Suncoast Searchlight

The item drew criticism over its timing, lack of comparative salary data and the optics of awarding such a large raise as the city considers tax hikes and a pay freeze for most employees.

Gov. Ron DeSantis celebrated Florida’s symbolic designation as the top state for religious freedom in the nation, announced during an event at New College by the conservative legal group First Liberty Institute.

Suncoast Searchlight partners with Gigafact to produce fact briefs — bite-sized fact checks of trending claims. Read our methodology to learn how we check claims.

After Gov. Ron DeSantis proposed transferring The Ringling Museum from Florida State University to New College of Florida, at least three people say they’ve pulled or are reconsidering planned estate gifts totaling more than $750,000.

A joint investigation by Suncoast Searchlight and the Bradenton Herald reveals a thriving network of illegal slot parlors operating in plain sight across Sarasota and Manatee counties, despite years of law enforcement crackdowns and state reforms.

Suncoast Searchlight partners with Gigafact to produce fact briefs — bite-sized fact checks of trending claims. Read our methodology to learn how we check claims.

Pastor Brian Gibbs leads a small-but-growing Sarasota church with an outsized political vision — blending fiery spiritual warfare rhetoric with far-right ideology and close ties to elected officials like U.S. Rep. Greg Steube.

Mark Cunningham becomes the highest-ranking official to step down in the wake of revelations about widespread failures in the county's stormwater system. County officials did not disclose the reason for his leaving.

Suncoast Searchlight partners with Gigafact to produce fact briefs — bite-sized fact checks of trending claims. Read our methodology to learn how we check claims.

County projections show that by 2028, expenses will outpace revenues by $31.6 million. The deficit climbs to nearly $41 million the next year and remains above $39 million into 2030.

When Debby hit, Sarasota's stormwater system proved dangerously unprepared — not because the system was overwhelmed, but because those in charge neglected to protect it, an investigation by Florida Trident and Suncoast Searchlight found.

Many LGBTQ+ seniors are grappling with a question they thought they’d already answered: how much of themselves to risk in public and how far to go — again — to defend their rights.