Sarasota School Board set to ‘reimagine,’ not close, Wilkinson Elementary The about-face comes amid privatization and a new Florida law that makes the future of low-enrollment schools uncertain. Read Article »
City seeks input on North Water Tower Park renovations Parks and Recreation wants to energize Sarasota’s ‘well-kept secret’. Read Article »
Manatee County Commission pushes back against state restrictions on planning Commissioners unanimously vote to sue, and lobby against law that limits their ability to control development. Read Article »
Suncoast Searchlight: Rural hospital faces financial strain as Medicaid cuts loom The public hospital in DeSoto County weighs its options. Merger, affiliation and sale are all on the table. Read Article »
After weeks of ICE detention, Lulu Martinez yields to pressure The North Port college grad agrees to be deported to Mexico; family to follow. Read Article »
Illinois developer seeks approval for two-tower luxury project near downtown Sarasota ‘Saravela’ offers 271 units, including 40 attainable rentals. Read Article »
‘Rage Against the Regime’ protest set for Bradenton this Saturday Similar demonstrations are planned for every Saturday in August. Read Article »
Streets of Paradise prepares for community center opening The ‘hub’ will offer showers, wifi, fresh-baked pizza, yoga, poetry and more to unhoused Sarasotans. Read Article »
This Week in Local Government On Tuesday, the Manatee County Commission will discuss state pre-emption, land purchase from Mixon Fruit Farm, and new rules to ride bicycles, and appoint the members of a newly created local DOGE task force. Read Article »
Culture wars engulf Sarasota School Board again, as budget crisis looms Amid budget woes, the board makes a controversial change to the district’s anti-discrimination policy. Read Article »
Tough choices ahead for the City of Sarasota this storm season and beyond Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch reflects on how last year’s storm season impacted her personally. Read Article »
Freedom School gets kids engaged in black history lessons Manasota ASALH seeks volunteers for this summer program—and to help run weekend and after-school programs. Read Article »
The historic Colson Hotel gets a new lease on life A group led by Anand Pallegar aims to save this century-old refuge for black travelers in segregated Sarasota. Read Article »
