Lance Hoeltke replaces Carlos Woods following the latter’s abrupt dismissal—and amid community uproar.
By Ed James III
Original Air Date: August 7, 2026
Host: Following up on our recent reporting regarding instability within the Booker High School football program, new developments have emerged regarding leadership changes, schedule adjustments for the upcoming season and the ongoing investigation surrounding former head coach Carlos Woods. Here with the latest updates is WSLR reporter Ed James III.
Ed James III: Just weeks ahead of the scheduled kickoff for the 2026 Florida high school football season, Booker High School has officially named a new head football coach following the abrupt dismissal of Carlos Woods last month.
Lance Hoeltke | Photo: Sarasota County Schools website
Lance Hoeltke has been selected to take over the Tornadoes program. Hoeltke brings a collegiate background as a former NCAA Division I quarterback and inaugural team captain for the University of South Florida in 1997, alongside prior high school coaching experience. He steps into the role as Booker’s third head coach in three years, succeeding Woods and previous coach Scottie Littles.
The leadership transition follows significant program disruption. In the wake of Woods’ removal, the Tornadoes program has faced a wave of player transfers, resulting in roster adjustments ahead of the fall schedule. Most notably, the program has been forced to pull out of its high-profile season opener against four-time state champion Venice High School, which was originally scheduled for August 21, as well as adjustments to handle early-season scheduling gaps.
The Booker Tornadoes’ football field | Photo via Facilitron
Meanwhile, public details regarding the exact circumstances of Carlos Woods’ dismissal remain limited. The Sarasota Police Department has confirmed that Woods is the subject of an active criminal investigation prompted by allegations received from an outside agency. Investigators have publicly stated that the criminal probe does not involve any harm or wrongdoings toward any students. School district officials and high school administrators have declined to comment further on specific personnel files, citing statutory confidentiality surrounding ongoing employee matters. Woods has denied any criminal wrongdoing.
As the Booker Tornadoes prepare to open their season under Coach Hoeltke, community members and sports observers continue to monitor how the program adapts to these administrative and roster changes.
Reporting for WSLR, I’m Ed James III.
WSLR News aims to keep the local community informed with our 1/2 hour local news show, quarterly newspaper and social media feeds. The local news broadcast airs on Wednesdays and Fridays at 6pm.