Suncoast Searchlight hires first development director, marking next chapter in growth

Suncoast Searchlight, the nonprofit newsroom launched earlier this year to produce in-depth journalism for and about Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties, has taken a major step forward with the hiring of its first development director.

Samantha Ramlall joined the organization on Monday, bringing experience in fundraising, community engagement and nonprofit advancement to a newsroom now entering its next phase: building long-term financial support for independent, accountability reporting in the region.

“This is a milestone moment for us,” said Emily Le Coz, executive editor-in-chief of Suncoast Searchlight, which is the newsroom name of the Community News Collaborative, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. “Since we started publishing in February, we have demonstrated the demand for substantive journalism in the community. Samantha’s arrival ensures we can sustain and grow that work by inviting the community to invest directly in it.”

Ramlall comes to Suncoast Searchlight from the statewide nonprofit Children’s Home Society of Florida, where she worked for eight years and most recently served as associate vice president of major gifts. 

As the newsroom’s development director, Ramlall will lead fundraising efforts, cultivate donor relationships and organize events that connect its mission with the people it serves. She will also oversee membership programs and philanthropic partnerships that are critical to sustaining nonprofit newsrooms in today’s challenging media environment.

“What excites me most about this role is building relationships and connecting people who want to strengthen our community with the mission of Suncoast Searchlight,” Ramlall said, “I’m proud to support this important work and help build the strategic growth that will allow our neighbors’ investment in independent journalism to keep shining a light for years to come.”

Like other nonprofit newsrooms around the country, Suncoast Searchlight was founded to fill critical gaps left as legacy news outlets have downsized. Financial support from individuals, foundations and businesses will determine its ability to continue delivering independent coverage free of paywalls and open for republication by other outlets.

Get stories like this delivered to your inbox weekly: Sign up for the Suncoast Searchlight newsletter

From launch to impact in seven months

Suncoast Searchlight began publishing in February. In just seven months, the newsroom has produced 65 original stories and 40 fact briefs tackling issues of government accountability, rapid development, education, environmental pressures and public safety.

Those stories have traveled far beyond the newsroom’s own website. They have been republished more than 600 times across local, regional and state media in print, online, radio and television formats. Additionally, Suncoast Searchlight’s reporting has been cited, aggregated or used as a springboard for at least 150 other stories produced by media outlets across Florida.

The breadth of that reach underscores both the newsroom’s collaborative model and its impact. By producing in-depth, public-service reporting and offering it at no cost to other news organizations, Suncoast Searchlight has quickly become a force multiplier for local accountability journalism on the Gulf Coast.

Founded with a generous startup grant from the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, the newsroom rests on the belief that strong communities require strong journalism. Its reporters have already published investigations into Sarasota County’s troubled stormwater system, the politics reshaping New College of Florida, and the mounting financial strain of local housing and development decisions.

Some of this work has been produced in collaboration with partner outlets, including Florida Trident, WUSF and the Bradenton Herald, extending its reach and impact across the region.

At a time when many communities face news deserts, Suncoast Searchlight has positioned itself as both a watchdog and a convener — producing original investigations while also curating key coverage from other outlets for readers through its weekly newsletter. It also hosts free monthly journalism trainings for local reporters, strengthening the broader news ecosystem across the region.

“From day one, our goal was to rebuild trust and provide information that empowers the people of Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties,” Le Coz said. “But we knew that producing the journalism was only the first step. Now we must ensure its survival and growth.”

With Ramlall on board, the newsroom plans to expand its donor programs, host community engagement events, and strengthen ties with local institutions and residents who recognize the importance of sustaining independent journalism.

“In just a few short months, Suncoast Searchlight has already shown the power of strong, independent journalism,” said Keith Woods, chair of the board. “Our stories have sparked important conversations and strengthened accountability, while also supporting the wider media ecosystem. With Samantha on board, we’re ready to build a sustainable model to serve the Suncoast for decades to come.”

Reach Samantha Ramlall at samantha@suncoastsearchlight.org