Podcast

The Sarasota City Commission unanimously voted to approve the 2030 Public Art Plan, which doubles the fee luxury developers have to pay to support public art in order to match other competing Florida cities.

Commissioners say that state regulations are just fine. But residents, environmental activists and scientists all urged local officials not to go through with the plan.

A veterans housing project in West Bradenton was put in limbo by County Commission Chair Kevin Van Ostenbridge. But at a recent town hall, none of the neighboring residents were confused as to why it had been shelved.

A Sarasota entrepreneur is growing mushrooms offshore, and local restaurateurs love his stuff. But Sarasota County is giving him a hard time.

Over $200 million in federal funds is coming to Sarasota to fix the lingering aftermath of Hurricane Ian. The county has created a priority list, and now wants input from residents.

As usual, here’s the cherry on top of our news cake: this week’s Activist Calendar.

The race for the District 2 seat on the Sarasota School Board is already heating up. At least two candidates are currently seeking the job: incumbent Karen Rose and former school psychologist Liz Barker.

After the city of Venice allowed Neal Communities to build on what was supposed to be a natural preserve, neighbors fired back by hiring a lawyer.

Students, faculty and friends of the New College of Florida have filed suit in Tallahassee federal court, saying that Senate Bill 266 violates freedom of speech.

Taking a significant step in their war against woke, the DeSantis-appointed members of the New College Board of Trustees moved towards making the first cut in the liberal arts college’s academic program, amid accusations of Sunshine Law violations.