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…
On Nov. 21, 2019, Ringling College of Art and Design (RCAD) and New College students gathered to learn about a problem that is familiar to over 40 million Americans: food insecurity. Oxfam America Hunger Banquet events allow organizers and participants to experience firsthand how individuals’…
For decades, American cities have been struggling with the upkeep of infrastructure, affordable housing and heightened traffic levels. The city of Sarasota is fighting back against these issues with two strong-armed initiatives and working to fundamentally alter the roots of its worst problems. Sarasota in…
After months of negotiation, the Sarasota Planning Board held its long awaited meeting to finalize the city commissioners decision for Selby Gardens’ “Master Plan” on Tuesday, Nov. 5 at Sarasota City Hall. A supermajority vote from the city commissioners was necessary for Selby to move…
Bruce Phillips of Carlsbad, California works on perfecting the details of the beatles' members faces.Crystal Classic feels strongly about pollution and how it is affecting our oceansCanadian Mélineige Beauregard describes sand sculpting not as an art or a sport but as a “spiritual experience”. She…
All photos courtesy of Sergio Salinas As Christmas shopping season approaches, everyone is out on the hunt for a special gift. One gift that is usually atop many kids' wish lists is a puppy. Horror stories of breeders abusing their animals have detracted many potential…
