Health
The billion-dollar problem in firehouses: Potentially toxic gear, tight budgets and a fight over who pays to replace it
By Katherine Langford
Swimmer rescued in Venice after nearly two hours in water
Katherine Langford
Katherine Langford
Editor-in-Chief · Edina, MN
Katherine oversees editorial operations across all six brands. Before joining The Meridan Group, she spent 14 years at the Minneapolis Star Tribune, where she led the metro desk through its digital transformation. She holds a Master's in Journalism from Northwestern's Medill School.
More from Katherine →Editor-in-Chief · Monday, November 2, 2026 at 5:21 PM · 1 min read
VENICE, Fla. (WWSB) - Venice Fire Rescue’s Ski 51 assisted the Venice Police Department’s marine and drone units and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in rescuing a swimmer.The swimmer was located about 1.5 miles offshore near the Venice Fishing Pier after nearly two hours in the water.They were evaluated and released at the scene, officials said.Venice Fire Rescue thanked the U.S. Coast Guard, Sea Tow Venice, Sarasota County Emergency Services and the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office.They recommend preparing before going out on the water, wearing a life jacket, checking marine radio and GPS before leaving the dock, carrying signaling devices and having a backup plan.
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