Podcasts about wslr

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

Pacifica compiled reports from community radio reporters across the country, including WMNF and WSLR, of Hands Off demonstrations

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sarasota County announced another $200 million-plus federal grant to help with storm recovery. The HUD funds will bail out many distressed homeowners here, and most of the money is supposed to help low- and moderate income households. Then: The first fully bilingual school in the region is expanding, and Dayana Melendez has the details. Next: The Manatee County Commission has a new chairman who wants to be transparent. He took his aspirations for a test-run in the first meeting under his gavel. Next: Immigration and immigrants have become a political and emotional punching bag. A forum in Sarasota wants to bring back the human angle.

Manatee County politics never cease to entertain. The same day the new chair of the county commission let his priorities be known, news broke about a lawsuit. Then: Developer Pat Neal's plans for a controversial commercial development in Venice changed election outcomes in the still-quaint but fast-growing city. Yesterday, Neal's project got a step closer to groundbreaking. But he still expects pushback. Next: The City of Sarasota spent quite some time and money to have a new logo designed. On Monday, they picked their choice. It's probably not what you think. Then: Roundabouts have turned many Sarasotans from foes into friends after they have been able to experience them first-hand. So what's taking new ones so long to be built? Finally: Reporter Ishmael Katz talked to one of the main organizers of the Martin Luther King Day celebrations in Sarasota, which will be upon us on and around Jan. 20.

A private workforce housing project near downtown that has been years in planning took another step towards groundbreaking. That's a rarity in posh Sarasota. Then: Ditto for a suburban mega-project. A big chunk of the Lakewood Ranch Southeast expansion is moving close to a vote by the Sarasota County Commission - with little scrutiny for potential flooding and traffic, and disregard for a pending lawsuit. Next: Sarasota County is ready to dredge, should nature try to close Midnight Pass again. But that may not be necessary, as WMNF reports. Then: The SEE Alliance keeps making waves in Sarasota. The youth-led organization recently let local state legislators know about its priorities. Finally: When and how should the United States engage in warfare? A military analyst scheduled to speak in Sarasota next week is trying to slow the bandwagon.

How does a warming climate change the balance of water? Noah Vinsky talked to the retiring director of the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, who has been quite vocal on this topic recently.  Next: Humans aside, dolphins are the top predator in around Sarasota Bay. And when Flipper is doing OK, all is well. So how well IS Flipper? We asked an expert to find out. Then: The hurricanes this season have produced big challenges and shown deficiencies of local stormwater management systems. Ramon Lopez interviewed an engineer with a big-picture view. Finally: John Lambie grew up spearfishing in crystal clear Sarasota Bay. He is concerned about where things are going, and he's proposing changing the ways we approach problems.

The Colson Hotel - a landmark in what was once the heart of African American life in Sarasota - has been saved from the wrecking ball. Ramon Lopez has some specifics about the deal.  Then: You may have biked on the Legacy Trail. But do you know about the big-picture trail plans for this region? Cathy Antunes, on her The Detail show on WSLR, interviewed the man who spearheads those plans, and we have a summary. Next: A new anti-terror law winding its way through U.S. Congress has non-profit news organizations in this area worried. Noah Vinsky tells us why. 

Two developers presented their plans to build luxury condo towers in downtown Sarasota. Each of them wants to build taller than local zoning allows - with different arguments.  Then: College degrees aren't worth the investment anymore - right? Wrong, says a new study. Dayana Melendez reports. Next: Young voters have been elusive at the polls, and the League of Women Voters want to change that. We'll tell you how. Finally: The Teamsters have taken on the world's biggest retailer. Days before Christmas, picketers have targeted Amazon distribution centers in the Tampa Bay area. We went to Ruskin to see how that's going.

Developers are gobbling up rural communities in Sarasota County. One grassroots group in Venice is trying a new approach to save rural lifestyles. Then: The Sarasota County Fire Department wants to take over the last remaining volunteer fire department in the area. They were in for a surprise, as Ramon Lopez witnessed.  Next: The Teamsters have taken on the world's biggest retailer. Days before Christmas, union workers and community supporters will be picketing Amazon distribution centers, including five in the Tampa Bay area. Finally: The Tampa Bay Rays' stadium deal seems to be back on track. Before the Pinellas County Commissioners voted 5-2 to pay their share of the baseball stadium, Meghan Bowman with partner station WMNF talked to some key players.

The Mike Moran era is over, and the Sarasota County Commission has a new chair. Who did the five commissioners pick? We have the details. Then: Once a year, the Sarasota County Commissioners sit down to pick their top long-term strategic priorities for the coming years. We put the spotlight on what they did NOT talk about. Next: When a luxury developer proposed the tallest tower yet for downtown Sarasota, it went down in a hail of criticism, both by planners and the public. Now it's back, and Florence Fahringer reports about Round 2. Finally: Drug addiction makes pregnancies very hazardous. An event on Friday in Sarasota focuses on how to get better health outcomes.

A former odd-man-out is now chairing the Manatee County Commission, after an election that brought big change. And at the first meeting of the newly constituted board, a sitting commissioner went to great lengths signaling that he got the message of the anti-developer groundswell of these elections. Then: Manatee County is moving along at good speed when it comes to workforce housing. A high-profile project in Bradenton took a big step towards becoming reality. Next: The big win for Trump wasn't as big as it seems. And it's another episode of the whipsaw politics we've seen for many decades now. A political analyst spoke in Sarasota, and Ramon Lopez listened. Then: Mexico is one of the main targets of the wrath of the second Trump administration. A speaker will put the spotlight on U.S.-Mexico relations at an event tomorrow in Sarasota.Finally: It's not easy to have conversations across the aisle. We talked to someone who is trying hard.

Can homeowners' associations discriminate based on income? One HOA at Lakewood Ranch does, and Dayana Melendez reports about it. Then: The Florida state government is squeezing public-sector unions, and cafeteria workers, groundskeepers and school bus drivers feel most of the pain. Noah Vinsky has that report.   Next: Florida Studio Theatre has ambitious plans to expand its campus in downtown Sarasota, as Ramon Lopez learned. 

The week before Thanksgiving, amid what still looks like a boom for window and door makers, local manufacturer PGT Innovations laid off 225 workers in Tampa, and then another 150 in Venice. The layoffs came after PGT was taken over by Miter Brands, a Pennsylvania-based company. Johannes Werner talked to one Venice worker who says he and his wife lost their jobs the same day.The newly constituted Sarasota City Commission went through a test on Monday. That test came about when Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch made a motion to take back a vote the outgoing commission made a month earlier. At issue was a downtown street the city handed over to a developer, before even seeing the developer's site plan. Ahearn-Koch wanted more discussion on how the developer's yet-to-be-known project would benefit the public.On Tuesday, a state panel unanimously approved a $1.2 billion dollar storm recovery package for Florida Power & Light. This allows FP&L, come January, to hike the average monthly electricity bill by 12 dollars. This is pretty much routine, and it will keep the corporation in the black and its investors happy. But one public advocate spoke against approval at the Public Service Commission meeting in Tallahassee. Johannes Werner spoke to Jordan Luebkemann, an attorney representing Florida Rising and Earthjustice.As the national affairs correspondent for the Nation magazine, John Nichols views national politics through a progressive lens. He will put the election in perspective during a presentation and discussion at the Fogartyville Community Center this Saturday, 7 pm. WSLR's Peace and Justice Report host Tom Walker interviewed Nichols this morning.

New rules for condos 30 years and older will take effect in one month. It will make life for hundreds of people in Sarasota-Manatee much more expensive, if not impossible. Della Hale investigates. Then: President-elect Trump has promised mass deportations. How will this play out in Florida, home to one out of 10 undocumented immigrants? Surreal News host Lew Lorrini asked an immigrant advocate. Next: The president of New College removed two members from the board of the foundation that coughs up most of his compensation. Florence Fahringer reports. Finally: Crearte Latino is a well-established player in the local culture scene. They are moving to new digs, and Noah Vinsky lets us know about the why and how. 

Even though business seems to be booming, one of the largest private employers in Sarasota County is laying off up to 150 workers. We have the details. Next: Thanksgiving is approaching, and - in the wake of an intense hurricane season - more people in the region are going hungry. Then: How did Black Friday sneak up on us as a Thanksgiving tradition? A WMNF reporter is looking for answers. Then: How are flooded homeowners reacting to disaster? Noah Vinsky talked to two of them, trying to understand their thinking and decision-making. Next: Megaprojects and climate change don't mix well. In the wake of historic flooding, Sarasota just postponed the next step to build a costly performing arts center. An hour north, the stakes for the new Rays stadium are even higher. Next: Voters' worries about schools have produced an electoral upset in a small Florida county. Cathy Antunes of The Detail on WSLR interviews an observer about how this happened.

A Sarasota County board stacked with pro-development characters voted down a housing proposal. To everyone's surprise. A sign of change? Next: Sewage has been in a lot of people's noses and on many people's minds during the recent flooding. So when the Sarasota County utility director talks about wastewater, WSLR listens closely. Next: Transit rarely gets much attention by the Sarasota County Commission. Raising fares for an on-call service did on Wednesday. We have the details.

MCR Health has fallen on hard times and has filed for bankruptcy. How will this affect their 100,000 uninsured patients? Then: A new Sarasota County Commission was sworn in on Tuesday. We are looking for signs of change - and found them. Next: Affordable housing was on the Sarasota County Commission's agenda. An annual report prompted a scolding.  Finally: A local theater is telling the true stories of immigrants.

Climate change and human health are closely linked - think along the lines of heat stroke, mosquito bites, and your and my sanity after this storm season. Florence Fahringer was at a conference in Sarasota, and we'll have her report. Then: So your home has been flooded. What's next? Noah Vinsky talked to one homeowner on a barrier island, and one near a river, to find out how they're holding up, and what their thoughts and plans are for the future.