About the Author: Emily Andersen | Suncoast Searchlight
Where can Sarasota’s homeless shower and do laundry? Options are dwindling
A shower, a laundry machine, a hot meal and a sanctuary from the outside. That is what Kevin Jackowicz knew he could expect from Remnant Cafe — an operation run by Remnant Church in [...]
Trump wants cheaper beef. DeSoto County ranchers worry that plan will backfire
In DeSoto County, where there are more cows than people, Newt Keen’s herd of almost 300 cattle is considered a small-scale operation. But he’s been facing the same ups and downs as larger ranches [...]
Sarasota and Manatee see surge in population facing risk of homelessness
The number of people on the precipice of homelessness across Sarasota and Manatee counties has risen by more than half during the past three years, driven by higher costs of living, according to data [...]
At Venice data center forum, journalists highlight power of community pushback
Proposals for hyperscale data centers are surging in Florida and across the country, but community voices have become a powerful force to slow, and in some cases stop, those proposals. That was the message [...]
Millionaires and lawmakers: Inside statehouse candidates’ financial disclosures
More than half of the candidates running for Florida statehouse seats this year across Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties are self-reported millionaires. With careers in insurance, law, real estate, farming, and even restaurant operations, [...]
Reports of water violations surge in Sarasota County as drought continues
Complaints about residents violating mandatory outdoor watering restrictions tripled across Sarasota County after regional officials tightened drought restrictions in April. But the surge was concentrated almost entirely in the communities that are actively enforcing [...]
Sarasota citations for sleeping outside soar as chronic homelessness persists
Ben Daniels keeps a standard daily routine. He wakes up before sunrise with milk-free coffee or tea, when available, and a banana or granola bar leftover from the day before. Then he gets dressed [...]
Southwest Florida water restrictions extended until October
The governing board of the Southwest Florida Water Management District voted unanimously Tuesday to extend its Modified Phase 3 water use restrictions until the beginning of October. The restrictions originally were set to expire [...]
Manatee commission race draws crowded field, out-of-state donors
A Manatee County commission race that could become a key swing vote on issues like new development has attracted a crowded pool of candidates all vying for a two-year term to replace Carol Felts, [...]
Suncoast nonprofits strained as political polarization impacts federal funding
Cultural and political division in Florida and across the country has spread beyond heated arguments on social media and around Thanksgiving tables. Since Donald Trump took office in January 2025, federal funding policies based [...]
Drought drains Southwest Florida water reserve, officials say supply is secure
Standing on the wall of a reservoir the size of about four golf courses, it’s easy to see the impact of Southwest Florida’s extreme water shortage. Operated by the Peace River Manasota Regional Water [...]
Hundreds report water violations as enforcement varies across Sarasota County
Ava Lasseter does not like the view in front of her Sarasota County home. A house under construction. Port-a-potties. And, a few weeks ago, a sprinkler running mid-day while Southwest Florida grapples with its [...]
