Suncoast Searchlight

A new state law aimed at blocking a proposed cruise port in Manatee County may still leave the door open to large-scale development in the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve, according to environmental advocates and legal experts.

Sarasota County Commissioners said they were reacting to a steady barrage of concerns from residents over the impact of the proposed developments.

Those experts, along with another local environmental advocate, will lead a panel discussion moderated by Suncoast Searchlight on April 15 at The Bay Park.

A controversial proposal that would have required nonprofits receiving Manatee County funding to verify they are not serving undocumented immigrants was withdrawn Tuesday after drawing widespread public opposition and little support from commissioners.

Matt The Welder said closing the "Rent-A-Cow" loophole has become a central theme in his campaign for state agricultural commissioner.

The Sarasota County Commission voted unanimously to add a referendum to fund the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program through 2049. It'll need a simple majority of votes to pass.

The cuts mirror those at school districts across Florida, which have slashed programming and even closed schools amid mounting budget pressures.

If approved, the measure would require nonprofits to certify that county funds are not used to serve those individuals, a change that could affect at least 86 organizations receiving more than $26 million annually from Manatee County Government.

The national push would see roughly 300 federal employees placed in flexible office spaces across 90 cities

What began as a controversial land deal in The Meadows has escalated into a wider fight over governance, communication and control of the community’s future.

Nine artists have filed claims against the city of Sarasota, alleging their rights were violated when officials removed pavement art in response to a state directive from the Florida Department of Transportation.

Mark Vengroff, 61, has emerged as one of the most active affordable housing developers and landlords on Florida’s Suncoast.