DeSoto County

Suncoast Searchlight studied property appraisals and tax bills for more than 300 homes across these special districts to create a first-of-its-kind dataset comparing their annual fees to the property taxes they pay for city and county services.

A Sarasota-area community’s effort to save its golf course by forming a special-purpose government district and issuing $24 million in public bonds has devolved into a bitter, yearslong feud over cost, governance and transparency.

In some cases, districts have financed extravagant projects like a beach-style swimming lagoon or even a baseball stadium for the Atlanta Braves. Yet if the housing market sours or a project fails, it’s the homeowners — not the builders — who are left footing the bill.

Here's a look at how state funding is allocated, how much each district receives, and the ways school leaders are spending those funds.

After successfully ending the practice of spreading biosolids, Desoto residents brace for the possibility it may return

Breakfast and lunch again will be served at no cost to students in all schools in Lee, Hendry, Glades, and DeSoto county schools as well as in 43 of Sarasota County's 53 schools.

States like Florida and Texas have long borne the brunt of the pig problem and struggled to manage it as the situation grows more dire nationally. Officials have incentivized hunters by instituting few restrictions. But some people, including hunters themselves, question whether the approach is overkill.

With government help exhausted, private groups take action to help thousands of victims nearly 18 months later.

The $105,000 grant will be dispersed over a three-year period to help with emergency and disaster recovery.

Alongside the treasures of the past on Main Street are some new ideas.

DeSoto High wraps up a winless campaign with support from family and fans.

The event on Saturday features screenings, music, food and more.