Gabriela Szymanowska

3 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Gabriela Szymanowska

A lawsuit against New College of Florida alleging a violation of Florida's public records law has resolved with a settlement, according to court records. The Florida Center for Government Accountability, a nonprofit group focused on government accountability, sued New College of Florida and Trustee Christopher Rufo in February 2023 alleging that they withheld public records that the nonprofit had requested.

3 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Gabriela Szymanowska

The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office announced arrests made in two separate investigations, including a third arrest in the Twin Lakes shooting last November and an arrest in a Colson Avenue shooting earlier this month. Trae B. Ward, 33, of Sarasota, was taken into custody on May 8 in connection to an altercation-turned-shooting in the 2500 block of Colson Avenue on May 1, according to a SCSO news release.

4 weeks ago | usatoday.com | Chris Anderson |Gabriela Szymanowska

Former New College of Florida spokesperson Frederick Piccolo Jr. could have three misdemeanor charges for exposure of sexual organs in Sarasota County elevated to third-degree felonies, according to state attorney Ed Brodsky. Brodsky said Friday that enhancing the charges is under consideration by his office. If that were to occur, Piccolo would be facing a total of five felonies, including two in Manatee County. Each count is punishable by up to five years in prison.

1 month ago | yahoo.com | Gabriela Szymanowska

Former Manatee County Administrator Scott Hopes is facing additional charges 14 months after State Attorney Ed Brodsky initially filed three felony charges for notary fraud, grand theft and fraudulent use of public records. Since filing the case in February 2024, court records show on April 16 the State Attorney's Office decided to not prosecute Hopes with notary fraud.

1 month ago | yahoo.com | Christian Casale |Gabriela Szymanowska

When talking about Sarasota County’s prolonged jail overpopulation, there are two important numbers:773: The “operational capacity,” or the number of inmates a facility can accommodate based on its staff and services. 909: The “rated capacity,” which, according to the U.S. Department of Justice, is “the number of beds or inmates assigned” to an institution. The Sarasota County jail located in the heart of Sarasota has been overpopulated for more than 20 years.