WSLR News

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.

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.