Suncoast Searchlight

Most Suncoast Lawmakers Quiet as Charter School Expansion Fuels Local Upheaval

The same lawmakers who voted earlier this year to let charter schools move into underused public campuses have stayed quiet as a Miami-based charter operator’s early push to occupy local schools set off confusion and concern among parents and educators.

10/20/2025 By McKenna Oxenden/Suncoast Searchlight and Derek Gilliam/Suncoast Searchlight

Politics

Sarasota's Joe Gruters Named Chair of Republican National Committee

Gruters is a fourth-generation Sarasotan who's directly tied to Donald Trump's rise to power.

08/25/2025 By Staff

Power Up

The 25 Most Powerful People in Sarasota

From business leaders to activists, elected officials and philanthropists, these are the people shaping Sarasota’s future.

04/02/2025 By Kim Doleatto, Lauren Jackson, Cooper Levey-Baker, and Megan McDonald

Tiger Bay

Sarasota Tiger Bay Club Announces April Legislative Update

A panel will include state Sen. Joe Gruters, state Rep. Tommy Gregory and state Rep. Will Robinson.

03/11/2022 By Staff

Politics

State Lawmakers Vote Down Bill to Incorporate Siesta Key

A proposal to create a town on Siesta Key needed a majority vote to move on to the state Legislature.

01/05/2022 By Kim Doleatto

The Tipping Point

Will Florida Join Other States in Restricting Access to Abortion?

With a GOP-dominated legislature in an election year in Florida, abortion access is poised to change. To what extent is the big question.

01/01/2022 By Elizabeth Djinis

Politics

Trump to Hold Rally in Sarasota Next Week

The event will take place on Saturday, July 3, at the Sarasota Fairgrounds.

06/24/2021 By Staff

Politics

How Far Will Joe Gruters Go?

Sarasota's Joe Gruters is the original Trumper and now one of Florida’s most powerful politicians. He’s not stopping there.

12/30/2019 By David Hackett

Politics

Lawmakers File Bills to Ban LGBT Discrimination in Employment and Housing

The 'Florida Competitive Workforce Act' would outlaw discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.

01/24/2019 By Staff

Politics

'Meet the Leaders' Event Focuses on Upcoming Legislative Session

The Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County event will feature state Sen. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, and political analyst Susan MacManus.

01/23/2019 By Staff

Politics

Sarasota Officials Named to Top Posts in State Republican Party

State Sen. Joe Gruters and Sarasota County Commissioner Christian Ziegler were recently named chairman and vice chairman of the Republican Party of Florida.

01/14/2019 By Staff

Politics

Recapping Tuesday's Local Election Results

Local voters on Tuesday reelected Vern Buchanan to another term, while also reelecting state Rep. Margaret Good, a Democrat.

11/06/2018 By Staff

Environment

Lawmakers Hosting Red Tide Town Hall Saturday

State Reps. Margaret Good and Joe Gruters are holding a joint town hall from 3 to 4:30 p.m. this Saturday, Aug. 25, to hear concerns about red tide.

08/22/2018 By Staff

Politics

'Legislative Update' Scheduled for April 19

The next Sarasota Tiger Bay Club meeting will feature an update from the area's state lawmakers.

04/11/2018 By Staff

Politics

State Lawmaker to Speak at Next Republican Club Dinner

State Rep. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, will speak about 'the past, present and future of the GOP' during the Sarasota Republican Club's next dinner.

02/23/2018 By Staff

Transportation

Sarasota Politician Named to Amtrak Board

President Donald Trump on Friday appointed state Rep. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, to the Board of Directors of Amtrak.

02/02/2018 By Staff

Politics

State Lawmakers Provide Legislative Update June 1

State Sen. Greg Steube and state Reps. Julio Gonzalez, Joe Gruters and Alex Miller will provide an update on state government and the state Legislature.

05/25/2017 By staff