Christian Casale/Suncoast Searchlight

Sean Snaith, the director of the University of Central Florida’s Institute for Economic Forecasting, told Sarasota County Commissioners during a May 20 budget workshop that the Iran War brings a risk of recession.

Economist warns Sarasota County commissioners of looming economic threat

Although fears of a recession over President Donald Trump’s tariff policies did not come to fruition, Sarasota County Commissioners were told recently that the nation’s military engagement in the Middle East presents a looming economic threat. The most immediate impacts of the Iran War are felt at the pumps and in the price of airfare and there could be other long-term ramifications.

Sarasota County now faces a $1.7 billion shortfall to address the ongoing traffic and road safety woes.

Transportation

As development booms, Sarasota County faces $1.7B transportation shortfall

Christian Casale/Suncoast Searchlight

During a special county commission workshop, staff planners outlined nearly $2.3 billion in transportation infrastructure needs over the next 13 years. But with only $573 million in projected revenue to pay for it, Sarasota County now faces a $1.7 billion shortfall.

U.S. Congressman Byron Donalds speaking with attendees at the 2025 AmericaFest at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona.

Investigation

Sarasota’s property appraiser is moving millions from AI moguls to support Byron Donalds

Christian Casale/Suncoast Searchlight

Sarasota County Property Appraiser Bill Furst chairs a political committee that has moved millions of dollars from wealthy supporters of artificial intelligence, including the co-founder of Open AI, the company behind ChatGPT, to Byron Donalds’ candidacy for Florida governor.