In the face of fierce opposition from environmental groups and citizens in rural areas, Florida is planning a major expansion of its highways with a series of toll roads that would open new parts of the state to development. The Florida Legislature passed a bill…
On Sunday, Gov. Ron Desantis issued an executive order declaring a public health emergency and directing statewide response protocol for the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) after learning about what were then viewed as two “presumptively” positive cases in Florida. The governor, along with public health officials,…
My interview with founder of Sarasota’s grassroots anti-homelessness coalition Streets of Paradise (SOP) Greg Cruz kept getting interrupted. “Buenas noches,” a man called out as he passed by us on the sidewalk. “Oye, ¿cómo estás?” Cruz responded warmly, then continued explaining SOP’s ethos— “The people…
As the Florida Primary–set to take place on March 17–approaches, students question how and where their vote will be counted. Some students may not have their permanent addresses listed in Sarasota-Manatee County, preventing them from being able to cast their vote in Sarasota-Manatee voting locations.…
Ninety percent of the fish consumed in the U.S. is imported from other countries. In turn, the U.S. exports around 65 percent of its fish and the global demand is growing. However, the ocean cannot be fished sustainably to meet these numbers. One solution is…
On Wednesday, Feb. 12, the Florida House Education Committee passed a proposed bill that would merge New College with Florida State University (FSU) and Florida Polytechnic University with the University of Florida (UF). The details and potential outcomes of this legislation remain unknown, but Rep.…
Steve Novia’s first housewarming gift was a heart made out of Hot Tamales. “Baby, You’re my Hot Tamale when we are together at ‘night!’” the accompanying card declared. He told me it’s from his girlfriend, Mona, and that he tried to hide it before I…
As the Spring semester starts, so does another tax season. Every year billions of tax dollars go unclaimed and United Way Suncoast is on a mission to help low-to-moderate income households claim what is theirs. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, one of United…
In the first public response to a class action lawsuit filed by three Newtown residents opposing Sarasota County’s controversial redistricting effort, county officials are moving to dismiss it. The plaintiff filed the December 2019 lawsuit in response to the County Commission’s plans to redraw the…
Photo courtesy of Adriana Gavilanes In 2018, red tide affected Florida's coastline from Clearwater to Naples. Florida continues to deal with the coastal infestation known as red tide. Local, state and national initiatives have been researching and working on ways to mitigate the issue. Richard…
