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Local news and politics program, broadcasting from Sarasota's own WSLR 96.5 LP FM, every Friday at 6 pm (rebroadcast on Monday at 9:30 am). We will use this platform to post long form interviews and our regular features. Check us out on Facebook or at www.criticaltimes.org.

Critical Times


    • Jul 16, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 26m AVG DURATION
    • 488 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Critical Times

    Episode 365: WSLR 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 dens

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2025 31:18


    A 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, Rick Piccolo is leaving the helm of the Sarasota airport to a successor. We looked at the new guy's compensation, and his tasks ahead.Finally: Running in a legal gray zone, some 20 gambling dens are operating in Sarasota and Manatee County. Suncoast Searchlight and the Bradenton Herald teamed up on this investigative report.

    Episode 364: WSLR News, Fri., July 11: Planned Parenthood merger; Sarasota stormwater redux; the Van Wezel's future; North Port finance crunch

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2025 30:39


    The 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 reports.Finally: Storms and flooding are costly, and real estate is slowing. And that means counties, cities and towns in the region are facing tighter budgets. Noah Vinsky puts the spotlight on Sarasota County's biggest city, whose voters just said ‘no' to more borrowing. 

    Episode 363: WSLR news Wed., July 9: Sarasota budget woes; sports arena; stormwater czar; Adagio; city manager search reboot

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2025 30:38


    Within 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 details.Then: Within barely a week of creating its new stormwater department, Sarasota County found the flood czar to head it. Ramon Lopez gets the inside track from the county administrator.Finally: It's reboot time for Sarasota's city manager search. WSLR News reporter Kylee Worth is following the journey. 

    Episode 362: WSLR News Fri., July 4: Medicaid cuts and MCR Health; Manatee County vs Pat Neal; Clean Water campaign needs miracle; Pride Month in tough times

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 4, 2025 30:34


    Donald 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 suspended signature collections. The grassroots initiative is still hanging in there, but organizers say they need a miracle to get the signatures the state requires to get on the ballot. Reece Helmick has that report.Finally: It's Pride Month. But for aging LGBTQ people who have gone through criminalization, AIDS, and discrimination, the new political environment looks eerily like a bad past. We have a Suncoast Searchlight report. 

    Episode 361: WSLR News Wed., July 2: Neglected stormwater system; Sarasota stormwater reshuffle; Lulu a 'danger for community'; Alligator Alcatraz blowback; Purple Ribbon, one more episode

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2025 31:16


    The 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 home to North Port. Ramon Lopez reports.Then: A Sarasota company has helped in the construction of “Alligator Alcatraz”, and that's caused a firestorm. Mason Chambless reports.Finally: It's one more meeting, after all, before the Purple Ribbon Committee will let the Sarasota City Commission know what we should do with the Van Wezel. 

    Episode 360: WSLR News Fri., June 27: New College finances; Martin Hyde on New College; Turning Point USA; deportation case; plants and flooding

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2025 30:58


    The 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 July.Then: Lulu Martinez made a wrong u-turn in North Port and ended up in an ICE detention camp in Texas. Meanwhile, charges over her traffic violation are piling up here at home. Our reporter caught up with her lawyer, as Lulu will be facing two court hearings next week.Finally: Remember the wilted grass, bushes and trees after the flooding during last year's storm season? Our reporter talked to an expert on how to prepare your yard for the next floods.

    Episode 359: WSLR News Wed., June 25: Sarasota school cuts; Manatee denies Neal project; League of Women Voters protest; Florida cattle drive

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2025 31:15


    For 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 Sarasota chapter of the non-partisan organization is taking to the streets, in response to what they call a constitutional crisis.Last but not least: Listen up cowgirls- and boys! The Great Florida Cattle Drive is returning this January, and WSLR reporter Ramon Lopez has the details.

    Episode 358: WSLR News Fri., June 20: Private government; anti-abortion picketers; Planned Parenthood services; a stroll in the new Bay Park

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2025 30:26


    For 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.Finally: Controversies are swirling around the existing and future performing arts center in Sarasota. But a lot is happening in the emerging park around that building. WSLR Gretchen Cochran takes us on a stroll through the Bay Park.

    Episode 357: WSLR News Wed., June 18: Florida budget losers; No Kings protest; immigrant protest; Sarasota Ballet dancer exodus

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2025 30:56


    The 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 Sarasota Ballet in droves. A Suncoast Searchlight report looks behind the scenes at the Asolo Theatre.

    Episode 356: WSLR News Fri., June 13: Mass surveillance and immigrant crackdown; LA and Florida protests; Nine Devils; Juneteenth

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2025 31:36


    Florida 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.Finally: Juneteenth is coming early to Sarasota. To be precise: This Saturday. We have the details.

    Episode 355: WSLR News Wed., June 11: Lulu's deportation; immigrant rights march in Bradenton; 'No Kings' protest; Manatee school superintendent hiring; The Prom

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2025 30:55


    Lulu 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 military parade will be rolling through Washington this Saturday, and “No Kings” is the theme of nationwide counter-protests. In the Sarasota protest, veterans will play a key role.Then: The Manatee County School Board last month fired the superintendent, in a tight and controversial vote. Our reporter was at the first school board meeting since that day, to understand what's next.Finally: Rise Above, the youth theater group in Sarasota, is taking a risk in the search of love. Tamara Solum went to see their latest musical, The Prom.

    Episode 354: WSLR News Fri., June 6: New College Foundation finances; Sarasota stormwater department; hurricane prep; Manatee land-use battles; healthy eggs

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2025 34:31


    Two 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 clash with both developers and the state. Noah Vinsky has more.Finally: Soaring egg prices influenced the outcome of the last presidential elections. A family farm in DeSoto County seems to have found the right answer to the main cause of those soaring egg prices. 

    Episode 353: WSLR News Wed., June 4: Property tax cut ripples; shrinking Manatee County government; FPL rate hike; hurricane hunters

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2025 31:20


    The 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 in Florida history, if not U.S. history. We are looking at some of the grassroots pushback.Finally: As the next storm season looms, our reporter Ramon Lopez caught up with hurricane hunters.

    Episode 352: WSLR News Fri., May 30: Flooding: Is Sarasota ready? Bradenton wastewater planning; Sarasota County undoes the Moran makeover of social servicess;

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 30:43


    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 former chair's makeover of social service funding. We have more on that.

    Episode 351: WSLR News Wed., May 28: Tearing down the Van Wezel; New College retention problems; public school cuts; Old Miakka cell tower

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 30:12


    The 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 program. Two local school board members beg to differ, as Tamara Solum found.Finally: Amid the devastation that will come with big new development, Sarasota County's oldest rural community celebrated a small victory.

    Episode 350: WSLR News Fri. May 23: More felony charges for Piccolo; New College alt graduation; community workshops; NOAA cuts

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 30:33


    More 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 charge. WSLR News intern Farah Vallecillo - herself a New College student - was there.

    Episode 349: WSLR News Wed., May 21: Manatee school superintendent firing; tourism tax fight; ALICE; homeless camping ban

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 31:03


    The 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 keeps rising fast. We have a Suncoast Searchlight report on the United Way's annual ALICE survey.Finally: A state law that bans camping on public property has put Florida counties in a bind. Half a year after this anti-homeless law went into effect, Alex Lieberman is looking at its effects.

    Episode 348: WSLR News Fri., May 16: Van Wezel's future; developer-run government; Operation Tidal Wave expands; fish farms in the Caribbean

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 31:04


    The 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 County is sailing through the Caribbean to document aquaculture practices in the region. Farah Vallecillo caught up with her.

    Episode 347: WSLR News Wed., May 14: Skyscraper project falls to opposition; the rising cost of challenging developers; filling a Venice city council seat; Frost & Murphy town hall

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2025 30:51


    Grassroots 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 Solum tried to find out why, and whether this experience may turn into movement.

    Episode 346: WSLR news Fri., May 9, 2025: Developer-run governments; Operation Tidal Wave; Medicaid cuts

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2025 30:53


    Dozens 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.

    Episode 345: WSLR 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 transit

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2025 30:05


    City 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 bulldozers could start moving on the mega-development just when the worst real estate slump in years is beginning to impact this area.Finally: Sarasota County commissioners are sending mixed messages on transit. 

    Episode 344: WSLR News Fri., May 2, 2025: The Van Wezel and climate change; Piccolo Jr.; Synia Carroll R.I.P.

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2025 30:15


    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. 

    Episode 343: WSLR News Wed., Apr. 30, 2025: Veterans housing; public education crisis; mental health school funding; May Day protest

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2025 32:01


    The 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 Saturday in Sarasota and the region. 

    Episode 342: WSLR News Fri., Apr. 25: Manasota Beach Road; Canadian snowbird diplomat; microforests; museum trouble

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2025 31:28


    And 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 planting microforests. What gives? The Our Changing Environment hosts on WSLR bring us the details.Next: Four hundred people crowded into a town hall organized by opponents of a takeover of the Ringling Museum of Art by New College. Farah Vallecillo was there.

    Episode 341: WSLR 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 delayed

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2025 31:10


    This 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.Next: Four hundred people crowded into a town hall organized by opponents of a takeover of the Ringling Museum of Art by New College. Farah Vallecillo was there.Next: It took Venice city councilmembers barely five minutes to decide how to fill the seat abandoned by Joan Farrell two weeks ago. Ramon Lopez reports.Finally: A decision on a controversial skyscraper project has been delayed - because of a missing green-yellow sign. Gretchen Cochran explains.

    Episode 340: WSLR News Fri., Apr 18 2025: FSU shooting witness; New College arrest; New College firing; bank tellers unionize

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2025 31:43


    The 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: It's unprecedented - bankers in Florida are joining unions. Five bank tellers in Bradenton are now bargaining with Wells Fargo, and Sera Deniz talked to a union organizer.

    Episode 339: WSLR 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 snowbirds

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2025 31:09


    A 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: Trump's executive measures will translate to hard times for our local economy and the finances of cities and counties on the Suncoast. That's according to one of the leading bond experts in the country who happens to live in Sarasota.Finally: Canadian snowbirds are upset - to the point where they stay away and sell their Florida homes. WSLR's Jennifer Johnston talked to two of them.

    Episode 338: WSLR News Fri., Apr 11, 2025: Neal gets his way, Venice councilmember resigns; homeowner buyouts; Hi Hat Ranch; affordable housing

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2025 30:50


    Developer 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 growing in Sarasota. This week, one advocate urged Sarasota County commissioners to adopt a set of measures.

    Episode 337: WSLR 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 drive

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2025 30:55


    A 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 meeting going on right now. We have the latest.Then: Thousands of people in the region were on the streets Saturday for not just one, but six Hands-Off protests.Next: Sarasota Schools are set to end a mental health program for elementary school kids. We have this report from the Suncoast Searchlight.Finally: Did you know there's a cattle drive in Florida? Ramon Lopez recently put on his boots and hat, and he has more on that. 

    Episode 336: WSLR News Fri Apr. 4: Downtown design critics; Manatee County comp plan re-write; Sarasota Film Festival

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2025 31:43


    The 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 launching today, and WSLR News intern Farah Vallecillo has a preview.

    Episode 335: WSLR 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 China

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2025 29:29


    A 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-and-shut operations in Washington caused another ripple in Sarasota. Alex Lieberman reports. 

    Episode 334: WSLR News Mar. 28: Van Wezel flooding; twin tower projects; farmworkers; Women in Resistance

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2025 30:44


    What 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 started a tour of Florida to find new allies.Finally: “Women of Resistance” started as a series of paintings. Now it is morphing into a series of dances you will be able to see in Bradenton next week.

    Episode 333: WSLR News Wed., Mar. 26: Sarasota stormwater shuffle; destroying a microforest; farmworker organizing; Red Tide and brain health

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2025 31:12


    After 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 grocery store and restaurant chains. As deportation talk is reaching fever pitch, the Coalition is reaching out to new allies across Florida.Finally: Red Tide produces a neurotoxin, and that may affect your brain health. WSLR News reporter Joanne Mills reports about groundbreaking research happening in Sarasota.

    Episode 332: WSLR News Mar. 21: Border czar in Sarasota; anti-Homan protest; RIP Synia Carrol

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2025 31:12


    Three 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.

    Episode 331: WSLR News Mar. 19: Performing Arts Center vote postponed; downtown Sarasota's race for height; Tom Homan at New College; Tesla Takedown protest; Red Tide research

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2025 31:07


    Sarasota 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.Then: The second Tesla Takedown protest in Sarasota was bigger than the first. And it had a new element: A handful counter protesters. The WSLR News team was there. Finally: Red Tide produces a neurotoxin, and that may affect your brain. WSLR News reporter Joanne Mills reports about groundbreaking research happening in Sarasota.

    Episode 330: WSLR News Fri., Mar. 14: New Sarasota Dem chair; Phillippi Creek dredging; New College land grab; Working Families Lobbying Corps

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2025 30:52


    The 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 in Tallahassee, and working families are knocking at legislators' doors. Farah Vallecillo has the details.

    Episode 329: WSLR News Mar. 12: Phillippi Creek; storm recovery spat; FEMA hangups; Tesla Takedown; chemicals in drinking water

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2025 31:08


    Hundreds 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 dollars in the areas affected by last year's trio of storms. But many disaster relief applications are still in limbo, and FEMA agents are asking for your help.Then: The Tesla Takedown came to Sarasota last weekend, and it's coming back next Saturday. We have a report.Finally: What's in your drinking water? A lot of chemicals. Sera Deniz reports from a local forum about the bad and the good.

    Episode 328: WSLR News Fri., Mar. 7: Adagio; Sarasota downtown master plan; undocumented immigrants

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2025 30:30


    A 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.

    Episode 327: WSLR News Wed., Mar. 5: 50501 protest in Sarasota; developer tax loophole; Project 180; flood victim, half a year later; OB/GYN crisis

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2025 30:29


    Hundreds of protesters in opposition to Trump's executive measures gathered in downtown Sarasota again yesterday.  Then: Ever heard about rent-a-cow? Developers have used this tax loophole for years, depriving counties of much-needed funding. The Suncoast Searchlight brings us that story. Next: A non-profit in Sarasota is helping thousands of prisoners return to society, and you may be able to see their work soon on the big screen.Then: Just after Debby, we talked to one flood victim. We revisited her more than half a year later, to see how she is doing.Finally: If you're pregnant it's become increasingly hard to find medical help. A coalition has formed in Sarasota that wants to change things.

    Episode 326: WSLR News Fri., Feb. 28: Trucker strike; George Kruse q&a; sewage spills; economic storm

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2025 30:28


    That check in the mail could take a bit longer. Truckers in Tampa and Miami hauling much of the Postal Service's mail are on strike. Then: George Kruse is a political survivor. The chair of the Manatee County Commission sat through a frank interview on WSLR's The Detail, and we bring you excerpts. Next: The Suncoast Searchlight is bowing, and we are delighted to bring you a double feature today. First, Josh Salman tells us about sewage spills during last year's epic storm season.Then: These same storms wrecked small businesses in this area, and that still makes economic ripples. Josh Salman of the Suncoast Searchlight brings us that story.

    Episode 325: WSLR News Wed., Feb. 26: Sarasota commisisoners slow down big project; resistance to The Ringling takeover; historic designation for the Purple Cow; Economic Blackout

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2025 31:23


    Yesterday, Sarasota County commissioners surprised their critics and campaign donors again. In a narrow vote, they postponed a decision on a key part of a major development, prompting the developer to huddle with neighbors who are trying to stop the project. Ramon Lopez reports. Then: The governor is setting in motion a takeover of yet another iconic institution in Sarasota. But the resistance is taking shape. Next: Next month, City of Sarasota commissioners are expected to take key decisions regarding the future of the Purple Cow. One of them is whether to seek a historic designation for the Van Wezel Performing Arts Center. Gretchen Cochran reports.Finally: Activists are planning a nationwide economic blackout this Friday. We explain what's behind the idea.

    Episode 324: WSLR News Fri., Feb. 21: Ukrainian immigrants in North Port react to Trump; Manatee County stormwater systems; SBA chugs on in Sarasota

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2025 31:35


    Some 5,000 Ukrainian immigrants live in South Sarasota County. And they're not happy campers when it comes to the Trump administration's and Rep. Greg Steube's pressure campaign on Ukraine. Then: The Manatee County commission is trying to come to terms with the epic flooding during the last storm season, and what it may take to prevent an encore. Next: Amid Elon Musk's cost-cutting and firing, the Small Business Administration is chugging on here in Sarasota, trying to help with disaster recovery.

    Episode 323: WSLR News Wed., Feb. 19: Federal workers; DOGE protests; LGBTQ star speaks at New College

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2025 30:48


    The firing of federal employees is happening not only in Washington. It's making ripples here on the Suncoast, as Gretchen Cochran found. Speaking of DOGE: There is also pushback, in the shape of protests, against what many decry as executive overreach. There were 17 protests on President's Day in Florida, including one in Bradenton and two in Sarasota. We have reports on those.Finally: New College hosted an academic with rock star status in the LGBTQ community. Judith Butler called on the newly conservative college to reinstate its gender studies program, to big applause from the audience. 

    Episode 322: WSLR News Fri., Feb. 14: Super tall, for the super rich; political mini-quake in Sarasota; suburban farming

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2025 31:05


    The project to build a super tall and super exclusive condo tower in downtown Sarasota for the super rich survived one challenge. But it has to clear one more hurdle. We have that story. Then: There was a small earthquake in Sarasota County politics this week. Ramon Lopez puts the spotlight on two “no” votes that make a dent in the seemingly unstoppable suburban sprawl machine. Speaking of sprawl: In the middle of a decades-old suburb in Sarasota, a three-acre showcase for urban agriculture and composting is thriving. Sera Deniz put on her boots for this report.

    Episode 321: WSLR News Wed., Feb. 12: DR Horton plans die in county commission; city megaproject gets costlier; Florida may defund public arts; immigrant protest

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2025 31:08


    You could call it a political earthquake. Sarasota County Commissioners voted yesterday AND today against two major suburban development projects, both with 5-0 votes. Ramon Lopez has that report. Then: Tuesday was also a big day for the Sarasota Performing Arts Center project - the costliest undertaking yet in the history of the city. Gretchen Cochran is following it closely. Next: A St. Petersburg Republican filed a bill that could defund the public arts programs of Florida cities - including that of the City of Sarasota. Finally: A pro-immigrant protest brought hundreds of people to downtown Sarasota this weekend. And more is to come, including tracking of deportation action in the region, according to one of the organizers. 

    Episode 320: WSLR News Fri., Feb. 7: Sarasota school administrators discuss ICE raids; civil rights photo exhibit; Great Florida Cattle Drive

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2025 30:11


    Donald Trump decreed that immigration enforcers can now enter churches, hospitals and schools. Sarasota School Board members and the superintendent discussed their response this week. Then: It's Black History Month, and a photo exhibit at the Fogartyville celebrates the struggles of civil rights activists. Finally: Florida used to be the nation's leading cattle state. Not anymore, as Florida's head count of cows keeps shrinking. A new book puts the spotlight on the Great Florida Cattle Drive, and we have a report about that.

    Episode 319: WSLR News Wed., Feb. 5, 2025: New College expansion; cell phone use in Sarasota schools; funding freeze affects Sarasota Bay Estuary Program; Lakewood Ranch plaintiff interview;

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2025 31:02


    New College is land-hungry. But the administrators' efforts to expand the small campus have yielded mixed results. This week they seem to have scored one win and one loss. Then: Cell-phone use at school is a thorny subject. The Sarasota school district waded into the controversy by polling students and parents. Ramon Lopez reports about the survey's results. Next: The federal spending freeze this week affected at least one local program. We tell you how.Finally: The developer of Lakewood Ranch scored a major victory last week in a Tampa appeals court for their massive expansion plans in Sarasota County. We had an in-depth interview with the plaintiff about what's next, and what this all means. 

    Episode 318: WSLR News Fri., Jan. 24: County burns volunteer firefighters; non-profit news outlet relaunches; coalition building; John Lennon

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2025 31:11


    It was not what many in the community - and two men on the dais - wanted: This week, the Sarasota County Commission voted for what looks pretty much like the beginning of the end for the last volunteer fire district in the county. Ramon Lopez reports. Then: The news desert keeps growing, but new wells are springing up. We report about the second version of a million-dollar news project on the Suncoast a non-profit is about to launch. Next: Progress dies in isolation. Preventing that is what an event about coalition building this week in Sarasota was about, and we have a report with hands-on advice.Finally: You have a chance this weekend to see John Lennon up close. WMNF tells you how.

    Episode 317: WSLR News Wed., Jan. 22: Lessons from flooding; Lakewood Ranch Southeast lawsuit; light pollution at Myakka; marches in Sarasota

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2025 31:53


    Sarasota County was ground zero for flooding in Florida this storm season. Yesterday, the Sarasota County Commission held a workshop on stormwater management, and Ramon Lopez was there. Then: Yesterday, three appellate judges heard arguments in a lawsuit that tries to stop the Lakewood Ranch Southeast mega-development. We listened closely to the judges' questions. Next: Light pollution is getting worse at Myakka River State Park. The Our Changing Environment show on WSLR put the spotlight on that problem.Finally: Between the second Trump inauguration, Jimmy Carter's passing, and marches, it was a weekend of contrasts. We bring you a few impressions from the streets of Sarasota.

    Episode 316: WSLR News Fri., Jan. 17: Lessons learned from flooding; farmworker heat bill; coalition building; MLK Day events

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2025 30:49


    Were you under water during this epic storm season? This Tuesday, the Sarasota County Commissioners will discuss stormwater management lessons learned from the recent flooding.  Then: The state legislature is providing heat protections unequally. Surreal News interviewed a Florida farmworker advocate about a heat bill that may be back in the upcoming session in Tallahassee, after it died repeatedly in committee.Next: Coalition building is needed to achieve positive change, but the culture wars have divided us. How can we overcome that? We interviewed an expert who will be in Sarasota next week to moderate a panel of coalition builders representing very diverse grassroots movements. Finally: MLK Day is coming, and Ishmael Katz has a roundup of the celebrations in Sarasota.

    Episode 315: WSLR News Wed., Jan. 15: The cost of keeping the Van Wezel; volunteer firefighter battle heats up; the state of immigration; women's march

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2025 30:58


    How much will it cost to keep the recently flooded Van Wezel Performing Arts Center? A fraction of what building a new one would cost. That's according to the latest engineering report, and Gretchen Cochran has the details. Then: The Sarasota County Fire Department wants to expand its coverage area. But its proposal to cut back the county's last volunteer fire department increasingly feels like it's too hot to handle. Ramon Lopez reports.  Next: This Saturday - two days ahead of Donald Trump's second inauguration, women will march again. Finally: With mass deportations looming, the League of Women Voters Manatee hosted a panel on immigration. The panelists painted a dark picture.

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