Derek Gilliam | Suncoast Searchlight, Author at Suncoast Searchlight

About Derek Gilliam | Suncoast Searchlight

Derek Gilliam is a watchdog/investigative reporter at Suncoast Searchlight. During his career, he has covered courts and crime, mental health, real-estate, economic development and general business issues for news organizations throughout Florida. Most recently, Derek has focused on real estate and development while also covering local businesses for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, where he untangled a particularly egregious example of real estate fraud months before the police arrested the fraudster. That story attracted the attention of a local legislator who then was able to pass a state law to close a loophole identified in his story. A student of the University of Florida, Derek’s work has earned numerous statewide journalism awards. He has lived in Sarasota since 2021. Reach Derek via email at derek@suncoastsearchlight.org

New College communications director charged for exposure of sexual organs – again
Gallery
New College communications director charged for exposure of sexual organs – again

Sarasota, Suncoast

New College communications director charged for exposure of sexual organs – again

Fred Piccolo Jr., the director of marketing and media [...]

By Derek Gilliam | Suncoast Searchlight|2025-08-06T12:31:30-04:00April 16, 2025 1:33 pm|Sarasota, Suncoast|Comments Off

Sarasota, Manatee home values tumble, marking one of the biggest drops nationwide
Gallery
Sarasota, Manatee home values tumble, marking one of the biggest drops nationwide

Manatee, Sarasota, Suncoast

Sarasota, Manatee home values tumble, marking one of the biggest drops nationwide

Angie Ramos is concerned. The Coldwell Banker Realtor has [...]

By Derek Gilliam | Suncoast Searchlight|2025-08-06T12:32:05-04:00April 11, 2025 5:59 am|Manatee, Sarasota, Suncoast|Comments Off

Passions run high as Sarasota Commission hears public comments on new performing arts center
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Passions run high as Sarasota Commission hears public comments on new performing arts center

Sarasota, Suncoast

Passions run high as Sarasota Commission hears public comments on new performing arts center

Dozens of Sarasota residents filled the City Commission chambers [...]

By Derek Gilliam | Suncoast Searchlight|2025-08-06T12:35:14-04:00March 18, 2025 2:29 pm|Sarasota, Suncoast|Comments Off

Questions cloud future of Van Wezel and new Sarasota performing arts center at Bay Park
Gallery
Questions cloud future of Van Wezel and new Sarasota performing arts center at Bay Park

Sarasota, Suncoast

Questions cloud future of Van Wezel and new Sarasota performing arts center at Bay Park

Sarasota’s Bay Park project was conceived more than a [...]

By Derek Gilliam | Suncoast Searchlight|2025-08-06T12:35:23-04:00March 14, 2025 9:08 am|Sarasota, Suncoast|Comments Off

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