Critical Times

A Critical Times Wednesday Edition: Omar Guerrero speaks to a local health expert to better understand the recent upsurge in cases and the threat of the Delta Variant of COVID-19.

Becca Hadwen learns how two locals respond to last week’s ruling striking down DACA, or deferred action for childhood immigrants. They also take a look at how the Sarasota Department of Health responds to the recent uptick in COVID-19 cases, and Omar Guerrero learns why cases are increasing in the first place. Finally, Omar explains why the City Commission decided not to investigate Mayor Hagen Brody's treatment of staff.

Omar Guerrero learns about why so many Florida manatees have died this year and what that says about our environment. Becca Hadwen covers the fight over our classrooms and how teachers discuss race as it played out in this week’s Sarasota County School Board meeting. Omar closes out the show with an overview of the City of Sarasota’s budget workshops.

July 9th: Omar Guerrero covers the controversial education bills signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, Becca Hadwen covers an initiative by the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, and Bernadette Nwokeji speaks to a community engagement officer at the Bishop Museum about their attempts to gain solid ground after the pandemic.

July 2nd: Sarasota City Governments new online launches comment platform.  Alaina Martinez from the Leaders Rights Organization talks about the recent protest against police brutality in Newtown. Becca Hadwen covers the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition's upcoming research presentation to the Sarasota City Commission.

June 30th: Omar Guerrero covers the County Sheriff's Office budget and a recent conference regarding Body-Worn Cameras in Sarasota County and City. Omar also talks to Joyce Fitzpatrick about her initiative to launch the first Community Mediation Center in the area.

We have a packed show for you this week. First, Becca Hadwen discusses the coronavirus outbreak among Manatee County employees. Omar Guerrero learns about plans for a community mediation center. Becca speaks about pride and LGBTQ liberation with a local organizer, and Omar has details on the Sarasota County budget process.

Becca Hadwen takes you to a discussion of how Governor DeSantis’s protest law will affect Sarasota. Omar Guerrero learns how Newtown will celebrate Juneteenth, and why it matters. He also brings you the latest from the City of North Port’s budget process. Finally, Becca went to the Bishop Museum to learn about their new manatee rehabilitation habitat.

In this week's episode, Becca Hadwen reports on a new rule passed by the Florida Board of Education that restricts how teachers talk about race. Omar Guerrero discusses Sarasota Mayor Hagen Brody’s proposal to regulate sitting or lying on sidewalks. Then, Becca takes a look at the controversy surrounding Sarasota County code enforcement officer Harvey Ayers. Omar wraps up the show with information on Juneteenth and how the local Bar Associations will honor the holiday.

This week's show covers a variety of topics: Climate change activist's 800 mile walk to Tallahassee, Olmeca's community lecture and concert at the Van Wezel, and the City Commission's discussion of budget plans in light of Biden's American Rescue Plan.