Suncoast Searchlight

Emily Andersen joins the newsroom as a watchdog and investigative reporter, while Christian Casale will cover local government and politics, with a focus on how policy decisions affect residents’ daily lives. suncoastsearchlight.org/suncoast-searc…

One nonprofit leader said the measure could undermine trust and discourage families from participating, effectively creating a “registry that could put them in danger.” suncoastsearchlight.org/manatee-county…

At least nine sidewalk artists who have since filed legal notices against Sarasota, claiming the city violated their rights by removing the art without first notifying them. suncoastsearchlight.org/sarasota-sidew…

In Sarasota County, every penny of state funding from the Florida Education Finance Program was diverted into vouchers for private schools this year. suncoastsearchlight.org/sarasota-count…

Several of the awards were for collaborations our newsroom did with @bradentonherald and Florida Trident/ @FLCTRGA. suncoastsearchlight.org/suncoast-searc…

In the Explanatory category, small division, the 2025 Best in Business Award winner is @sunsearchlight for “Power and Profit.” #BIB25

In the Real Estate category, small division, the 2025 Best in Business Award honorable mention goes to Suncoast Searchlight for “Power and Profit.” #BIB25

As ICE expands its operations, it seeks flexible working space for its employees in 11 Florida cities, including Sarasota and Bradenton. suncoastsearchlight.org/ice-co-working…

The conflict is a case study in how HOAs struggle under the weight of high-stakes decisions, turning disagreements among neighbors into broader fights over control, trust & the future of their community. suncoastsearchlight.org/meadows-saraso…

“I’m a lover, he was a fighter,” Mark Vengroff said, setting himself apart from his father, Harvey Vengroff, who built the family’s housing empire. suncoastsearchlight.org/mark-vengroff-…

Among the changes: Land owned by Sarasota Memorial Hospital was removed from the district. suncoastsearchlight.org/florida-house-…

A lease to Benderson Development Co. has sparked a lawsuit and divided residents. suncoastsearchlight.org/the-meadows-be…

Dunbar brings more than 25 years of experience as an investigative reporter and editor, including 15 years at the nonprofit, award-winning Center for Public Integrity in Washington, D.C. 📷 shorturl.at/uN3hL

In an era of AI-generated deepfakes and algorithm-driven feeds, distinguishing fact from fiction has grown more difficult — and more important — than ever. 📷 shorturl.at/aPJHJ

The Florida Legislature has just days in the current session to kill controversial provisions in a state law limiting local jurisdictions from regulating growth. 📷 shorturl.at/7bHly

Nonprofits that don't comply could lose funding from Manatee County 📷shorturl.at/NepHN

One tipster complained about his son’s bus driver being “foreign.” Three focused on individuals with whom they had personal quarrels. Two others complained of loud parties. READ MORE: shorturl.at/Qx1gc

At Conversations Across the Aisle (CATA), there aren’t any winners or losers — just a group of people from varying ends of the political spectrum trying to understand one another. READ MORE: shorturl.at/a3OYa

Suncoast Searchlight kicks off series with former New York Times chief Dean Baquet suncoastsearchlight.org/suncoast-searc…

While some charter schools offer strong support for students with disabilities, research shows they generally enroll fewer such students and provide fewer specialized services than traditional public schools. suncoastsearchlight.org/oak-park-speci…