter customer service office will open this week in North Port, county officials announced Monday. The new facility, on South Tamiami Trail in the North Port Village shopping center, will replace the current location at Biscayne Plaza, Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections Ron Turner said in a news release. The new office opens Friday, Sept. 18.
Tip leads to drug bust in Sarasota
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - A Sarasota man was arrested after police acted on a tip about illegal drug activity at his home. Lashay A. Smith, 58, is facing multiple charges following a predawn execution of a search warrant Sept. 2, the Sarasota Police Department said in a news release Sept. 14. At 5 a.m., police entered the home at 3120 Old Bradenton Road.
League of Women Voters to host candidate forums in Sarasota County
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - The League of Women Voters of Sarasota County will host five candidate forums for local races in the 2026 general election. The League is working to accommodate all invited candidates who have responded. Additional forums will be scheduled if at least two candidates in each race agree to participate, the league announced. This year’s forums are being hosted in partnership with Suncoast Searchlight.
Ouch: Florida gas prices react to rising tensions in Middle East
TAMPA, Fla. (WWSB) - Florida gas prices went back above $4 a gallon for the first time since June 1 as rising oil prices continue to drive up the cost of gasoline. Tensions in the Middle East intensified last week, causing oil prices to surge, said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA - The Auto Club Group. The U.S. price for crude oil has increased nearly 20% over the past two weeks, climbing from $83 per barrel to more than $100 per barrel.
Manatee man gets five years for mugging teen on the way to school
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - A Manatee County man was sentenced Thursday to five years in state prison for mugging a teenager girl on the way to school last year and stealing her backpack. Kyle Sebastien Loeffler received the maximum sentence for his conviction of robbery by sudden snatching. On March 12, 2025, at around 8 a.m., the 14-year-old victim was walking to school with her uncle, who is wheelchair-bound.
No-swim advisory issued for Brohard Beach in Venice
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - The Sarasota County Department of Health has issued a warning against going into the water at Brohard Beach in Venice. Tests completed earlier this week indicate that the water quality at Brohard Beach does not meet standards for Enterococcus bacteria. Officials advise against any water-related activities at Brohard Beach until tests show the water is safe.
SRQ marks 9/11 moment with water cannon salute
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - Sarasota Bradenton International Airport commemorated the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, with a moment of silence and special patriotic water cannon salute. The tribute took place Friday at 9:03 a.m., marking the moment the second plane struck the South Tower of the World Trade Center. Members of the SRQ fire and police departments participated alongside Fire Chief Jason Hackley, Police Chief Joseph Centanni and SRQ President and CEO Paul Hoback.
Crash closes lanes on Howard Frankland Bridge
TAMPA, Fla. (WWSB) - Southbound lanes of the Howard Frankland Bridge in Tampa were closed for a time around midday Thursday after two vehicles collided, the Florida Highway Patrol said. Traffic immediately began to back up, causing significant delays for traffic from Tampa heading into St. Petersburg. By 1:30 p.m., all lanes had been reopened.
Three honored by Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida for lifetime leadership
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - The Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida honored the achievements of three women Wednesday who exemplify the scouts’ mission of lifetime leadership. The trio was recognized at the organization’s annual Denim & Pearls Lifetime of Leadership Luncheon in Lakewood Ranch.
Watch: Suncoast first responders take to the bay for rescue training
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - Local first responders teamed up with the U.S. Coast Guard this week for rescue training in Sarasota Bay. The Sarasota Police Marine Patrol, Sarasota County Fire Department, Venice Fire Department and Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office joined Coast Guard units from Cortez and St. Petersburg for boat operator search and rescue training. Finding a person or vessel on the water isn’t as simple as heading to a last known location and looking around, police said on social media.
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