New College of Florida

Since Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed a new slate of trustees in early 2023, the small liberal arts college has undergone a dramatic transformation — eliminating its Gender Studies program, reshaping student life, and launching a costly new athletics department.

USF president Rhea Law tells trustees the university has prepared for a scenario where state leaders may determine that transferring the Sarasota-Manatee campus would be in "the best interests" of Florida.

A public records request revealed USF leadership was willing to make the proposed transfer, which did not end up in bill form this legislative session.

The charges are separate from two felony exposure charges Piccolo already faces in Manatee County.

Last month, we learned the school uses about 10 times more in tax dollars per degree than other state universities. A comparison of graduates' median wages gives a little insight into the value of those sheepskins.

Eric Silagy, the former CEO of Florida Power & Light, says the oversight body is tasked with making sure taxpayer dollars are well spent, but he hasn't been briefed on either initiative.

Professors, alumni and local leaders are among those scheduled to speak at another event on Thursday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Anna Maria Oyster Bar Landside in Bradenton.

A basic search of Sarasota County’s clerk of court records would have turned up all three cases. Nothing in Piccolo’s personnel file suggests New College checked that source.

Fred Piccolo, Jr. also faces charges in Sarasota County for walking naked in department stores at University Town Center Mall.

The firing comes amid heightened U.S.–China tensions and growing scrutiny of Chinese nationals in American academic institutions.

The college said the decision followed changes in event logistics, such as the unavailability of the previously planned venue, the Sarasota Opera House.

Calling it "a bad deal which makes no sense," signatories include campus board members as well as donors and former leaders of the school.