Critical Times

Becca Hadwen reviews the September 7th Manatee County School Board meeting, where board members approved the budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

This week, John James Witte meets the City of Sarasota’s newest police chief. Becca Hadwen reports on the progress of the lawsuit regarding repairs to the Cortez Bridge, and what’s at stake for the community. Last, Becca takes us to Governor Ron DeSantis’s latest press conference on COVID-19, and specifically monoclonal antibody treatments.

First up, Omar Guerrero covers Manatee County School Board’s decision to extend the mask mandate. Then, John Witte summarizes the recent presentation from epidemiologist Manuel Gordillo on COVID-19 booster shots. After that, Becca Hadwen covers a lawsuit against Florida’s newest elections law. 

We take a closer look at the Sarasota County School Board’s decision to pass a 90-day mask mandate.

In this episode, Omar Guerrero covers the case of Syesha, who had both her children taken by CPS without due process. Becca Hadwen covers recent controversies at the Sarasota School Board regarding the introduction of a mask mandate. Then, Omar speaks to a local latino rights advocate about the significance of the Census results and the growth of the Latino Community in Sarasota. Last but not least, Becca covers the local push to give vaccines to marginalized communities in Sarasota.

Omar Guerrero reports on the extension of the eviction moratorium and housing insecurity in Sarasota. Becca Hadwen learns about the first week of school amid the surge in COVID-19 cases. Becca also looks into Manatee County’s allocation of funds to Solve Maternity Homes, and why the center declined. Last, Omar discusses the grand opening of the Dreamer’s Academy.

On Monday, August 9th, the Manatee County School Board held a special meeting regarding how to approach the COVID-19 pandemic, as the School Year is kicking back up in the coming days. The meeting featured a lengthy public comment session, as well as some important discussion by the Board Members. On this episode, Omar Guerrero addresses the key parts of the meeting.

Omar Guerrero reports on the increased demand for COVID-19 testing and the local health department’s response. Omar then explains how the City of Sarasota will spend 5 million dollars in American Rescue Plan funding. Becca Hadwen looks into Manatee County’s controversial decision to fund two Christian, crisis pregnancy centers. Last, Becca speaks with a local organizer about the Black Lives Matter back-to-school drive.

Omar Guerrero takes us to the most recent Sarasota County School Board meeting, where people discussed parents’ role in programs for students with learning disabilities. Becca Hadwen speaks with an organizer about the rally against creating new abortion restrictions in Manatee County and Omar learns why local activists advocate for people in Cuba. Last, Becca speaks with a cybersecurity expert about a 3-month breach into Florida’s unemployment system.

On July 13th the Sarasota County Commission held its annual County Budget Workshop. On this episode, Omar summarized the key takeaways from the meeting.