NewsSuncoast SearchlightAugust 26, 2026Sarasota County
Sarasota County approves 2027 arts grants with new diversity stipulations
Sarasota County commissioners approved tourist tax grants for arts organizations for 2027 while maintaining new diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) requirements. The decision resulted in the exclusion of the Urbanite Theatre from the funding list.
Read the full story at Suncoast SearchlightWhy It Matters
Local arts organizations must comply with new county-mandated stipulations to receive public funding for the 2027 fiscal year.
Key Facts
Each fact below is taken from the article. Click one to see the exact passage.
Who's Mentioned
personRon DeSantis“Governor who signed SB 1134 into law.”personHannah Levitte“Marketing Director of Urbanite Theatre.”personTeresa Mast“Sarasota County Commissioner who questioned the inclusion of non-compliant organ”organizationArts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County“Administers the grant program and circulated the acknowledgement forms.”personSummer Wallace“Co-founder and producing artistic director of Urbanite Theatre.”personBrian Hersh“CEO of the Arts and Cultural Alliance.”organizationSarasota County Commission“Approved the arts grant funding and DEI requirements.”personRon Cutsinger“Sarasota County Commission Chairman.”organizationUrbanite Theatre“Declined the grant due to anti-DEI contract requirements.”