NewsSuncoast SearchlightAugust 26, 2026Sarasota County
Sarasota County Commission approves 2027 arts grants with new DEI stipulations
The Sarasota County Commission approved tourist tax grants for 2027 while maintaining new diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) requirements for recipients. 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 specific stipulations to receive public tourist tax funding for the 2027 fiscal year, directly impacting their eligibility for financial support.
Key Facts
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Who's Mentioned
personRon DeSantis“Governor of Florida who signed SB 1134.”personHannah Levitte“Marketing Director of Urbanite Theatre.”personTeresa Mast“Sarasota County Commissioner who questioned the inclusion of Urbanite Theatre.”organizationArts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County“Administers the grant program.”personJosh Taylor“Sarasota County spokesman.”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 budget.”personRon Cutsinger“Sarasota County Commission Chairman.”personEmily Blaine“Sarasota County spokeswoman.”organizationUrbanite Theatre“Declined the grant due to DEI compliance requirements.”