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WSLR NewsWSLR News Wed., Apr 22: Concrete crushing; Bill Furst's PAC; student protest policy; District 1 school board candidates; compost merger; plastic bottlesA 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...
2026-04-2231 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Wed., April 1: Sarasota ICE referrals; ICE seeks office space; Gruters insurance bill; No KingsThe 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 s...
2026-04-0231 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Wed., Feb. 11: EPA guts wetlands protection; City of Sarasota manager search; the city's affordable housing project is back; immigration enforcement panelComing up: The Trump administration’s EPA wants to gut wetland protections. Brice Claypoole explores what that could mean for Sarasota.Next: Who will be the next Sarasota city manager? The commissioners boiled down the field of applicants to six, and a front runner has emerged.Next: A controversial affordable housing project run by the City of Sarasota is back. Suncoast Searchlight brings you the details.Finally: Immigration enforcement is on everyone’s mind. A WSLR panel this Saturday will feature two sheriffs and an i...
2026-02-1131 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Fri., Jan. 30: Winchester Ranch; Sarasota schools' ICE resolution; Manatee schools pledge improvement; Trump's Cuba energy blockadeOn Tuesday, the Sarasota County Commission slammed the brakes on a 9,000-home development that could have eviscerated the last big chunk of rural land in the area between North Port and Englewood.Next: Last week, the Sarasota School Board narrowly passed a resolution promising full cooperation with ICE. But what does this actually mean? Alice Herman with Suncoast Searchlight tries to find answers.Then: An investigative report by Suncoast Searchlight and the Bradenton Herald showed a trend of rising abuses by teachers in the Manatee County school district. Josh...
2026-01-3131 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Wed., Jan. 28: Saravela; Neunder vs. Live Local; Pretti candlelight vigilA developer is marketing the affordable housing in their downtown Sarasota high-rise as short-term rentals. What gives? Suncoast Searchlight investigates.Then: Florida’s Live Local Act is meant to produce affordable housing. But one Sarasota County Commissioner has problems with that law. Ramon Lopez has that story.Finally: The killing by ICE agents of a nurse in Minneapolis is making waves in Sarasota, too, where a couple hundred people gathered yesterday. Jackson Rothman reports.
2026-01-2923 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Wed., Jan. 28: Winchester Ranch; Saravela; Neunder vs. Live Local; Pretti candlelight vigilThe Sarasota County Commission green-lighted a 9,000-home mega development. Ed James III brings you that report.Next: A developer is marketing the affordable housing in their downtown Sarasota high-rise as short-term rentals. What gives? Suncoast Searchlight investigates.Then: Florida’s Live Local Act is meant to produce affordable housing. But one Sarasota County Commissioner has problems with that law. Ramon Lopez has that story.Finally: The killing by ICE agents of a nurse in Minneapolis is making waves in Sarasota, too, where a couple hundred pe...
2026-01-2830 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Fri., Jan 23: New Ringling College president; why the Van Wezels endorse the new SPAC; public speaking challenges; Amaryllis Park; immigration scamsThe post-Larry Thompson era is in sight at Ringling College of Art and Design. We have the details about the first new president picked to take the helm of the private campus in Sarasota this century. Next: The grandchildren of the family whose name is on the Van Wezel shocked some in Sarasota when they endorsed the project of a new performing arts center. We have a report with more details about their rationale and the design changes that convinced them.Then: Public speakers at the first Sarasota City c...
2026-01-2330 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Wed., Jan. 21: Cruise terminal; Ziegler's ICE resolution; Benderson taxing district; MLK DayIf it is built, it would be one of the region’s largest infrastructure projects in years: A cruise terminal at the foot of the Sunshine Skyway. We get local reactions to the big plans. Then: Sarasota School Board member Bridget Ziegler got her way: Her proposed resolution pledging full cooperation with ICE and other law enforcement triggered a protest, more than four hours of public comment at yesterday’s school board meeting, and a narrow vote in favor of the resolution. Next: More developer control - a bill filed...
2026-01-2130 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Fri., Jan. 16: Special report on immigration protest at Alligator AlcatrazLast Sunday, WSLR News reporter Ramon Lopez tagged along on a bus trip with a group of Sarasota clerics, worshippers and activists to a protest at the controversial immigration detention camp in the Everglades. Here is the report he filed.
2026-01-1730 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Wed., Jan. 14: Affordable housing funding; ICE protest; Gran Paradiso settlement; Van Wezel family endorses SPACSarasota County commissioners voted on federal funding for affordable housing yesterday, and it’s not good news for two high-profile projects near downtown Sarasota. Next: Immigration enforcement continues to make ripples. For one - an estimated 1,000 protesters rallied in Sarasota, Venice and Englewood this weekend, responding to the killing of Renee Good in Minneapolis.Then: The water war at a developer-run community in south Sarasota County’s Wellen Park has been settled - but some of the plaintiffs have been thrown under the bus. Suncoast Searchlight brings us this repor...
2026-01-1530 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Wed., Jan. 7: Sarasota school makeover; Newtown's historic schools; big development in Venice; public housing near downtown; a Venezuela skepticA makeover of Sarasota’s elementary and middle schools is moving at a fast pace, taking on a dynamic way beyond the original intent of repelling for-profit schools’ takeover of buildings.Then: Enrollment at two historic schools in Sarasota’s historic African American neighborhood has dipped, while enrollment at a new charter school has gone up. We have a report why - despite this - there’s excitement in Newtown about the future of those schools.Next: A big commercial development in Venice is winding its way through the approval...
2026-01-0730 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Wed., Dec. 17: Sarasota County Commissioners pick chair and talks stormwater standards; EPA strips wetland protections; Manatee schools' HR troubles; stressed farmers; support for immigrantsThe Sarasota County Commission has a new chair. Also, at its strategic retreat, one of the commissioners suggested stormwater management should be planned with more intense storms in mind. WSLR News reporter Louise Machinist has the details.Next: Trump’s EPA is trying to redefine “wetlands”. If passed, a big chunk of Florida wetlands could lose their protection. Brice Claypoole has this report. Next: The Manatee County school district has seen a spate of teacher misbehavior recently, and the handling of the cases has contributed to the dismissal of a super...
2025-12-1731 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Wed., Dec. 10: MCR Health; Rattlesnake Key; Defend Florida; Siesta Key beach battlesMCR Health serves more than 100,000 low-income and under-insured patients in this area. WSLR News reporter Dania Hefley talked to its CEO, after the non-profit re-emerged from bankruptcy.Then: Rattlesnake Key was just sold to a private buyer. WSLR News reporter Brice Claypoole tries to find out what that means for what is the longest stretch of natural coastline in Manatee County.Next: Just five years ago, a pair of Trump followers and election deniers on the Suncoast launched Defend Florida, and the outfit saw a meteoric rise in influence...
2025-12-1030 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Wed., Dec. 3: New Manatee County Commission chair; art erasure lawsuit; Venezuela ambassador; The Amish ProjectComing up: The Manatee County Commission has a new chair, and we have the details.Next: The arts community in Sarasota is still reeling from the erasure of hundreds of pieces of sidewalk art in September. Will a lawsuit be filed? Dania Hefley has a report.Then: The Trump administration is saber rattling around Venezuela. We interviewed a close observer who will be talking at a World Affairs Council event in Sarasota tomorrow.Finally: WSLR reporter Ramon Lopez took a close look at an...
2025-12-0330 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Fri., Nov. 28: Polluter out, affordable housing in; Tallevast contamination; pesticide dronesNear downtown Sarasota, a polluting plant may be on its way out, and truly affordable housing could be on the way in. The host of WSLR’s The Detail interviewed the man behind the project.Then: Decades after a military contractor polluted the groundwater in a majority African American community in Manatee County, the cleanup is slow to come. WSLR News reporter Ramon Lopez brings us Part 3 of his series on Tallevast.Next: Sarasota County has come up with a new way of killing mosquitos: By applying pesticides from dr...
2025-11-2831 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Wed., Nov. 26: Hunger; twice-erased muralist; Mengele survivor; wild turkeysComing up: This Thanksgiving, hunger is more widespread in Florida. What’s going on? Our reporter talked to volunteers who distribute food, to find out.Then: Artists on the Suncoast who produce public art are coping with erasure. Our reporter talked to a painter of murals whose art was erased not once, but twice.Next: Her four-year old twin sister died during Josef Mengele’s concentration camp experiments with twins. She survived. Our reporter talked to Sora Vigorito, who will be coming to Venice.Fina...
2025-11-2731 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Fri., Nov. 22: Juvenile curfew; oil drilling; Heal Palestine; Unidos Now quinceComing up: Manatee County adopted a juvenile curfew - a broadly supported idea. But WSLR reporter Gretchen Cochran also heard the anxious voices of those who fear the effects of more policing.Then: The Trump administration wants to expand oil drilling in the Gulf closer to Florida shores. It’s no surprise that has prompted pushback here - but the pushback comes from both sides of the political aisle.Next: There’s a ceasefire in Gaza, but the dying continues. A Sarasota activist responds by organizing a fundraiser for Pale...
2025-11-2131 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Wed., Nov. 19: Sarasota school board; Siesta Key development; CONA; UnidosNowComing up: The Sarasota School Board will be changing the times of their meetings and many community members are not happy about it. Johannes Werner has the details. Then: Sarasota Commissioners voted down a comprehensive plan amendment that could have transformed Siesta Key. Ramon Lopez reports.Next: A community advocate is bringing a countywide coalition of neighborhood groups back to life. She told the hosts of WSLR’s Our Changing Environment all about it.Then: A local group that helps put immigrants on the pat...
2025-11-2031 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Fri., Nov. 14Coming up: The Sarasota legislative delegation met this week, and local officials and residents raised concerns about state proposals that could impact property taxes and local control. Johannes Werner and Klaus Obermeit have the details. Then: We break down how the controversial SB 180 is creating new friction between state lawmakers and grassroots Republicans over local control. Alice Newman with Suncoast Searchlight brings us the report. Next: In Manatee County, the planning commission approved a big Lennar housing project, moving forward under a trade-off that dedicates funding for infrastructure but neg...
2025-11-1430 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Wed., Nov. 12: Climate resilience conference; canopy walkway; Alligator Alcatraz protestDoes climate change make you act like a deer in the headlight? A conference coming up tomorrow slices the big challenge into digestible portions - small enough for action. Gretchen Cochran gives us a preview.Then: Sarasota was a global pioneer a quarter century ago when it became home to one of the first canopy walkways. Now, an effort is on to preserve and improve it. Brice Claypoole reports.Next: A busload of Sarasota clerics and activists took a ride to the Alligator Alcatraz, and our reporter Ramon Lopez...
2025-11-1230 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Fri., Oct. 7: New College DOGE'd; Manatee approves more CDDs; funding for Sarasota Land Preservation ProgramNew College has been DOGE’d by the state, and the results don’t look pretty. The bad optics come at a time when the governor’s and legislature’s financial largesse could come to an end. We try to dig deeper.Then: Community Development Districts - the developer-controlled entities that tax homeowners, often with little to no representation - have received a not too flattering spotlight. The Manatee County Commission just approved two more CDDs.Next: Should Sarasota County have a recurring funding source for its land preservation efforts...
2025-11-0730 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Wed., Nov. 5: Sarasota school shuffle; underused schools; Publix open carry pushback; truly affordable housing; clergy vs. ICEThe threat of for-profit operators taking over school buildings lit a fire under the Sarasota School District. The five school board members seem ready to approve this Friday a substantial reshuffle. We have the details.Then: Low school enrollment in Sarasota seems to respond more to demographics than to performance. Occupancy at Sarasota charter schools is as low as in public schools, the Suncoast Searchlight found. Next: Publix decided to invite customers who openly carry firearms. Many disagree that this will make grocery shopping a pleasure. Lynn Aragon has that r...
2025-11-0531 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Fri., Oct. 31: SEE Squads; special education school takeover; Disappeared in America; Newtown hoop takedown; Performing Arts Foundation galaComing up: Turning Point, the organization founded by recently assassinated conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, is getting help from the governor in their push into high schools. SEE Alliance, on the other side of the political spectrum, now has ambitious plans to do the same.Then: A for-profit charter operator is asking the Sarasota School District for free access to a school for the disabled. That raises questions, and Suncoast Searchlight is seeking answers. Next: A religious coalition in Sarasota this Sunday is joining a national action in support of immigrants c...
2025-10-3132 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Wed., Oct. 29: Legislators seek to take control over port from Manatee County; Sarasota takes back Polytech consolidation plans; Thaxton surprises; Ukraine activistsManatee County’s state legislators opened yet another front in what many in the Republican county believe is a war against home rule: This time, it’s about taking away local control over one of the area’s biggest economic generators.Next: The Schools of Hope law forces districts to hand over buildings of underused schools to private operators. That, in turn, has prompted the Sarasota school district into a flurry of reorganization plans to fill school buildings with low enrollment. But now, the superintendent retracted a consolidation plan - the second turnaround within a week...
2025-10-2930 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Fri., Oct. 24: Hoop trouble; Sarasota Sheriff loves ICE; New College denies emeritus status; VanWezel preservation; active shooter trainingFor 24 hours, the City of Sarasota took down the hoops at a neighborhood park, after a neighbor made serious threats against teenagers playing basketball. We have the details. Next: The Sarasota Sheriff’s Office seems eager to cooperate with ICE in the crackdown against immigrants. This comes from Suncoast Searchlight. Then: A New College professor was denied emeritus status by the administration - a case of political retribution?Next: The future of the historic VanWezel Performing Arts Center looks brighter now. We explain why.
2025-10-2431 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Wed., Oct. 22: Kristi Noem; No Kings; more school consolidation; DR Horton rejected again; power undergroundingComing up: ICE is catching bad guys. That’s the simple message Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem brought during a quick stop during her whirlwind tour of the United States. Ramon Lopez got to ask her a couple questions. Next: Noem’s visit came 48 hours after No Kings protests brought thousands to the streets in this area. Klaus Obermeit has that report. Then: The Sarasota School district is under pressure to prevent Schools of Hope takeovers of public schools here. But students and parents are pushing back against consolidation plans.
2025-10-2230 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Fri., Oct. 17: judge orders ICE to release undocumented father; The Bay Phase 3; Lakewood Ranch park expands; bathroom boondoggleComing up: He’s home. A father of two and husband of a seriously ill mother is reunited with his family after he was released from ICE detention. This comes after the surprising ruling of an immigration judge. Ramon Lopez brings us this exclusive. Next: The Bay - the big park project near downtown Sarasota - is expanding north, into the next two phases. We have the details. Then: Gotta go? Hopefully not during a city commission meeting. Suncoast Searchlight brings you breaking news about plumbing at Sarasota City Hall....
2025-10-1829 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Wed., Oct. 15: No Kings protests; Phillippi Creek dredging; Tallevast trouble Part 2; Voces de Inmigración 2It’s going to be not one, but six. “No King” protests in Sarasota and Manatee County are taking shape this Saturday, and Klaus Obermeit has a preview.Next: Phillippi Creek flooded many homes during last year’s storm season. One year later, Sarasota County will soon get dredging underway. Then: Groundwater contamination keeps spreading at the historically African American community of Tallevast. They have been in a two decades-long David-vs-Goliath fight with Lockheed Martin, and going. Ramon Lopez brings you Part 2 of our three-part series.Fina...
2025-10-1630 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Fri., Oct. 10: Yoav Gallant in Sarasota; Mater Academies seeks Manatee schools, too; Betty Osceola; Hermitage Artist Retreat; Tallevast contaminationComing up: The former Israeli defense minister who was in charge of the first year of the war in Gaza is coming to Sarasota. And that’s prompting pushback.Next: It’s raining private takeover notifications. The same for-profit school operator that wants to occupy three public school buildings in Sarasota has notified the Manatee County School District it wants access to two schools there. Then: We get an update from one of the lead plaintiffs in a case that could shut down the immigrant detention camp in the Everglades....
2025-10-1131 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Wed., Oct. 8: Sarasota school stays open; Sarasota School Board race; The Bay picks politically connected restaurateur; stormwater politics; Stuart EizenstatWilkinson Elementary parents can breathe a sigh of relief. It looks like the neighborhood school will not end up being the first public school in Sarasota’s history to close, after all. Dania Hefley has this report. Then: The race for Bridget Ziegler’s school board seat is heating up. Brice Claypoole reports.Next: The non-profit in charge of developing The Bay park near downtown Sarasota picked a politically connected family business to run a yet-to-be-built waterview restaurant. Gretchen Cochran has the scoop.Next: At a pac...
2025-10-0831 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Fri., Oct. 3: Redistricting potest; feeding immigrants in distress; school closings; vaccine politics; Hispanic artFlorida could make the difference in next year’s congressional elections, which is why many here are concerned about early redistricting and gerrymandering. Brice Claypoole has this report. Then: Distress is spreading amid the immigrant crackdown. Many are unable to go to work, stuck at home, or sick. A group of Sarasota churches is stepping in with help. Ramon Lopez reports.Next: Wilkinson Elementary could be the first public school ever in Sarasota to close. But many more could end up on the chopping block, as Suncoast Searchlight reports.
2025-10-0430 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Wed., Oct. 1: Florida's jail to ICE pipeline; Nuestro Vaiven; Eat Local Week; remembering Breonte; pickleball champComing up: It used to be that you paid bail, and you’re out of jail. Not anymore. Suncoast Searchlight brings us a report about ICE retainers, and how local jails are the first stop of a deportation pipeline for people held for minor infractions. Then: It’s Hispanic Heritage Month, and the Ringling Museum of Art is providing a big platform to local Hispanic artists. We have the details about Nuestro Vaivén, an exhibition that’s much more than just paintings on walls. Next: It used to be that e...
2025-10-0130 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Fri., Sep. 26: Schools of Hope; open carry confusion; deportation; Hermitage retreat strugglesThe “Schools of Hope” law literally makes every public elementary and middle school in Sarasota and Manatee a takeover target for private, for-profit operators. WSLR News reporter Dania Hefley has the details.Next: Open Carry is upon us, and WSLR News reporter Brice Claypoole is looking at the implications. One thing is certain: There’s uncertainty. Even sheriffs seem to disagree over what you can and cannot do.Next: A construction debris recycler is stirring up dust in the Cocoanut-Central neighborhood near downtown Sarasota. Partner station WMNF has a report...
2025-09-2730 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Wed., Sep. 24: Peak hurricane season; jail to ICE pipeline; school closings; hat manThe Sarasota County Emergency Management folks want you to know: Hurricane season is at its peak - not the time to let your defenses down.Next: ICE is increasingly mining Florida jails for undocumented immigrants to arrest. That leaves in limbo many who have been arrested on minor charges. Suncoast Searchlight brings us this report.Then: Today, the Florida Board of Education discussed how to implement a new law that would allow charter schools to take over public schools and their buildings. We have a report on the first...
2025-09-2431 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Fri., Sep. 19: School closings in Sarasota; a rubber-stamp board for developers?; Culverhouse projectThe Sarasota school district may end up closing down its first school since 1969. And Wilkinson Elementary is not the only Title 1 school that could end up disappearing, amid shrinking student numbers and budgets for public schools.Next: The Sarasota County Planning Commission has long been seen by activists as a rubber stamp board for developers. But at least one recent appointment could be changing that perception.Then: That same board will be weighing a 1,000-unit project on agricultural land by a prominent developer. We have the details.
2025-09-1930 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Wed., Sep. 17: Botanical garden's treet cutting; immigrant family in distress; prayer vigil; free speech on campusSelby Botanical Gardens found itself in the awkward position of having to field legal arguments to be allowed to cut down grand trees that enjoy special protections by the City of Sarasota. We explain.Next: The ongoing immigration crackdown has thrown one Bradenton family into extreme distress. Ramon Lopez talked to a mother of two who is homebound facing a serious health challenge.Then: Sarasota clerics are organizing weekly prayer vigils in support of immigrants. We have the details. Next: Free speech on campus i...
2025-09-1830 minWSLR NewsWSLR News, Fri., Sep. 12: DR Horton hearing; small business in Charlie Kirk trouble; Florida's failing sex ed; 9-11 remembranceThe Sarasota County Commission rejected a big homebuilder’s bid to build 156 homes on pasture land next to a bird sanctuary. On Thursday, DR Horton was back with a changed plan, asking the county to reconsider. Noah Vinsky reports.Then: A small business owner in Sarasota ended up in a social media tornado, after she reposted an Instagram post on Charlie Kirk. We talked to her.Next: Florida schools are failing teenagers when it comes to sex education. Dania Hefley has that report.Finally: A...
2025-09-1331 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Wed., Sept. 10: At least 15 more years for the Van Wezel; Midnight Pass dredging; how to get a COVID booster; headwinds for Sister Cities; Sarasota clergy protest immigrant detentionThe Van Wezel’s lease on life seems to be expanding. Gretchen Cochran reports on the city’s latest plans with the historic performing arts hall.Next: Sarasota County is committing to keeping Midnight Pass open, after last year’s hurricanes blew open that inlet on Siesta Key. But that comes at a risk and cost.Then: New vaccine policies are creating confusion. Our reporter helps you understand what it now takes to get a COVID booster shot. Next: After nearly 70 years, Sister Cities Interna...
2025-09-1031 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Fri., Sept. 5: Sarasota County hikes water bills by 10%; commissioners raise stormwater fees; New College privatization; David Jolly interview; One Stop HousingExpect your Sarasota County water bills to go up by nearly 10 percent. That’s needed in part, the county says, because we have to spend upwards of $300 million to build infrastructure for the water needs of a growing population.Next: If you’re a homeowner in Sarasota County, there’s more rising cost: The stormwater fee on your annual property tax bill. The county commission met Friday to discuss stormwater management.Next: Here’s another radical idea coming out of New College of Florida: Privatize it. Suncoast Searchlight brings us this re...
2025-09-0630 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Wed., Sep. 3: Manatee joins suit against SB 180; Sarasota sheriff presents scaled-down jail project; trouble at Streets of Paradise; Labor Day actionThey did it after all: On Tuesday, Manatee County commissioners voted 6-1 to join a lawsuit against a controversial state law. that restricts counties' and cities' ability to control development.Then: The Sarasota County Sheriff presented a scaled-down version of a costly jail expansion project. But if current incarceration trends continue, the expansion will need an expansion in just 10 years.Next: It's trouble at Streets of Paradise, after the board of the non-profit for homeless Sarasotans fires a co-founder.Finally: A union candidate for state senator, a 100-year anniversary for stagehands, and plenty...
2025-09-0630 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Fri., Aug. 29: Manasota Beach Road; Village of Art removal; Teamster victories; stagehand unionComing up: The Sarasota County Commission approved Pat Neal’s road in South Sarasota County, giving residents at his fast-growing Wellen Park development a straight shot to the beaches. Dania Hefley reports. Next: Responding to an ultimatum by Gov. Ron DeSantis, the City of Bradenton removed paintings off sidewalks at Village of the Arts. Brice Claypoole reports. Then: It’s Labor Day this Monday, and we have union news. For one, City of Sarasota employees voted overwhelmingly last week to continue to be represented by the Teamsters. In other Teamst...
2025-08-3030 minWSLR NewsWSLR News, Wed. Aug. 27: Street art removal; new Manatee superintendent; Zenith redevelopment; private government trouble in Manatee; Van Wezel fixesCity of Bradenton and City of Sarasota work crews are sandblasting art off sidewalks, to the dismay of artists. What’s happening?Next up: Manatee County Schools have a new superintendent. Noah Vinsky tells us who the pick is. Then: Suncoast Searchlight continues its series about the hidden costs of living in a privately run development: Josh Salman reports about trouble at a subdivision in Manatee County.Next: A luxury developer is proposing to tear down a 12-story office building in the heart of downtown Sarasota and replace it with a taller tower. We...
2025-08-2830 minWSLR NewsWSLR News, Fri., Aug. 22: Manatee showdown avoided; Q&A with Sarasota's stormwater czar; Sarasota County: tough talk, no cuts; local reactions to Alligator Alcatraz rulingThe Manatee County Commission was set for a showdown this week with state authorities and developers over controls for new development. It did not happen, and WSLR News reporter Dania Hefley explains.Next up: Everybody is riled up about flooding. WSLR News reporter Ramon Lopez got Sarasota County’s new stormwater management czar in front of his microphone, and he asked Ben Quartermaine a few questions. Then: After hand-wringing about runaway spending and a possible deficit opening up in a few years, Sarasota County Commissioners agreed to hold a fifth bud...
2025-08-2230 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Wed., Aug 20: City moves on Purple Cow; PGT fires deaf worker; life after deportation; deportation protest; Rob Lorei, RIPThe recently flooded Van Wezel got a few more years. The City of Sarasota is now taking steps to keep the historic performing arts hall in good shape, but there are many questions about the future of the Purple Cow.Next up: Layoffs at Sarasota County’s largest manufacturing company seem to continue, after a merger last fall that resulted in the elimination of an entire shift. WSLR News reporter Noah Vinsky has the story of a struggling couple in North Port. Then: We continue to follow the deportation of a y...
2025-08-2030 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Fri., Aug 15: A dportation experience; SPAC fundraising falls behind; Westminster vote; vaccination lag; Newtown Family CenterAfter weeks of ICE detention, a young woman who grew up in North Port signed those deportation papers and walked across the Mexican border. She told WSLR News reporter Ramon Lopez what that was like.Next up: 400 million and growing - that’s the cost of a new performing arts center in Sarasota. Suncoast Searchlight brings us a report that shows fundraising for that project is lagging. Then: Downtown Bradenton is changing fast, with little public scrutiny. We bring you a report about a city council vote that will change a hi...
2025-08-1631 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Wed., Aug. 13: Report from ICE detention; Sarasota School Board resignations; stormwater czar; DR Horton returns; Manatee superintendent finalists; outpriced rentersLulu Martinez grew up in North Port and graduated from college there just last year. Last week, she walked across a bridge to Mexico, and WSLR News interviewed her about the weeks at an ICE detention camp in Texas before that. Next up: School board member Tom Edwards has been named executive director of Project Pride SRQ. Now the Sarasota Republican Party says this presents a conflict of interest and asks him to resign. Then: The Manatee County School Board narrowed its search for a superintendent to two finalists. Who are...
2025-08-1331 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Wed., Aug. 6: E coli in the Bay; right-wing restlessness in the GOP; Manatee lobbies against SB 180; Sarasota rejects synagogue projectA local non-profit has tested the water quality in seven new locations in the bay, and what they’ve found is a lot of e. Coli. They recommend avoiding swimming at these spots. Next up: At a recent Republican gathering in Sarasota County, in-fighting within the GOP party reigned as a dominant theme. Then: Minors in Manatee County will find themselves restricted by a new curfew. The County Commission also continues to push back against SB 180. Finally: Sarasota City Commissioners denied a rezoning request by a syna...
2025-08-0730 minWSLR NewsWSLR News, Fri., Aug. 1: Donors sue New College Foundation; paying taxes to developers; Alligator Alcatraz vs. the environment; Manatee superintendent search; North Water Tower ParkFollowing whistleblower complaints about lack of financial transparency, the New College Foundation is coming under more scrutiny: This time it’s about a donor who wants their money back. Mason Chambless explains.Next up: An analysis by Suncoast Searchlight reveals that buyers in this region have little choice but to live in neighborhoods controlled and taxed by real estate developers. Derek Gilliam reports. Then: Environmentalists and an indigenous tribe are suing state and federal agencies over the immigrant detention center in the Everglades. A Sierra Club organizer explains their reasons.
2025-08-0130 minWSLR NewsWSLR News, Wed., July 30: Manatee County vs. Florida; rural hospital squeeze; self deportation; twin tower project; Rage Against the Regime; yoga for houseless SarasotansThe cold war between Manatee County commissioners and the DeSantis administration turned hot again at yesterday’s commission meeting. Noah Vinsky reports. Next up: A Trump administration budget cut makes ripples before it has even begun. Suncoast Searchlight reports about the financial squeeze on a nearby rural hospital. Then: We reported about the ICE detention of Lulu Martinez. The recent college graduate from North Port is now in Mexico, as Ramon Lopez reports. Then: Some protesters in Bradenton will express their rage at Rage Against the Re...
2025-07-3031 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Fri., July 25: Teenage edition! Colson Hotel; Sarasota school troubles; a flooded city commissioner; neighborhood canopy program; Freedom SchoolThe Colson Hotel is a special place, and after its first 100 years, this Sarasota building is getting a new lease of life. Amayia-Marie Gaspard braced spiders to find out how.Next up: On Tuesday, dozens of people lined up at a Sarasota School Board meeting to speak out against a change in discrimination policy. But the two board members who voted against that policy change say they are more concerned about a different challenge: Money. I will bring you this report.Then: Sarasota City Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch is still...
2025-07-2531 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Fri., July 18: Florida's second detention camp; FPL undergrounding; Good Trouble protest; rainbow crosswalks; Pastor Gibbs;WSLR News reporter Ramon Lopez is headed to Camp Blanding, where the governor wants to open a second camp to concentrate immigrant detainees. Ahead of his trip, Lopez brings us the latest news of this project.Next: FPL wants to bury more power cables in Sarasota. That’s safer and more reliable after storms, but it’s costly, too. Noah Vinsky checks who will pay the bill.Then: Thursday was Good Trouble Day, in memory of civil rights icon John Lewis. In Sarasota, it was a group of veterans who...
2025-07-1830 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Wed., July 16: Protest, vigil for Tampa man killed in West Bank; Floridians stand to lose health insurance; New College master plan; airport succession; gambling densA 20-year old man who grew up in Southwest Florida and ran an ice cream shop in Tampa was killed in the West Bank. His death created an international incident, and two local events are ahead this week.Next: The big budget bill signed by President Trump on July 4th comes at a cost for hundreds of thousands of Floridians. Reece Helmick is looking at the effects of the new budget on health insurance.Then: New College presented its updated campus master plan yesterday. Reece Helmick has the details.Then: After 31 years...
2025-07-1731 minWSLR NewsWSLR News, Fri., July 11: Planned Parenthood merger; Sarasota stormwater redux; the Van Wezel's future; North Port finance crunchThe Sarasota-based Southwest Florida Planned Parenthood is no more. After a merger with the other regional chapter in Florida, it’s now part of a bigger, statewide organization. Kylee Worth looks at the costs and benefits.Then: The Sarasota County utility chief is pushing back, after an investigative report revealed neglect ahead of historic flooding last year. A new Suncoast Searchlight report responds to Spencer Anderson’s responses.Next: The panel making recommendations about the future of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall reached its verdict, and Gretchen Cochran repo...
2025-07-1130 minWSLR NewsWSLR news Wed., July 9: Sarasota budget woes; sports arena; stormwater czar; Adagio; city manager search rebootWithin just three years, Sarasota County will be facing a deficit, if spending continues to grow as it has. One of the biggest drivers has been the Sheriff’s Office, as a Suncoast Searchlight report points out.Then: The county committed to helping build an indoor sports arena. How will they pay for it? Shuffling tourism tax revenues, as WSLR reporter Ozzie Konez found.Next: A developer from Naples is trying to leverage a new state law to go big and tall in downtown Sarasota. Ramon Lopez has the de...
2025-07-0930 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Fri., July 4: Medicaid cuts and MCR Health; Manatee County vs Pat Neal; Clean Water campaign needs miracle; Pride Month in tough timesDonald Trump was expected to sign the big budget reconciliation bill on Fourth of July, and its Medicaid cuts are not good news for an already troubled MCR Health. That’s the biggest local provider of healthcare services to low-income and underinsured patients.Then: In Manatee County, tensions are rising between big developers and a new set of county commissioners elected to rein in their power. Noah Vinsky reports.Next: The state legislature and governor just passed major restrictions on citizen-led constitutional amendment drives. The Florida Clean Water campaign su...
2025-07-0430 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Wed., July 2: Neglected stormwater system; Sarasota stormwater reshuffle; Lulu a 'danger for community'; Alligator Alcatraz blowback; Purple Ribbon, one more episodeThe damage to hundreds of homes in Sarasota after Tropical Storm Debby was not just the result of an epic natural disaster, but of neglect. That’s according to a joint investigation by Suncoast Searchlight and the Florida Trident.Then: It’s reshuffle time for Sarasota County stormwater management, after last year’s flooding. Ramon Lopez is keeping track.Next: Lulu Martinez is a danger to her community, a judge ruled, and that’s why she continues to be stuck in an ICE detention camp in Texas, rather than return h...
2025-07-0231 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Fri., June 27: New College finances; Martin Hyde on New College; Turning Point USA; deportation case; plants and floodingThe board of New College met on Thursday to talk about finances, amid growing enrollment. There was no discussion about murky accounting at the foundation that supports the college.Then: Martin Hyde is a gadfly or worse to some. But few people doubt that he is an astute observer of local politics, a fiscal conservative, and a Republican. In an interview on WSLR’s The Detail, he made some observations about New College.Next: Turning Point USA, the conservative student group, will hold its national meeting in Tampa in Ju...
2025-06-2730 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Wed., June 25: Sarasota school cuts; Manatee denies Neal project; League of Women Voters protest; Florida cattle driveFor the first time, Sarasota Schools are recognizing the district is facing a financial crisis. In an email to employees, the superintendent announced a hiring freeze. WSLR reporter Noah Vinsky has the details.Next: Local politics are not going Pat Neal’s way. The Manatee County Commission gave the heavyweight of local developers a red light on a project that’s at the core of Neal’s new business strategy.Then: Street protests are not exactly a long-standing tradition for the 105-year old League of Women Voters. But the Saraso...
2025-06-2531 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Fri., June 20: Private government; anti-abortion picketers; Planned Parenthood services; a stroll in the new Bay ParkFor tens of thousands of homeowners in Sarasota and Manatee their annual tax bill includes more assessments by developers and their homeowners association than taxes to local governments. A Suncoast Searchlight report sheds light on these hidden costs of living in Florida.Then: In the wake of the Minnesota assassinations, our reporter Kylee Worth interviewed anti-abortion picketers in Sarasota.Next: Only four percent of Planned Parenthood’s services are abortions. WSLR News reporter Ishmael Katz has a look at the other 96 percent - and new programs they are adding....
2025-06-2030 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Wed., June 18: Florida budget losers; No Kings protest; immigrant protest; Sarasota Ballet dancer exodusThe Florida Legislature agreed on a budget Monday. Among the losers: The governor’s property tax cuts, New College’s expansion plans, and land preservation.Then: The No Kings demonstrations in this area were the biggest this year. But one speaker at the Sarasota protest said the real work lies ahead. Klaus Obermeit has that story.Next: An immigrants’ rights protest in Bradenton on Monday was followed by a picket at the Sarasota-Bradenton airport early Wednesday. Mason Chambless reports.Finally: Dancers are quitting the Saraso...
2025-06-1830 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Fri., June 13: Mass surveillance and immigrant crackdown; LA and Florida protests; Nine Devils; JuneteenthFlorida Highway Patrol is using a mass surveillance tool to catch undocumented immigrants, according to a Suncoast Searchlight investigation.Then: A Sarasota activist spent some days helping protesters in Los Angeles. In an interview with WSLR’s Surreal News, Sarah Parker wants to set the record straight on what’s going on.Next: Have you heard of the Bradenton Nine Devils? You will learn about the history of this Negro League team if you go to LECOM Park, the baseball stadium near downtown Bradenton on Saturday.
2025-06-1431 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Wed., June 11: Lulu's deportation; immigrant rights march in Bradenton; 'No Kings' protest; Manatee school superintendent hiring; The PromLulu Martinez is a recent college graduate. She was arrested after a wrong U-turn in North Port and is now at an ICE detention center in Texas. Ramon Lopez has her story.Then: The events in Los Angeles after ICE raids, protests and rioting, are making ripples here, too. A local immigrant rights advocate has scheduled a march across the bridge in Bradenton this Monday in response. This is the second immigrants’ rights protest in this region within a week, and Mason Chambless has more on that.Next: A mi...
2025-06-1130 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Fri., June 6: New College Foundation finances; Sarasota stormwater department; hurricane prep; Manatee land-use battles; healthy eggsTwo former officers at the New College Foundation are alleging administrators may have tried to cover up misuse of donation. Suncoast Searchlight has that report.Then: Sarasota County seems headed towards creating an entire new department in charge of stormwater management. It comes after public despair over lack of clarity and urgency in the wake of massive flooding last year.Next: Get ready for the storm season, local officials urge. Ramon Lopez has more. Then: Manatee County Commissioners seem to be headed towards a c...
2025-06-0634 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Wed., June 4: Property tax cut ripples; shrinking Manatee County government; FPL rate hike; hurricane huntersThe Florida legislature is in overtime this week, negotiating a budget for next year. Driving the delay is a fight over what taxes to cut, and the governor’s proposal to cut property taxes worries a lot of people. Noah Vinsky has a closer look.Next: Meanwhile in Manatee County, the all-Republican county commission was discussing how to shrink an already lean local government. Spoiler alert: It ain’t easy, and some commissioners are expressing frustration. Then: FPL is asking state regulators to give it the biggest base rate hike...
2025-06-0531 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Fri., May 30: Flooding: Is Sarasota ready? Bradenton wastewater planning; Sarasota County undoes the Moran makeover of social servicess;Sarasota residents who were flooded last year are putting pressure on the county commissioners. But is Sarasota ready for the next storm season?Next: When it comes to sewage spills, Bradenton has been the worst offender in the region. Now that the city has outsourced its wastewater management, it is trying to get a sense of what all of this will cost. Then: In a meeting last week, the new chair ended the Mike Moran era in the Sarasota County Commission - at least when it comes to the f...
2025-05-3130 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Wed., May 28: Tearing down the Van Wezel; New College retention problems; public school cuts; Old Miakka cell towerThe 3,000 signatures didn’t make a dent. If it’s up to the panel that makes recommendations to the City of Sarasota about the future of the Van Wezel, the historic performing arts center will be history soon.Then: A special board meeting at New College of Florida gave a glimpse of the retention and recruitment problems the movers and shakers behind the conservative makeover are facing. Next: Many legislators keep saying there won’t be any cuts to public school programs as a result of the state’s voucher p...
2025-05-2830 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Fri. May 23: More felony charges for Piccolo; New College alt graduation; community workshops; NOAA cutsMore felony charges are piling up against the former communications director of New College. Suncoast Searchlight and The Florida Trident report.Then: The Sarasota County Commission wants developers to go back to holding in-person community workshops for neighbors. At least in part, as Ramon Lopez reports. Next: Cuts to the NOAA could impact the fishing industry and Red Tide research in the region. Suncoast Searchlight brings us this report.Finally: It was Alt Graduation Thursday night, an event where New College students are in c...
2025-05-2330 min
The Best of Us: Being Human in SarasotaThe Best of Us: May 18 2025 with Chelsea Steinauer-ScudderThis episode’s topic is on The Love of the Land explored in two parts. For part one, which aired on WSLR on May 4, Jon Thaxton discussed land preservation and stewardship as a practical, spiritual, and vitalizing life-long practice. For part two, which aired on May 18, Chelsea Steinauer-Scudder discusses her new book, Mother, Creature, Kin: What We Learn from Nature's Mothers in a Time of Unraveling.Chelsea Steinauer-Scudder grew up in the Great Plains of Nebraska and Oklahoma. After receiving her Master's of Theological Studies at Harvard Divinity School, her writing became focused on the confluence of re...
2025-05-2252 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Wed., May 21: Manatee school superintendent firing; tourism tax fight; ALICE; homeless camping banThe Manatee County School Board is not boring anymore. Yesterday, in a tight 3-2 vote, the elected panel suddenly fired the district superintendent. Sunshine Law violations may have happened in the run-up to that vote, one critic says.Then: In its ongoing session, the state legislature could ban counties’ use of tourism taxes for tourism promotion. Sarasota’s boosters are worried. Sera Deniz has more on that.Next: 104,000 bucks. That’s the annual income it takes for a family of four to make it here in Sarasota, and that amount...
2025-05-2231 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Fri., May 16: Van Wezel's future; developer-run government; Operation Tidal Wave expands; fish farms in the CaribbeanThe panel that will make recommendations on what to do with the Van Wezel seems to have reached consensus: The performing arts center function has to move out of the historic building. But grassroots activists are pushing back.Next: Buyer beware! We have a follow-up to the Suncoast Searchlight report on developer-run mini governments.Then: Operation Tidal Wave, the dragnet that caught more than a 1,000 immigrants in Florida is expanding. WSLR News’ Ramon Lopez reports.Finally: A young researcher and fish farmer from Manatee Co...
2025-05-1731 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Wed., May 14: Skyscraper project falls to opposition; the rising cost of challenging developers; filling a Venice city council seat; Frost & Murphy town hallGrassroots organizers celebrated a rare victory against a high-profile development project in Sarasota Tuesday. Johannes Werner reports.Next: A Suncoast Searchlight investigation describes the high cost of challenging development in the courts. Derek Gilliam brings us that story.Then: An empty seat on the Venice city council was filled Tuesday. WSLR News’ Ramon Lopez reports.Next: A Democratic senator from Connecticut and the nation’s youngest U.S. representative came to Sarasota. More than 1,000 flocked to their town hall, and WSLR News reporter Tamara Solu...
2025-05-1530 min
The Best of Us: Being Human in SarasotaThe Best of Us: May 4 2025 with Jon ThaxtonThis episode’s topic is on The Love of the Land and is explored in two parts. For part one, which aired May 4 2025, Jon Thaxton discusses land preservation and stewardship as a practical, spiritual and vitalizing life-long practice. For part two, released live on WSLR on May 18 2025, Chelsea Steinauer-Scudder will discuss her new book, Mother, Creature, Kin: What We Learn from Nature's Mothers in a Time of Unraveling.Jon Thaxton is a fifth-generation Sarasotan. His family moved here in 1887. Like many others at the time, it was agriculture that brought them here.Late last month, he...
2025-05-1057 minWSLR NewsWSLR news Fri., May 9, 2025: Developer-run governments; Operation Tidal Wave; Medicaid cutsDozens of new governments have popped up in Sarasota and Manatee, and they are run by private corporations. Suncoast Searchlight has that report.Next: More than 1,000 migrants in Florida got caught up in the ICE dragnet a week ago, and Ramon Lopez looked at the few facts known about Operation Tidal Wave.Next: If and when MCR Health - the local non-profit that provides healthcare for 100,000 low-income patients - re-emerges from bankruptcy, it may face the next tough challenge: Medicaid cuts currently discussed by Republicans in the US Congress.
2025-05-0930 minWSLR NewsWSLR News wed., May 7, 2025: City covers ex-commissioner's legal fees; New College shuts down childcare; Maxwell Frost Q&A; Lakewood Ranch Southeast; mixed messages on transitCity of Sarasota commissioners voted to pay the attorney fees of a former colleague, after he defended himself against a conflict of interest complaint.Next: Employers in this area are scrambling to help employees with childcare. New College of Florida seems to be going in the opposite direction.Then: On Saturday, the youngest Congressman ever will be returning to Sarasota, where he worked for a year. WSLR interviewed Max Frost before his visit.Then: Lakewood Ranch Southeast is a done deal now. But the...
2025-05-0730 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Fri., May 2, 2025: The Van Wezel and climate change; Piccolo Jr.; Synia Carroll R.I.P.What should happen to Sarasota’s Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall? The climate change expert on the panel that will make recommendations to the city commission issued what looks like a death penalty.Then: How did Fred Piccolo Jr. avoid arrest and get hired for a high-profile job at a public university? Suncoast Searchlight reporter Alice Herman offers more details.Finally: Synia Carroll passed away in March. Ramon Lopez watched and listened at the jazz musician’s recent memorial service.
2025-05-0230 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Wed., Apr. 30, 2025: Veterans housing; public education crisis; mental health school funding; May Day protestThe first affordable housing opportunity strictly for veterans ever in Sarasota opened this morning. But not everyone likes it. Next: A forum on school privatization warned participants about defunding and state deficits, and called for teachers’ support. Then: The Suncoast Searchlight calls attention to funding challenges for mental health in public education. Finally: May 1st is tomorrow, and protesters will hold local Congressmen’s feet to the fire over their support for the Trump agenda. At least nine protests are set to occur tomorrow and Sat...
2025-04-3032 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Fri., Apr. 25: Manasota Beach Road; Canadian snowbird diplomat; microforests; museum troubleAnd then, it was back to normal. On Wednesday, developer Pat Neal told the Sarasota County Commission why a road should be built in the south county that happens to benefit mostly residents of one of his developments. The commissioners obliged, unanimously.Next: The United States and Canada are in a tiff like not seen since the 18th century. WSLR’s Peace & Justice Report interviewed a Canadian diplomat who also happens to be a snowbird with a condo on Longboat Key.Then: A veterans’ group on the Suncoast is plan...
2025-04-2631 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Wed., Apr. 23, 2025: Sarasota strips builders of funding; troubles in Gran Paradiso; how New College hired Piccolo; Ringling Museum town hall; Venice vacancy; Obsidian delayedThis ain’t the Moran commission anymore: The Sarasota County commissioners yesterday voted to strip builders of funding for an education program.Next: Homeowners in a posh subdivision near North Port are learning the hard way that developers wield a lot of power - even after they sold you the home they built. Suncoast Searchlight brings us this story.Then: How did New College hire a politically connected figure after he appeared in three local police reports? Suncoast Searchlight is trying to find out.Ne...
2025-04-2431 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Fri., Apr 18 2025: FSU shooting witness; New College arrest; New College firing; bank tellers unionizeThe shooting inside the student union of the Florida State University campus in Tallahassee Thursday impacted hundreds of students, teachers and staffers. We interviewed a witness. Next: New College let go its marketing director, after he was arrested by Manatee County deputies Tuesday for exposure of sexual organs. The Suncoast Searchlight and Florida Trident investigated, and we have their report.Then: New College fired a Chinese professor, citing a new Florida law, and that is making ripples. The Suncoast Searchlight has that report.Finally: I...
2025-04-1931 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Wed., Apr. 16, 2025: Venice City Council resignation's ripples; Fauci in Sarasota; tumbling real estate prices; local economic ripples of Trump measures; Canadian snowbirdsA Venice City Council member made ripples last week when she resigned in protest against peers seemingly favoring developer Pat Neal. WSLR’s Ramon Lopez interviewed Joan Farrell and Ron Smith, who was elected by landslide after he said Neal had asked him to drop out. Next: The culture wars flared up again on Monday when Dr. Anthony Fauci spoke to more than 3,000 people in Sarasota.Then: Real estate prices in Southwest Florida are tumbling. We have a report from the Suncoast Searchlight.Next: Tru...
2025-04-1731 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Fri., Apr 11, 2025: Neal gets his way, Venice councilmember resigns; homeowner buyouts; Hi Hat Ranch; affordable housingDeveloper Pat Neal got his way in Venice, overcoming well-organized opposition - and prompting the resignation of a frustrated city council member. Ramon Lopez reports.Next: The words “climate change” very rarely pop up in the official vocabulary of Sarasota County. But it just launched its first voluntary buyout program for repeatedly flooded homeowners. Farah Vallecillo has more on that.Then: The biggest suburban development ever in the history of Sarasota overcame a hurdle this week - but barely. Finally: The affordable housing gap keeps growi...
2025-04-1130 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Apr. 9, 2025: New College takeover of USF-Sarasota; Russell Brand; Pat Neal in Venice; Hands-Off protests; Sarasota Schools end mental health program; cattle driveA recent news report revealed that New College President Richard Corcoran produced an outline for the takeover of the neighboring USF Sarasota-Manatee campus. USF administrators are now telling their faculty that nothing is imminent, but WSLR News reporter Alex Lieberman talked to one USF professor who continues to worry.Next: New College is welcoming yet another controversial figure to its “Socratic Stage” series, triggering a protest and apparent distancing by the Sarasota Film Festival.Then: Developer Pat Neal hopes he will be getting his way at a Venice Council meet...
2025-04-0930 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Fri Apr. 4: Downtown design critics; Manatee County comp plan re-write; Sarasota Film FestivalThe race for height is on when it comes to construction in downtown Sarasota, and some architects and urban planners don’t like it. Gretchen Cochran listened to the critics.Then: Manatee County Commissioners are re-writing the master plan for new development. This week they discussed transportation, particularly alternatives to the automobile. But in the same meeting, one of the region’s biggest developers pleaded for more roads he says are needed for more cars. WSLR News intern Sera Deniz watched and listened.Next: The Sarasota Film Festival is laun...
2025-04-0531 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Wed., Apr. 2: Spring membership drive; New College fires Chinese professor; New College student newspaper revival; Sarasota County wants to dump stormwater management; DOGE cancels Sarasota speaker on peace with ChinaA new Florida law makes interaction with China difficult. Citing that law, New College fired a teacher who is actually seeking political asylum here. We’ll have this report brought to you by the Suncoast Searchlight.Then: Staying with New College: After 16 months of planning, the student-made Catalyst newspaper is back, but it’s now off-campus.Next: Sarasota County wants to return stormwater management within city limits back to the city of Sarasota. Ramon Lopez explains what’s behind this move.Finally: Elon Musk’s cut-an...
2025-04-0329 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Mar. 28: Van Wezel flooding; twin tower projects; farmworkers; Women in ResistanceWhat to do with the Van Wezel? The committee that will make recommendations on the historic performing arts hall got a good look at the elephant in the room: Rising sea levels and intensifying storms.Then: The race for height continues in downtown Sarasota. Ramon Lopez gives us updates on two twin-tower proposals: the Hyatt Hotel makeover and the Mira Mar luxury condo project.Next: The current political atmosphere is tough for immigrant farmworkers. Even so - or maybe because of it - the Coalition of Immokalee Workers just...
2025-03-2830 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Wed., Mar. 26: Sarasota stormwater shuffle; destroying a microforest; farmworker organizing; Red Tide and brain healthAfter massive flooding last year, Sarasota County is asking the City of Sarasota to take over stormwater management. That would end an agreement that began in the last century.Then: You’d think a forest that brings back turtles and birds would be a welcome addition to the neighborhood. It’s not for one homeowners’ association in suburban Manatee County that actually ripped out a microforest.Next: The Coalition of Immokalee Workers created a successful model that’s not only good for immigrant tomato pickers, but also for farmers and groc...
2025-03-2631 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Mar. 21: Border czar in Sarasota; anti-Homan protest; RIP Synia CarrolThree powerful deportation proponents shared the stage at New College Thursday. Farah Vallecillo tells you about some of the points they tried to get across.Then: Outside the same New College venue, hundreds of protesters told their side of the immigration story, and we talked to a New College student who was both in- and outside.Finally: A beloved jazz musician and former teacher passed away, and we’ll play a tribute put together by Ramon Lopez.
2025-03-2131 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Mar. 19: Performing Arts Center vote postponed; downtown Sarasota's race for height; Tom Homan at New College; Tesla Takedown protest; Red Tide researchSarasota city commissioners decided to postpone a $400 million vote, and Gretchen Cochran has the details.Then: Downtown Sarasota is seeing a race for height and density for new skyscraper projects. Ramon Lopez explains.Next: Homeland Security Secretary Tom Homan openly defied a judge’s order to stop the deportation of nearly 300 Venezuelans. He will be in Sarasota tomorrow to talk about immigration, sharing the stage with two other hardliners. New College students are wondering about their role in this "Socratic Stage" event, if any.Th...
2025-03-1931 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Fri., Mar. 14: New Sarasota Dem chair; Phillippi Creek dredging; New College land grab; Working Families Lobbying CorpsThe Sarasota Democrats elected a new leader this week, but few people have heard his name. WSLR News reporter Gretchen Cochran sat down with David Dean the morning after the election. Then: Sarasota County will dredge. Ramon Lopez reports about a county commission workshop discussing responses to the catastrophic flooding of the last storm season.Next: What’s the endgame for the new New College? A Suncoast Searchlight report puts the spotlight on the campus administrators’ ambitious real estate expansion plans.Then: The legislative session is on...
2025-03-1430 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Mar. 12: Phillippi Creek; storm recovery spat; FEMA hangups; Tesla Takedown; chemicals in drinking waterHundreds of homeowners along Phillippi Creek were flooded during Hurricane Debby last August. That has raised questions about deficits in stormwater management and how it could be improved. The Suncoast Searchlight brings us this report. Then: A coalition of non-profit, business and government organizations says they have outperformed the Sarasota County government in recovery efforts after Hurricane Ian. Now they are asking the county to give them the lead in the recovery spending from last year’s storms, as Ramon Lopez reports. Next: FEMA has already paid out a billion doll...
2025-03-1231 minWSLR NewsWSLR News Fri., Mar. 7: Adagio; Sarasota downtown master plan; undocumented immigrantsA developer is proposing a massive condo project in downtown Sarasota. The 'Adagio' will be taller and denser than local zoning allows, and a new Florida law entitles them, the developer says. Then: Sarasota’s downtown master plan is getting an update after 25 years. A first meeting at city hall kicked off the process.Finally: A Bradenton banker and former chamber of commerce chief has become a major organizer for undocumented immigrants in this region. What gives? WSLR News talked to him.
2025-03-0730 min
Peace & Justice ReportAUGUST 28TH 2024: WATER QUALITY WITH DR. ABBEY TYRNA/LIBRARIES WITH RENEE DI PILATOToday we’ll talk to Dr. Abbey Tyrna, Executive Director of Suncoast Waterkeeper. We’ll talk about water quality, flooding and Hurricane Debby. After that we’ll talk to Renee Di Pilato, Director of Sarasota Libraries, about the little-known services available at the library.***Dr. Abbey Tyrna was unable to make the show. Instead Tom played an interview with Bacardi Jackson the current ACLU Executive Director and Howard Simon the former ACLU Executive Director conducted by the head of WSLR's News division Johannes Werner***
2024-08-2856 min
WSLR NewsThe Detail with Cathy Antunes breaks down what’s at stake with new development on Lido PavilionOn Jan. 12th, Antunes spoke with Mike Atkinson and Sylvia Babineau on development on the Lido Beach Pavilion. They reflect on the importance of the public access beach and what a new tiki bar could do to its presence.
The Detail with Cathy Antunes airs Saturdays at 11 AM only on WSLR 96.5!
2019-01-2249 minWSLR NewsWSLR tackles local activism and people power on The Detail with Cathy AntunesThe Detail with Cathy Antunes is free to listen to at any time!
On Jan. 19th, Antunes spoke with local activist and founder of Newtown Nation, Lou Murray. The two reflect on local activism and the significance of people power in the work that they do.
Want more of The Detail? The Detail with Cathy Antunes airs every Saturday at 11 AM on WSLR 96.5!
2019-01-2254 minWSLR NewsYour November Ballot from The Detail with Cathy AntunesThe General Election will take place on Nov. 6, 2018. Until then, WSLR is bringing you comprehensive election coverage from our public affairs programming. Cathy Antunes has spoken with several community members on the upcoming ballot, from charter amendments to local initiatives, on her show The Detail. Have you ever walked into a voting booth and felt as if you didn’t know as much as you should? Well have a listen!
2018-10-1945 minWSLR NewsMeet School Board Candidate Pamela GavetteGavette has been a member of the Pine View School Pine View Association (PTO equivalent) for 10 years, a parent liaison, a homeroom parent and participant on Pine View’s Shared Decision-Making Team. She also has served on the Pine View School Advisory Council for 10 years. She sat down last week in the WSLR Studios to talk with Cathy Antunes on The Detail.
2018-08-0847 minWSLR NewsMeet School Board Candidate Nick GuyOn July 26th, The Detail welcomed School Board Candidate Nick Guy to the WSLR studios. Guy is challenging incumbent Bridget Ziegler for the District 1 School Board Seat. The School Board race is nonpartisan and all voters are eligible to vote. As there are only two candidates running, this race will be determined in August. Election Day is August 28th.
2018-08-0151 minWSLR NewsMeet School Board Candidate Jane GoodwinOn July 19th, The Detail welcomed School Board Candidate Jane Goodwin to the WSLR studios. Jane currently serves on the Sarasota School Board and is seeking re-election this year. She has three challengers. The primary election will be held on August 28th. If any candidate receives more that 50% of the vote in August they will win the seat on the School Board. If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, the top two vote-getters will appear on your ballot in November.
2018-08-0148 minWSLR NewsCritical Times – Week of July 27, 2018In this week’s Critical Times, WSLR intern Giulia Heyward takes a look at the upcoming County Commission race in Sarasota County. In this episode you will hear from Lourdes Ramirez, Mike Cosentino, Wesley Beggs, Alexandra Coe and Christian Ziegler.
2018-07-3128 min
Swine Flu Sarasota:A WSLR editorial in opposition to mandatory vaccinationsOn behalf of WSLR, the radio station's board members have submitted this audio editorial voicing opposition to the prospect of any mandatory H1N1 vaccinations taking place in Sarasota County and beyond.
2009-10-1502 min