**Seven deputies and a professional trapper safely wrangled and relocated a massive 14-foot, 600-pound alligator** that had settled in a residential area, disrupting nearby homes including triggering a front door alarm. This effort by the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office was highlighted by video footage and social media posts sharing the humorous and unusual nature of the incident.

**Children’s Services Non-Profit Funding Applications Open**

Manatee County is accepting applications from not-for-profit organizations for the Children's Services Dedicated Millage program for Fiscal Year 2027. This initiative targets programs designed to prevent neglect, abuse, and support at-risk or economically disadvantaged children, with an investment seminar held today at the Manatee County Administration Building.

I don't have breaking news information for today, December 4, 2025. The search results provided contain news from December 2-3, 2025, which is from the past two days.

The most recent story available is from December 3, 2025, regarding **Manatee County's landfill-to-renewable natural gas facility**. Nopetro Energy, a South Florida-based company, is moving forward with a $50 million project to capture methane waste gas from the Lena Road Landfill and convert it into natural gas fuel.[3] Construction is set to begin in 2026 with production starting in 2027. The commissioners approved the arrangement with renewable one-year leases that can extend up to 20 years, providing the county with new revenue from what is currently burned off as a byproduct.

**Manatee County Commissioners Deny Lakewood Ranch School Site Plan** Manatee County commissioners voted to deny the site plan for a new high school in Lakewood Ranch, citing concerns over traffic congestion and infrastructure, despite the school board's push for expansion due to overcrowding.

**Sarasota Police Expand City Camera System:** The Sarasota Police Department is growing its SRQ City View initiative, adding more security cameras in businesses and homes downtown. The program aims to improve public safety by allowing real-time monitoring and faster response to incidents, with financial incentives for participating businesses.

**Landfill Gas-to-Fuel Project: A Green Initiation**

Manatee County is set to enter a new phase of renewable energy innovation as it partners with Nopetro Energy and Johnson Controls to construct a $50 million RNG plant at Lena Road Landfill. Expected to be operational in 2027, this facility will harness landfill methane to produce clean fuel, offering both environmental benefits and generating revenue for the county.

**Manatee County Commissioners Deny Lakewood Ranch High School Site Plan**

Manatee County commissioners voted to deny a site plan for a new school in Lakewood Ranch today, despite acknowledging that the existing high school is over capacity and Lorraine Road requires upgrades to handle increased traffic volume.[1] In a close vote, three of four commissioners present voted against the project, though four of the seven total commissioners felt that addressing the over-capacity school should take precedence after more than an hour of debate.[1]

The decision highlighted tension between commissioners over their proper role in the approval process. Some commissioners felt the application should not have been presented as it was essentially a "done deal," while county staff emphasized they had completed an expedited 30-day review to meet the 45-day state statute requirement—a process far faster than the typical nine to 12 months for other applications.[1] The county's Development Services staff had ensured the application was compatible with the county's comprehensive plan and land development code before it reached the commissioners.[1]

**An injured eagle rescued from a Lakewood Ranch lake seven months ago has been successfully rehabilitated and released back to its home** near the rescue site. The eagle underwent months of medical care and physical therapy at the Wildlife Center of Southwest Florida after a serious injury.

**Eleven people arrested in a holiday retail theft operation at the University Town Center (UTC) mall in Sarasota.** This three-day operation led by the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office resulted in charges including misdemeanors and felonies, aimed at disrupting organized theft and deterring repeat offenders during the busy holiday shopping season.

**Ride Service for Manatee County Veterans Expands**

Manatee Moves, a dedicated transportation service for honorably discharged veterans in Manatee County, has successfully expanded its reach, providing 1,935 free rides to 338 veterans since its inception in January. This program allows veterans to schedule up to two one-way trips daily for medical and Veterans Services appointments, showcasing the community's commitment to supporting those who served.