Critical Times

In this episode, Omar Guerrero covers the local reactions to the redistricting maps approved by the Sarasota County Commission. Laura Fletcher covers the local response to COVID-19, and Yasi Bahman dives deep into the gran opening of New College of Florida's Research Dock. 

This week, Yasi Bahman reports on the charges against Kimberly Cox, who was arrested at a peaceful protest for reproductive rights in Manatee County. Laura Fletcher learns about the 2021 art season during this stage of the pandemic, and Becca Hadwen speaks with a local housing advocate about housing insecurity. John James Witte closes the show with a recap of the Sarasota County Summit on water quality.

This week, Omar Guerrero discusses the statewide mental health emergency response number set to roll out in July, and some of the obstacles it faces. Becca Hadwen provide an update of Manatee County’s emergency rental assistance program. Yasi Bahman wraps up the show with a report on the plans for the African American Art Center and Museum in Newtown.Photo by Adrian Swancar on Unsplash

We have a full show for you this week. First, Laura Fletcher takes us to a rally demanding action on the climate crisis. Then, Becca Hadwen cover the Sarasota County School Board’s decision to repeal the mask mandate. John James Witte looks into why the Sarasota City Commission made two zoning changes in Newtown, and Yasi Bahman learns about some of the ways local organizations will observe Hispanic Heritage Month. Last, Arlene Sweeting discusses how students honor John Chamberlin’s legacy.

This week’s episode focuses on key moments of the Sarasota City Commission’s meeting on Monday, where commissioners discussed ranked choice voting and a potential ordinance that will prohibit sitting or lying down on sidewalks in the downtown area. 

This week, Laura Fletcher discusses the urgent call for pregnant women to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Becca Hadwen covers the Sarasota City Commission’s limbo on implementing ranked choice voting, and Omar Guerrero takes us to the most recent meeting of the City of Sarasota’s Charter Review Board. Finally, Yasi Bahman tells us how local arts organizations hold live performances in the current stage of the pandemic.

This week, Omar Guerrero learns how the end of the eviction moratorium affects local renters. John James Witte covers the Sarasota City Commission’s decision to change their meeting times for the second time this year. Laura Fletcher speaks with a professor at the Ringling College of Art and Design about teaching during COVID-19 and finally, Yasi Bahmanabadi tells us how one organization combats red tide.

Becca Hadwen covers Manatee County’s approval of its final budget. Next, Omar Guerrero interviews political science professor Franck Alcock about the upcoming redistricting process in Sarasota County. Last but not least, Jasmine Buie covers the goals and mission of the multicultural health institute. 

This week, John James Witte reports on how Sarasota Memorial Hospital fares during the COVID-19 surge. Omar Guerrero learns about Sarasota County’s upcoming redistricting process, and Yasi Bahmanabadi discusses the work of the City of Sarasota’s Charter Review Board.

Omar Guerrero reports on the conditions in local jails and the resulting COVID-19 outbreak. John James Witte takes us to this week’s Sarasota County Commission meeting, where the board decided to rezone about 5000 acres of rural land. Jasmine Buie learns about Stop the Spread, a group working to make Sarasota County Schools safer during the COVID-19 pandemic. Last, we have a Florida Channel segment on the newest president of the New College of Florida, and how she will approach this year’s issues.