Author: WSLR News

New College of Florida publicly announced the three finalists in its search for a permanent president, and the big bump in pay awarded to the next president will need to be paid for by the college itself.

A big developer is eyeing the 34 acres of ailing retail known as Southgate Mall, and the property is now becoming a test case for height, density and affordable housing practices by the city of Sarasota.

It’s been a week without new cases and the malaria alert for Sarasota County could be lifted by September 7. Local officials are hopeful the county’s on the right track and optimistic enough to announce this during a joint media briefing yesterday with the Centers for Disease Control, otherwise known as CDC.

And finally we have something for those of you yearning for action. Claudia Allers brings us the Activist Calendar. This is Claudia Allers, bringing you the weekly Activist Calendar for July 28.

A Florida Supreme Court ruling in favor of the Sarasota County Property Appraiser is having unexpected side effects on affordable housing. For starters, the shutdown of the roommate matching program by the Sarasota County Housing Authority.

After test pickets in Sarasota and Tampa, the August package delivery strike is called off. The teamsters union scored a big victory with and for UPS drivers when the company agreed to a nationwide collective bargaining agreement yesterday.

There’s a teacher shortage and the Sarasota school district held a job fair yesterday. WSLR reporter Sophia Brown was there to tell us how it went. She also talked to teachers to find out what makes them stay away.

Developer Pat Neal got green light from the Venice City Council to build a shopping plaza. But neighbors are pushing back. The North Venice Neighborhood Alliance has raised $15,000 to pay for a lawyer.

A mural was unveiled yesterday honoring the African American roots of the fast-gentrifying Sarasota neighborhood once known as Overtown. Sophia Brown is painting the picture for you.

Living in your community and local politics is not a spectator sport. Engage. Claudia Allers is ready to help you with the Activist Calendar. This is Claudia Allers, bringing you the weekly Activist Calendar for Friday, July 21.