WSLR News

This week, Laura Fletcher reports on public schools opening in the midst of the Omicron surge. Omar Guerrero covers the Sarasota City Commission’s decision to approve a conservation easement on Bobby Jones Golf Course. Becca Hadwen attends the opening of Bay First Bank in Newtown, the first financial institution in the neighborhood.Keep up with the Critical Times on Facebook (@CriticalTimesSRQ), Instagram (wslr_criticaltimes), or our website (criticaltimes.org). You can also subscribe to our weekly newsletter on our website.

This week, Becca Hadwen covers a local vigil for democracy in memory of the January 6th insurrection. Omar Guerrero provides an update on how Manatee County will spend money from the American Rescue Plan Act. Last, Laura Fletcher speaks with Cathy Bryant about how the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect people experiencing houselessness.

Laura Fletcher investigates the Omicron variant and speaks to a college student about the challenges brought on by COVID-19.

Becca Hadwen previews the Vigil for Democracy on January 6th at the Manatee County Courthouse.For more information on the event, visit https://www.mobilize.us/democracyvigils/event/434721/

In this Wednesday edition, Omar Guerrero reports on the Sarasota County Commission’s recent decision to put single member districts back on the ballot.

This week's show covers the controversial map chosen by Manatee County Commission, as well as state news provided by the Florida Channel. 

This week, Laura Fletcher reports on how the omicron variant may affect Sarasota and Manatee. Omar Guerrero discusses the Sarasota County Commission’s decision to put single member districts back on the ballot. Becca Hadwen covers the town hall on incorporating Siesta Key

This week, Omar Guerrero reports on the unclear future of Paul Thorpe Park. Becca Hadwen discusses a proposed statewide abortion ban and how people organize in response. Laura Fletcher discusses a local citizen science project to track plants and animals. Finally, Becca Hadwen speaks with Sarasota County Schools’ director of innovation and equity to learn how the district works to support all of its community members.

In this Wednesday edition, Omar Guerrero reports on Manatee County's legislative delegation, held on Friday, November 26. During the meeting, local elected officials and community members told legislators their goals for the upcoming state legislative session.

We have a different structure this week since our team is taking time off for Thanksgiving. Instead of our regular programming, we bring you Mayor Hagen Brody’s state of the city address. Brody spoke before the commission, city staff, and citizens on November eighth. He touched on a wide range of topics affecting the City of Sarasota, including pandemic response, government structure, the police department, parks, and affordable housing.