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2 weeks ago | 
suncoastsearchlight.org | Clinton Engelberger |Suncoast Searchlight
Spraying pesticides over largely-populated areas is safe, according to Environmental Protection Agency guidelines. Christopher Lesser, director of the Manatee County Mosquito Control District, said the county uses EPA-registered pesticides for aerial mosquito control such as malathion, which is safe to apply 1 to 3 fluid ounces per acre. Being EPA-registered means the sprays pose “no real risk” to humans, nature or wildlife when guidelines are followed.
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2 weeks ago | 
suncoastsearchlight.org | Kara Newhouse
By: Kara Newhouse | Suncoast SearchlightTo examine how Florida Highway Patrol used automatic license plate reader technology from Flock Safety during the state’s recent immigration crackdown, we conducted an analysis of a national database of more than 4 million Flock searches. Below, we outline the methodology behind our findings.
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3 weeks ago | 
suncoastsearchlight.org | Alice Herman |Suncoast Searchlight
By: Alice HermanTwo former top finance officers at the New College Foundation say they were ousted in 2023 after pushing back against college administrators who sought to use donor-restricted funds to cover President Richard Corcoran’s salary and benefits — a move they said would violate the terms of the donations.
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3 weeks ago | 
suncoastsearchlight.org | Clinton Engelberger |Suncoast Searchlight
As homeowners and renters prepare for the scorching Florida summer, pouring hot water down the AC drain line can help alleviate minor clogs. The drain line is a white PVC pipe on the AC handler, usually found in a closet or garage. If the drain line is clogged, the AC may shut down or leak. First, turn off the AC unit. Locate the drain line and take off the cap. Slowly pour about a half a gallon of hot water (not boiling) down it and replace the cap. The water will dissolve buildup in the line.
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4 weeks ago | 
suncoastsearchlight.org | Clinton Engelberger |Suncoast Searchlight
If Sarasota County residents want more than one bin to store excess trash, they’ll need to pay a monthly fee. Sarasota County started a new contract in late March with two vendors ––– Waste Pro and FCC Environmental Services. Each will cover a different section of the county and provide one free waste bin for residents. For an additional bin, residents pay $7.60 per month with a house served by Waste Pro and $12 per month for FCC.
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1 month ago | 
suncoastsearchlight.org | Clinton Engelberger |Suncoast Searchlight
Florida passed a law two years ago to promote and grow charter schools, which, in turn, has led to a drop in public school funding. The Florida Policy Institute estimated the state spent $3.9 billion on vouchers for private education in 2024-25, up from the $3.2 billion during the prior school year. More students attending private or charter schools means less money for public schools.
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1 month ago | 
suncoastsearchlight.org | Clinton Engelberger |Suncoast Searchlight
Although motorists can get a ticket without the flashing signs, the speed limit being enforced depends on the time of day. When lights are flashing in a school zone in the city of Sarasota, a special speed limit –– usually 15 or 20 miles per hour –– is in effect. If drivers speed more than 10 mph over that limit, they’ll be automatically ticketed a $100 fine by speed-tracking cameras.
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1 month ago | 
suncoastsearchlight.org | Clinton Engelberger |Suncoast Searchlight
Though Sarasota residents might have been wary of drinking the funky-tasting tap water these past couple of weeks, it was perfectly safe to drink. The explanation behind the taste is free chlorine, which Sarasota County added on April 22 and stopped on May 6. Under Florida Administrative Code Rule 62-550.817, the Department of Environmental Protection recommends using free chlorine to disinfect drinking water from viruses and other harmful pathogens.
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1 month ago | 
suncoastsearchlight.org | Clinton Engelberger |Suncoast Searchlight
While it’s not the standard for school boards across Florida, Sarasota County’s decision to host one school board meeting per month isn’t out of the ordinary. State statutes require school districts to host no less than one meeting per month, and many counties — such as Osceola, Gulf, Polk and Palm Beach — take advantage of that minimum. Pinellas, Hillsborough, Alachua and Orange counties all host two meetings per month.
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Feb 21, 2025 | 
suncoastsearchlight.org | Josh Salman
By: Josh Salman | Suncoast SearchlightWhen three named storms slammed into the Suncoast this past hurricane season, they did more than just flood neighborhoods and topple power lines – they also forced millions of gallons of sewage into local waterways.