WSLR News

Despite a shift in voting by local legislators yesterday, the future of the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus still hangs in the balance.

Then: Two Democratic challengers are trying to take the U.S. House seat held by Greg Steube in the Sarasota district. Today, we bring you a profile of Allen Spence.

Next: The Old Memphis graveyard in Palmetto, a historically Black cemetery, has been vandalized. We tell you what happened.

Then: If you’re wondering about that growing dirt pile on the parking lot of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, we have some answers. 

Finally: A group of Jewish community activists launched an organization on the Suncoast that they say is more free to take on local issues. We’re trying to understand how they are not just another Jewish Federation.

The Sarasota County Commission surprised everyone Tuesday when it took back a vote from last year, picking up the collection fee tab for school taxes. But the debate of what to do with the fees is not over.

Next: Booker High School is an institution in Sarasota’s African American Community, and picking the next principal is a high profile issue. Ed James III was there for a candidate event.

Next: Two Democratic challengers are trying to take the U.S. House seat held by Greg Steube in the Sarasota district. We begin with Matt Montavon.

Finally: NOAA’s hurricane hunters made a stop at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.

Yesterday, led by Tom Knight, the Sarasota County Commission surprised everyone by taking back a vote it made last year to charge the school district for tax collections.  The $2 million in fees withheld by the Sarasota Tax Collector had prompted the school district to sue Mike Moran and his office. 

Next: In another rather unexpected vote two weeks ago, the Sarasota County Commissioners tried to rein in a state law called the Live Local Act. The move set the county on a confrontation course with the state, and the commissioners are now trying to understand the legal implications.

Then: Three times was NOT the charm for the developer of what could be the tallest tower in downtown. The Sarasota City Commission rejected a modified proposal of the Obsidian, again.

Then: 27 years. That’s how long Larry Thompson has been in charge of Ringling College of Art & Design. He has three weeks left on the job, and our reporter sat down with him for an exit interview. 

A Florida law that promotes affordable housing has put the Sarasota County Commission on a collision course with the state and developers. Suncoast Searchlight brings us a report about the apartment complex project that has prompted outrage and the commission’s strong reaction.

Next: It’s Round 3 for a controversial proposal to build downtown Sarasota’s tallest tower, on a quite small lot.

Then: The controversial concrete crushing plant on the edge of downtown has a new operator. But it does not have the permits it needs to actually operate. 

Next: The revenue-strapped Sarasota School District is suing the tax collector, and Suncoast Searchlight tells us why.

Finally: In times of division, one Sarasota group tries to bring us diversity, solidarity - and harmony. Ed James III tells us more about that.

Today's news: DR Horton is suing Sarasota County over their denial of a planned subdivision near the Celery Fields. 

Then: Sarasota County Democrats are apologizing for a viral social media post following an gunman opening fire at the White House Correspondent’s Dinner.

Next: An event held by Sarasota United For Responsibility put the spotlight on officials on the big gap for youth mental health services.

Then: A controversial construction plant is under new management, but could it just be more of the same? 

Finally: Sarasota County has launched a new affordable legal counseling program, connecting potential clients to lawyers in their field of need.

In August, New College will be facing hearings before a state administrative judge over its campus plans, tree cutting, and more. Six neighbors have petitioned the state to look into what they believe are violations of plans and rules.

Then: We continue our dive into the District 1 race for Sarasota School Board. Today, we will have a close look at candidate Teresa DeWitt and Heidi Brandt.

Next: Research to mitigate Red Tide is blooming in Sarasota. Will it make a difference in the next outbreak? Suncoast Searchlight tries to find answers. 

Then: Every three years, one of the biggest funders of non-profits in this region is going through a deep listening exercise. We’ll tell you what 1,500 people on the Suncoast said were their biggest concerns.

Finally: A group of Sarasota and Manatee high school students is learning about history where it happened: In Selma, Alabama.

A controversial concrete crushing plant near downtown Sarasota apparently keeps operating, without permits. Noah Bookstein visited the plant to find out what’s going on.

Then: The Sarasota Property Appraiser heads a PAC in support of gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds. What gives? Suncoast Searchlight brings us this report.

Next: The Sarasota School Board yesterday passed a set of new policies, including one that punishes student protest during school hours. Ramon Lopez brings us the details.

Speaking of Sarasota schools:  We are putting the focus on the race for the school board seat held by Bridget Ziegler. We begin our profiles of District 1 candidates with Jimmy Glover.   

Then: It’s Earth Day, and Gretchen Cochran brings us the report about a merger between two non-profits that now cover the whole food cycle - from seed to compost.

And our final tribute to Earth Day comes from WSLR staffer Reiña Phair: It’s a call to move away from bottled water.

A $250 million  land preservation deal is ahead of Sarasota voters. We will find out how the County Commission is going about it. 

Next:  180 teachingl positions in Sarasota County schools are on the chopping block, due to a budget shortfall within the district. Suncoast Searchlight brings us this story.

After that: The one-year anniversary of the “Hands off our Social Security" protest. What has been accomplished in the past 52 weeks? Where do organizers see the movement going?

Next: How did folks on the right side of the aisle feel about the nationwide “No Kings Protests”? 

Finally: “Fish Fry & Fellowship”, a locally made documentary focused on late Palmetto icon Coach Eddie Shannon premieres this Saturday. 

The Sarasota County Sheriff is one of the most active Florida law enforcement agencies when it comes to ICE referrals. Kurt Hoffman suggests all the potential deportees are “criminals”. But are they? Ramon Lopez poured over hundreds of Sarasota County ICE referrals.

Next: ICE is looking for office space in Florida, including in Sarasota. Suncoast Searchlight brings us this story.

Then: Sarasota Senator Joe Gruters’ parting gift to his constituents is an insurance bill that could raise the cost of those living in condos, apartments and retirement homes. It also sets up a major contributor to Republican campaigns to make a windfall.

Finally: ‘No Kings Day’ mobilized thousands in Sarasota County. A trio of WSLR News reporters bring us their observations.

Grady Judd has been an advocate of strict immigration enforcement. That’s why the Polk County Sheriff surprised many last week when he announced he would advocate with the Trump administration for a slowdown in mass deportations. Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt Hoffman does not think much of Judd’s initiative. Ramon Lopez has that story.

Next: Expect thousands of opponents of the Trump agenda to rally this Saturday along the Suncoast for another “No Kings Day”. Ed James III has a preview of local events.

Then: The Sarasota School Board approved a new student protest policy. Ramon Lopez reports.

Then: So the City of Sarasota committed to safeguarding the historic Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. But that’s a quite complex undertaking, and it’s not happening overnight. Gretchen Cochran talked to a city engineer.

Next: Traffic calming in neighborhoods is high on the City of Sarasota’s agenda. Rhatia Murphy reports.

Finally: Kelly Franklin and Ron Kashden’s community organizing has made an impact. This weekend, the Sarasota power couple was recognized for that.