About the Author: Josh Salman | Suncoast Searchlight
DOGE audit makes Manatee County a test case for defying DeSantis and developers
Manatee County voters snubbed Tallahassee last fall when they rejected Gov. Ron DeSantis’ hand-picked, pro-development commission candidates and instead elected a slate of grassroots Republicans who promised to rein in runaway growth. True to [...]
DeSantis says Republicans surged past Democrats in Florida voter rolls. Is that true?
Yes. In a fiery speech on Aug. 2, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said Republicans have overwhelmingly overtaken the once purple state. “We were 300,000 in the hole in 2018 in terms of voter registration. Now, [...]
Manatee homeowners battle rising costs, nepotism in Harrison Ranch development district
Classic convertibles with candy paint sitting on white walls parked as props for the entrance. Inside, musicians entertain guests as they walk the red carpet to the luxury clubhouse. Retirees dressed in their finest [...]
HOA or Big Brother? Suncoast neighborhoods use controversial technology to fine speeders
A motorist driving a small Toyota hatchback turned into the Laurel Oak neighborhood off Bee Ridge Road in Sarasota County on an afternoon in late February. As the driver made his way through the [...]
Priced out: Suncoast renters now must earn $35 an hour to afford a two-bedroom
Tyler Gervasi moved out of his mother’s place about three years ago when the family relocated from Colorado to Sarasota, splitting rent with two other roommates at an apartment complex near University Town Center. [...]
Want a new home on the Suncoast? It likely comes with developer debt
When Suncoast Searchlight first revealed how real estate developers were using special-purpose governments to shift the cost of building new local communities onto future homeowners — while keeping control over how the money was [...]
Facing scrutiny, Sarasota city clerk’s proposed $44K raise was pulled from agenda
UPDATE: On Friday, city spokesperson Jan Thornburg said the proposal was still scheduled for a vote Monday, though the city clerk declined to confirm that herself. But in the opening moments of Monday’s meeting, [...]
Bright lights, no rules: Florida’s illegal gambling dens are hiding in plain sight
They light up U.S. 41 north of the airport with neon promises — flashing 7-7-7 and mounds of gold — on storefronts wrapped in dark tint. Up and down 14th Street in Bradenton, along [...]
Phillippi Creek won’t be dredged this hurricane season, no emergency permit issued
For years, homeowners living near Phillippi Creek warned Sarasota County the sediment-choked waterway needed dredging, then demanded answers when its overflowing banks flooded them during Tropical Storm Debby. Now, with hurricane season already underway, [...]
Power and Profit: Developers build the dream, homeowners pay the debt
Tens of thousands of Suncoast homeowners are spending more money each year to pay off bonds tied to independent special districts than in property taxes toward their actual local governments. Real estate developers are turning [...]
Power and Profit: How special district bonds divided a Sarasota-area neighborhood
When luxury builder John Neal sold most of the lots available for new homes inside his gated community of University Park, straddling the Sarasota-Manatee line, he next set his eyes on its renowned 27-hole [...]
Florida officials warn: Buyer beware as developer districts spread across the Suncoast
As more new special development districts break ground across the Suncoast, area officials warn they could mean higher tax bills and traffic congestion for those buying into these communities. From state lawmakers to county [...]
