WSLR News

 The Sarasota County Commission has $15 million to allocate for job training in the wake of Hurricane Ian. Some commissioners were ready to give it all to the Suncoast Builders Association. The West Coast Black Theater Troupe took a creative approach to getting out the vote with a presentation of a one-woman show called “The Fannie Lou Hamer Story.” Democrat Derek Reich is once again challenging Republican Fiona McFarland for the District 73 seat in the Florida House. He thinks he has a better chance this time around.  The Sarasota City Commission gathered for a special meeting to discuss the Downtown Master Plan, and how to bring fresh ideas to the table through an Ad Hoc Committee. With strong opinions and a clear call for collaboration, the debate was anything but routine.  Perhaps surprisingly, the Sarasota County Commission on Wednesday passed up a chance to increase density on Siesta Key.

 The Sarasota County Commission has $15 million to allocate for job training in the wake of Hurricane Ian. Some commissioners were ready to give it all to the Suncoast Builders Association. The West Coast Black Theater Troupe took a creative approach to getting out the vote with a presentation of a one-woman show called “The Fannie Lou Hamer Story.” Democrat Derek Reich is once again challenging Republican Fiona McFarland for the District 73 seat in the Florida House. He thinks he has a better chance this time around.

We will hear about what the Sarasota County School Board picked as their legislative priorities for the coming year. Next up, we discuss the latest updates in the saga to save the historic Colson Hotel. We dig deeper into the Sarasota City Commission District 1 race, as two candidates move forward. Then, our team heads down to Tiger Bay debate to hear from the Sarasota County Tax Collector candidates. Finally, a report from the campaign stop of the Democratic Candidate in Florida for US Senate as she swung through Sarasota Wednesday afternoon.

The Sarasota County Commission approves a massive new housing development just weeks after floodwaters subside in nearby neighborhoods; residents of Calusa Lakes respond to another new development proposal in their neck of the woods; candidates for tax collector to face off before the Tiger Bay Club; Governor DeSantis pulls the plug on a controversial proposal to build golf courses and hotels in state parks; and the Uhuru 3 face trial next week.

Sarasota is seen by many as a testing ground for the right-wing Project 2025. But these elections sent a strong signal of pushback, and that came - in a big part - from high school students. We have that story.

Next: Kamala Harris picked up the baton from Joe Biden, and the Democratic National Convention has turned into an unexpectedly spirited event. WSLR reporter Mark Warriner is in Chicago, where he caught up with Sarasota delegates, as well as protesters in the streets.

Then: The City of Sarasota Commission met this week, and Ramon Lopez reports.

Yesterday we had a primary election, and our Manatee County analyst says the sweep by grassroots candidates was historic. We're dedicating this newscast to the elections, beginning with a roundup by Bradenton Times Editor Mitch Malley.

Next, we'll interview  one of the winners of the Sarasota school board elections.

Then, Florence Fahringer reports about Sarasota County Commission elections. 

Then - is it the end of General Flynn's "Medical Freedom" movement? We'll have a roundup of the Sarasota Hospital Board elections.

Finally: The incumbent was far from the 50% he needed to win, and the City of Sarasota District 1 race is now going to the general election. Ramon Lopez reports.

The historic flooding in Sarasota County put our plumbing to the test. The stormwater system, that is. The county's plumber-in-chief is Spencer Anderson. WSLR reporter Mark Warriner had a chance to interview the public works director.

More plumbing: The City of Sarasota has been the poster boy of good behavior when it comes to wastewater treatment. But two weeks ago, that advanced treatment plant spilled close to 18 million gallons during Tropical Storm Debby. We have the story.

Staying with the City of Sarasota: Three key figures in the city government just announced their resignations. Ramon Lopez reports.

Finally: Three professors teaching at Florida universities sued the state legislature over what they say is overreach into the public higher education system. A Sarasota group and a New College teacher are playing key roles in that lawsuit, as Florence Fahringer reports.

The historic flooding in Sarasota County last week put the spotlight on neighborhoods with homes knee-deep under water.  Ramon Lopez pays close attention to one community where the water barely reached the doorsteps. Even though those experiences were less traumatic, the challenges arising even from them look daunting.

Then: The questions and outrage prompted by the Sarasota flood coincide with the primary elections next week. We have a close look at the political ripples of the disaster. 

Next: More elections: Florence Fahringer reports from the last candidate forum before voters pick the next commissioner in the City of Sarasota's majority minority district.

Finally: Staying with the elections - one of the highest-profile school board races in the nation could be decided next week in Sarasota. We have a close look at the three candidates.

Ringling College of Arts is an engine of the Culture Coast. But that engine has been sputtering lately, and that has to do with the Culture Wars emanating from Tallahassee. Florence Fahringer had a conversation with the president of that college. 

Then: When flooding happens, the first thought is about people and their homes. But cars are another big casualty, as Tyler Oldano reports.

Next: The re-developer of a 63-year old mall in Sarasota convinced city commissioners that more than 10% attainable housing is not feasible in that project. That, in turn, raises questions about the private sector's ability to make a dent in the affordable housing crisis.

Finally: Dr. Nik's bikes are not scrap! When a long-time friend of the recently passed Sarasota artist spotted his iconic bikes on a scrap metal trailer, she - and the WSLR community - jumped into action. We have that story.

The aftermath of Hurricane Debby. Our Johannes Werner tells you the stories of residents experiencing rising waters just outside of Philippi Creek.

Then: A former Sarasota Commissioner talks about the county’s development plan. Our report tells you what’s going wrong, and how it even plays into the damage caused by Hurricane Debby.   

Next:  We give you an Update on the 6 New College Students who’re potentially facing punishment for their support of Palestine during graduation. WSLR’s Florence Fahringer spoke to one of the students about what the last few months have looked like for them.

Finally: Our Johannes Werner Spoke to Bacardi Jackson, the new executive director of the ACLU in Florida. She tells us what’s next for the civil rights organization in the state.