Suncoast Searchlight Events
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Interested in partnering with Suncoast Searchlight on an event, or inviting one of our journalists to speak or moderate? Email us here with the subject line “Event inquiry.”
Sarasota City Commission Candidate Forum
Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026 | 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Virtual
Suncoast Searchlight and the League of Women Voters of Sarasota County are continuing their 2026 candidate forum series with a virtual forum featuring candidates for the Sarasota City Commission. Candidates Flo Entler, John Harshman and Jen Ahearn-Koch have been invited to participate and answer questions about the issues facing Sarasota and their priorities for the city.
The event is free and open to everyone. No registration is required. Watch live on YouTube.
PAST EVENTS
Behind the Flock investigation that led to a Sarasota cop’s arrest
Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026 | 6–7 p.m.
Virtual
A USA TODAY investigation uncovered a Sarasota police officer using Flock license-plate cameras to track an ex — reporting that ultimately led to the officer’s firing and arrest. The reporter behind the investigation, Kenny Jacoby, also has Sarasota ties: He previously lived here and worked for GateHouse Media’s national data and investigations team when it was based at the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Join Suncoast Searchlight for a virtual conversation with Jacoby about how he uncovered the Sarasota case, what his investigation revealed about police use of Flock cameras across the country and the questions it raises about surveillance, privacy and oversight.
The free, one-hour event is open to everyone and will include audience Q&A. Register to join us.
What’s on your Ballot? Amendment 3 — What It Would Mean for Sarasota County
Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026 | 6–7:30 p.m.
Selby Library, Sarasota
Amendment 3 could lower property tax bills for Florida homeowners — and change how much revenue local governments collect. What would that mean for homeowners, local budgets and public services? Join Suncoast Searchlight and the League of Women Voters of Sarasota County for a free public discussion examining Amendment 3 from several perspectives. Panelists include Holly Bullard of the Florida Policy Institute, North Port Fire Rescue District Chief Scott Titus and former Sarasota interim city manager Dave Bullock.
Powering the Future? Data Centers on the Suncoast
Tuesday, August 11, 2026 | 6–7:30 p.m.
Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library, Venice
Data centers proposals are spreading rapidly across Florida — and communities on the Suncoast are already grappling with what these projects could mean for electricity demand, water use, development and the environment. Join Suncoast Searchlight and Seeking Rents for a free public conversation with four journalists covering the issue from the local and statewide perspective. The discussion will be followed by an audience Q&A.
