WSLR News - Episode 325: WSLR News Wed., Feb. 26: Sarasota commisisoners slow down big project; resistance to The Ringling takeover; historic designation for the Purple Cow; Economic Blackout

Episode 325: WSLR News Wed., Feb. 26: Sarasota commisisoners slow down big project; resistance to The Ringling takeover; historic designation for the Purple Cow; Economic Blackout

02/26/25 • 31 min

Yesterday, Sarasota County commissioners surprised their critics and campaign donors again. In a narrow vote, they postponed a decision on a key part of a major development, prompting the developer to huddle with neighbors who are trying to stop the project. Ramon Lopez reports.

Then: The governor is setting in motion a takeover of yet another iconic institution in Sarasota. But the resistance is taking shape.

Next: Next month, City of Sarasota commissioners are expected to take key decisions regarding the future of the Purple Cow. One of them is whether to seek a historic designation for the Van Wezel Performing Arts Center. Gretchen Cochran reports.

Finally: Activists are planning a nationwide economic blackout this Friday. We explain what’s behind the idea.

Then: The governor is setting in motion a takeover of yet another iconic institution in Sarasota. But the resistance is taking shape.

Finally: Activists are planning a nationwide economic blackout this Friday. We explain what’s behind the idea.

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undefined - Episode 324: WSLR News Fri., Feb. 21: Ukrainian immigrants in North Port react to Trump; Manatee County stormwater systems; SBA chugs on in Sarasota

Episode 324: WSLR News Fri., Feb. 21: Ukrainian immigrants in North Port react to Trump; Manatee County stormwater systems; SBA chugs on in Sarasota

Some 5,000 Ukrainian immigrants live in South Sarasota County. And they’re not happy campers when it comes to the Trump administration’s and Rep. Greg Steube’s pressure campaign on Ukraine.

Then: The Manatee County commission is trying to come to terms with the epic flooding during the last storm season, and what it may take to prevent an encore.

Next: Amid Elon Musk’s cost-cutting and firing, the Small Business Administration is chugging on here in Sarasota, trying to help with disaster recovery.

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Episode 326: WSLR News Fri., Feb. 28: Trucker strike; George Kruse q&a; sewage spills; economic storm

That check in the mail could take a bit longer. Truckers in Tampa and Miami hauling much of the Postal Service’s mail are on strike.

Then: George Kruse is a political survivor. The chair of the Manatee County Commission sat through a frank interview on WSLR’s The Detail, and we bring you excerpts.

Next: The Suncoast Searchlight is bowing, and we are delighted to bring you a double feature today. First, Josh Salman tells us about sewage spills during last year’s epic storm season.

Then: These same storms wrecked small businesses in this area, and that still makes economic ripples. Josh Salman of the Suncoast Searchlight brings us that story.