Suncoast Searchlight

New College Foundation Votes to Dissolve Alumni Association Despite Objections

Critics and other community members argued the move would eliminate an independent alumni voice and further divide the college, which was transformed in recent years under Gov. Ron DeSantis.

07/30/2026 By Francesca Abarca/Suncoast Searchlight and Gabriela Szymanowska/Suncoast Searchlight

Suncoast Searchlight

New College Foundation Seeks to Dissolve School's Alumni Association

The Foundation’s board is scheduled to vote on the changes Wednesday, and if approved, alumni leaders will convene to seek potential legal action.

07/27/2026 By Gabriela Szymanowska/Suncoast Searchlight

From the Editor

Goodbye to USF Sarasota-Manatee—and New College

Instead of having two strong institutions serving our region, we lost both to politics. 

07/01/2026 By Susan Burns

Good, Bad, Baffling

Our Judgy Take on Current Events: July Edition

Data centers, redrawn Congressional maps, a win for environmentally sensitive lands and a controversial figure plotting his return to politics.

07/01/2026

The New New College

John Oliver Takes Aim at New College of Florida

"It's not going great," the late-night host said of the political takeover and institutional upheaval that have transformed New College's campus since 2023.

06/08/2026 By Kendall Southworth

Politics

USF Sarasota-Manatee Will Be Transferred to New College

That's despite major public outcry from the public, business leaders and state and national legislators.

05/26/2026 By Megan McDonald and Susan Burns

Education

The Fate of University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee Will Be Decided Soon

Business organizations and community leaders are urging lawmakers to save USF-SM instead of handing the campus to New College of Florida.

05/07/2026 By Susan Burrns

Politics

Sarasota's Sydney Gruters Officially Announces Congressional Run

Gruters raised more than $100,000 after announcing her run, according to her campaign.

04/06/2026 By Staff

Update

The Florida Senate Pulls Back on USF Sarasota-Manatee Transfer

The Senate Appropriations Committee adopted a “delete everything” amendment on the plan to transfer campus facilities to New College of Florida.

03/05/2026 By Susan Burns

It Ain’t Over Yet

Supporters Rally to Save the University of South Florida-Sarasota Manatee From New College’s Proposed Takeover

The proposal (HB 5601) has already been approved by the House’s Higher Education Budget Subcommittee. So far, the Senate has not included the transfer in its bill. Local leaders urge citizens to act fast to oppose it.

02/26/2026 By Susan Burns

Education

Will USF Sarasota-Manatee Disappear?

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis wants to give New College the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus, but local leaders, businesspeople, students and faculty plan to speak out at a Feb. 25 meeting.

02/19/2026 By Elizabeth Djinis

Fast Track

Florida Center for Government Accountability Names Michael Barfield Executive Director

Plus, Gov. Ron DeSantis appoints Urban Meyer to New College's board of trustees, and more.

01/12/2026 By Staff

Campus Memorial

New College of Florida Plans Statue of Charlie Kirk

The Sarasota school is commissioning a privately funded monument to the slain activist as other campuses weigh tributes following his murder in Utah.

09/16/2025 By Kim Doleatto

Suncoast Searchlight

Privatization Push Emerges at New College as Ex-Insider Breaks With DeSantis Allies

New College alum Nathan Allen has laid out a multi-million-dollar proposal to wean New College off taxpayer dollars over the next decade

09/05/2025 By Alice Herman/Suncoast Searchlight

The Arts

Ringling Museum Will Remain Under FSU's Management

The proposed transfer of the museum from Florida State University's stewardship to New College of Florida's was left out of the 2025 legislative budget.

06/17/2025 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

Uncertain Future

A Newly Formed Group Is Working to Oppose New College's Proposed Takeover of the Ringling Museum

Citizens to Protect the Ringling is rallying museum supporters ahead of the upcoming legislative session.

02/27/2025 By Kay Kipling

Weather

Sarasota County Schools to Close From Sept. 25 to Sept. 27 Due to Tropical Storm Helene

Manatee County schools, Ringling College and New College also announced closures.

09/24/2024 By Staff

Talks

Bill Nye Is Coming to Sarasota as Part of New College's 'Socratic Stage' Speaker Series

The beloved 'Science Guy' will join author and journalist Michael Shellenberger on stage at the Sarasota Opera House on Saturday, Sept. 14.

08/29/2024 By Staff

Year One

Inside New College of Florida’s Radical Transformation

New College's first full academic year under its new Board of Trustees is almost over. Elizabeth Djinis looks at how the institution has changed, and what the future might hold.

05/08/2024 By Elizabeth Djinis Illustrations by Michael Byers