Suncoast Searchlight has received a $15,000 grant from Bishop-Parker Foundation to help establish a new reporting position dedicated to Manatee County, an investment that comes at a critical moment for local journalism.

The new position is being created in direct response to nationwide layoffs by McClatchy Media Co., the parent company of the Bradenton Herald, which cut the newspaper’s already-small newsroom in half. The September layoffs left the Herald with just three journalists — an editor and two reporters — to cover a county approaching half a million residents.

Suncoast Searchlight has worked closely with the Herald, partnering on investigations and other reporting projects, including award-winning work on teacher misconduct, law enforcement accountability and illegal casinos. The new position will build on that relationship while expanding the nonprofit newsroom’s ability to pursue solo accountability reporting in Manatee County.

The Bishop-Parker Foundation grant is the first commitment toward the new reporting position, and Suncoast Searchlight is seeking matching contributions to fully fund it for at least one year, with the goal of sustaining it long term.

This marks Suncoast Searchlight’s first grant from Bishop-Parker. Inspired by the philanthropic legacies of its founders, the Bishop-Parker Foundation supports nonprofit and public partners working together to strengthen Manatee County for current and future generations.

Bishop-Parker’s support reflects the growing recognition that access to reliable local information is an important part of a healthy, informed community. 

As traditional news organizations continue to shrink, the need for independent reporting for and about Manatee County residents has become increasingly urgent.

“Manatee County is growing and changing quickly, and it’s important that people know what’s happening in their community,” said Wendy Deming, CEO of Bishop-Parker Foundation. “Local journalism plays an important role in asking questions that matter and keeping residents informed. We value the work Suncoast Searchlight is doing and are pleased to support their efforts.”

The county’s population has grown more than 17% since 2020, adding nearly 70,000 residents in just six years. Along with that growth has come mounting pressure on roads, infrastructure and natural resources, along with consequential decisions about development and public spending.

“At a time when there are fewer journalists watching those decisions, we intend to make sure residents have access to the independent reporting they deserve,” said Emily Le Coz, executive editor-in-chief of Suncoast Searchlight. “We’re incredibly grateful to Bishop-Parker Foundation for helping make that possible.”

Suncoast Searchlight is a nonprofit, nonpartisan watchdog and accountability newsroom serving Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties. Its reporting is free to read and available for republication by other news organizations, helping important stories reach residents throughout the region.

The Bishop-Parker-funded position builds on Searchlight’s ongoing efforts to strengthen coverage of the region. Through its partnership and support, Gulf Coast Community Foundation helped lay the groundwork for expanding the newsroom’s local government reporting in 2025. Earlier this year, Suncoast Searchlight added a reporter focused primarily on government and public policy in Sarasota and surrounding communities, while also covering issues across the region. 

“The future of local journalism doesn’t have to be defined by shrinking newsrooms,” said Keith Woods, chair of Suncoast Searchlight’s board of directors. “Bishop-Parker Foundation’s support shows what’s possible when a community invests in its own future. We hope others will see this as an opportunity to help build something lasting.” 

Additional community support will help sustain and expand the newsroom’s reporting, giving its journalists capacity to pursue important investigations and respond to emerging community needs.

Individuals, families, businesses and philanthropic organizations interested in supporting Suncoast Searchlight can contribute online at suncoastsearchlight.org/support, through a donor-advised fund or by arranging a gift directly with the newsroom.

Gifts of all sizes are welcome, including one-time and recurring contributions.

All donations help sustain Suncoast Searchlight’s mission of providing independent, public-service journalism to residents across Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties. 

For more information about Suncoast Searchlight or how to support the newsroom, visit suncoastsearchlight.org or contact emily@suncoastsearchlight.org. 

For more information about Bishop-Parker, visit bishopparkerfoundation.org or contact info@bishopparkerfoundation.org.