Latest news with #Sarasota
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Protesters rallying against budget airline's ICE deportation flights picket outside SRQ
Local protesters against national immigration policy turned their attention to a budget airline carrying out deportation flights Saturday. Approximately 30 people gathered at the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport to protest Avelo Airlines' contract with Department of Homeland Security's Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to carry out deportation flights. The demonstration was part of a nationwide effort opposing Avelo, which saw groups in around 30 cities where Avelo operates picket near their airports to protest the contract. The demonstration was organized by a number of local and state activist groups like the Democratic Women's Club of Sarasota County, Indivisible Manatee and the Florida Valkyries, a statewide social justice organization. Collin Piper, a member of the Valkyries, said protesters were responding to both the Avelo contract and President Donald Trump's aggressive immigration policy, which has spurred an uptick in ICE activity. 'Avelo is the issue. They are complicit,' Piper said. 'But the bigger issue is they're trying to remove the right of due process from the constitution.' Avelo signed a deal with the Department of Homeland Security worth around $150 million in April. Three Boeing 737-800 aircrafts began flying from Arizona's Mesa Gateway Airport May 12. It's unclear how many have flown since then, and it's also unknown whether any of these deportation flights have flown from SRQ. The airport did not respond to requests for comment in time for publication. Avelo flies two nonstop routes — one to New Haven, Connecticut, and one to Wilmington, Delaware — from SRQ. The airline is billed as a low-budget carrier with nonstop routes to major and mid-major cities − the kind of flights that have spurred significant growth at SRQ in recent years. Avelo has framed its contract with ICE as a financial necessity, as it brought investment bank Jeffries Group LLC to help it raise around $100 million to ease recent financial struggles. Avelo founder and CEO Andrew Levy said the contract was 'too valuable not to pursue,' Connecticut's Middletown Press reported. 'We realize this is a sensitive and complicated topic. After significant deliberations, we determined this charter flying will provide us with the stability to continue expanding our core scheduled passenger service and keep our more than 1,100 Crewmembers employed for years to come," Levy said in a statement. The Stop Avelo Coalition − a collection of activists, legislators and social justice groups piling the pressure on the airline − has called on a nationwide boycott of the airline. Saturday's string of demonstrations were the latest in a list of efforts the coalition has made to raise awareness of the contract. Protesters at SRQ lined University Parkway across from the airport, wielding signs and chanting as cars whizzed past. 'Hey hey, ho ho, Avelo Airlines got to go,' and, 'Say it loud, say it clear, immigrants are welcome here,' rang out through bullhorns as the protest lingered for around two hours. Valkyries founder Bryson Holtzer said the protest was a call to ICE for more transparency amid nationwide raids, like one that occurred at a Tallahassee construction site May 29. It was one of Florida's largest since Trump announced aggressive immigration policy at the beginning of his term this year, with ICE detaining more than 100 people. 'We definitely want to reinstate due process,' Holtzer said. 'We'd like ICE to be more transparent with what they're doing, how they're collecting people, where they're sending them.' Demonstrators are hopeful public pressure will persuade Avelo to back out of its contract and stop the flights. Though the long-term goal of these protests is immigration reform at the national level, attendees of Saturday's event said getting Avelo's attention is an important step in the immediacy. Chris Kilmer, a Sarasota resident, said he hopes the nationwide displays send the message that Avelo customers oppose the flights. 'What Avelo Airlines is doing, it's wrong,' Kilmer said. 'They're deporting people without due process. For some people, it's a death sentence.' Contact Herald-Tribune Reporter Heather Bushman at hbushman@ Follow her on Twitter @hmb_1013. This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Protesters rally against Avelo Airline's ICE contract outside SRQ
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Gov. DeSantis, wanna help Floridians? Give us a break on food, clothing taxes.
The governor's proposal to eliminate Florida's property tax would be catastrophic to the state budget. Why not eliminate the sales tax on groceries. Perhaps clothing as well. Both of these would impact all Floridians. Bill and Connie Sullivan, Sarasota Gov. Ron DeSantis and his Republican allies are working to make it harder for the public to participate in the ballot initiative process. One can only assume the governor and his pals prefer to decide things for themselves rather than listening to actual voters. House Bill 1205, which became law May 2, requires petition circulators to be Florida residents and U.S. citizens, requires petition circulators to re-register with the state under stricter requirements and shortens the petition delivery period to 10 days. Opponents argue the law subjects people to steep fines and criminal penalties in violation of the First and 14th Amendments of the U.S. Constitution. They seek a court order blocking enforcement of the law. Because we live in a state that has been hijacked by an extremist majority, we must take action at the ballot box and with citizen initiatives making it possible for our voices to be heard. Laurie Ulrop, Punta Gorda Virtually every action taken by President Donald Trump since Jan. 20, 2025, has been a violation of the Constitution and the laws of the United States. Thanks to dozens of brave and principled judges, nearly all of Trump's agenda is currently the subject of injunctions that restrain the implementation of his illegal orders. These rulings have been decided by judges appointed by presidents of both parties. While these court orders have not reversed the damage inflicted by Trump's unlawful actions, it is a hopeful sign that our country still abides by the rule of law. These decisions will undoubtedly make their way to the Supreme Court, where the justices will get to choose whether or not they stand for democracy. While some of us may be frustrated by how long this is all taking, we can take comfort knowing the basic values of our country are standing firm against a would-be authoritarian. Lorraine Moneypenny, Port Charlotte At 92, I've witnessed many things in my lifetime. I hope I've gained some wisdom and perspective. Worrying about the generations following me, I've engaged in some magical thinking. Or perhaps a rational response to what is a major threat. In the words of astronomer Carl Sagan, '… our responsibility to deal more kindly and compassionately with one another and to preserve and cherish that pale blue dot, the only home we've ever known.' An analogy: Imagine Earth as a large house. We all inhabit this house. Outside a flood, fire or hurricane approaches. Inside everyone is arguing about what color to paint the walls. Isn't this similar to what's happening on our planet? Wouldn't it make sense to tap each other's strengths and cooperate instead of looking at each other as adversaries? Guns are no protection against rising seas, floods and climate change. I still think this is our major challenge but what President Donald Trump has done in his first 100 days looms as a more immediate danger. The survival of our democracy is at stake. He must be impeached. Rhana Bazzini, Sarasota Write to us: How to send a letter to the editor This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Floridians need a break on high food, clothing taxes | Letters
Fast Company
27-05-2025
- Business
- Fast Company
Trump Media to raise $2.5 billion to build a bitcoin reserve
President Donald Trump's media company said Tuesday that institutional investors will buy $2.5 billion in the company's stock with the proceeds going to build up a bitcoin reserve. About 50 institutional investors will put up $1.5 billion in the private placement for common shares in the company and another $1 billion for convertible senior notes, according to Trump Media and Technology Group, the operator of Truth Social and other companies. Trump Media said it intends to use the proceeds for the creation of a 'bitcoin treasury.' 'This investment will help defend our Company against harassment and discrimination by financial institutions, which plague many Americans and U.S. firms,' said Trump Media CEO and Chairman Devin Nunes in prepared remarks. Shares of Trump Media & Technology Group Corp., based in Sarasota, Fla., tumbled 9% Other companies have adopted similar strategies through cryptocurrency. Cloud and mobile software developer MicroStrategy Inc. has built up a treasury reserve containing billions worth of bitcoin through stock sales and debt financing. Trump, who referred to cryptocurrencies in his first term as 'not money,' citing volatility and a value 'based on thin air,' has shifted his views on the technology. During an event at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida during his presidential campaign in May 2024, Trump received assurances that crypto industry backers would spend lavishly to get him reelected. Last week, Trump rewarded 220 of the top investors in one of his other cryptocurrency projects — the $Trump meme coin —with a swanky dinner luxury golf club in Northern Virginia, spurring accusations that the president was mixing his duties in the White House with personal profit.
Associated Press
27-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Trump Media Announces Approximately $2.5 Billion Bitcoin Treasury Deal
SARASOTA, Fla., May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Trump Media and Technology Group Corp. (Nasdaq, NYSE Texas: DJT) ('Trump Media' or the 'Company'), operator of the social media platform Truth Social, the streaming platform Truth+, and the FinTech brand announced today that it has entered into subscription agreements with approximately 50 institutional investors, under which the Company agreed to issue and sell approximately $1.5 billion in the Company's common stock and $1.0 billion in principal amount of 0.00% convertible senior secured notes, for gross proceeds of an aggregate approximately $2.5 billion, in a private placement offering (the 'Offering'). The Offering is expected to close on or about May 29, 2025, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions. The Company intends to use the proceeds for the creation of a Bitcoin treasury. One of the largest Bitcoin treasury deals of any public company, the move closes Trump Media's previously announced special acquisition fund, which is one of numerous ways, including through potential mergers and acquisitions, that the Company is aiming to expand its reach throughout the America First economy. Trump Media's CEO and Chairman Devin Nunes said, 'We view Bitcoin as an apex instrument of financial freedom, and now Trump Media will hold cryptocurrency as a crucial part of our assets. Our first acquisition of a crown jewel asset, this investment will help defend our Company against harassment and discrimination by financial institutions, which plague many Americans and U.S. firms, and will create synergies for subscription payments, a utility token, and other planned transactions across Truth Social and Truth+. It's a big step forward in the Company's plans to evolve into a holding company by acquiring additional profit-generating, crown jewel assets consistent with America First principles.' The $2.5 billion Offering, comprising approximately $1.5 billion in Trump Media common stock at the last market price and $1.0 billion in convertible notes at a conversion price equal to a 35 percent premium, will place Bitcoin on Trump Media's balance sheet alongside existing cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments totaling $759.0 million as of the end of the first quarter of 2025. Yorkville Securities, LLC and Clear Street LLC acted as Co-lead placement agents, with BTIG, LLC and Cohen & Company Capital Markets acting as Co-placement agents (collectively, the 'Placement Agents'). Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. acted as financial advisor. Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP is serving as legal counsel to the Company. Reed Smith LLP is serving as legal counsel to the Placement Agents. and Anchorage Digital will provide custody for Trump Media's Bitcoin treasury. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in the United States or any other state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. Cautionary Statement About Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes forward-looking statements regarding, among other things, the plans, strategies, and prospects, both business and financial, of Trump Media. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and projections about future events, including expected timing and result of the Offering, the closing date, potential merger & acquisition activity, the rollout of products and features, our Bitcoin treasury strategy, the future plans, timing and potential success of the streaming services and the launch and success of our financial services and FinTech platform. Although we believe that our plans, intentions, and expectations reflected in or suggested by these forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot assure you that we will achieve or realize these plans, intentions, or expectations. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Generally, statements that are not historical facts, including statements concerning possible or assumed future actions, business strategies, events, or results of operations, are forward-looking statements. These statements may be preceded by, followed by, or include the words 'believes,' 'estimates,' 'expects,' 'projects,' 'forecasts,' 'may,' 'will,' 'should,' 'seeks,' 'plans,' 'scheduled,' 'anticipates,' 'soon,' 'goal,' 'intends,' or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that may cause our actual results to differ materially from the expectations that we describe in our forward-looking statements. There may be events in the future that we are not accurately able to predict, or over which we have no control. About Trump Media The mission of Trump Media is to end Big Tech's assault on free speech by opening up the Internet and giving people their voices back. Trump Media operates Truth Social, a social media platform established as a safe harbor for free expression amid increasingly harsh censorship by Big Tech corporations, as well as Truth+, a TV streaming platform focusing on family-friendly live TV channels and on-demand content. Trump Media is also launching a financial services and FinTech brand incorporating America First investment vehicles. Investor Relations Contact Shannon Devine (MZ Group | Managing Director - MZ North America) Email: [email protected] Media Contact [email protected]
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Federal cuts: Hurricane aircraft's Sarasota stop in public awareness campaign scrapped
As the six-month hurricane season looms, cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are already making a local impact. NOAA scrapped a pre-season public awareness event at the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport set for Thursday during the national hurricane preparedness week, which runs May 4-8. The cancelation of a scheduled visit from a Hurricane Hunter aircraft to draw attention to the need to prepare early for the season that begins June 1 comes as NOAA has undergone significant layoffs and funding cuts − and as the Sarasota area braces for what could be another extreme storm season. Hurricane experts from NOAA were scheduled months ago to visit Sarasota Bradenton International Airport in a Hurricane Hunter aircraft — which flies through tropical cyclones, including fierce hurricanes, to gather vital data — as part of the organization's Hurricane Awareness Tour. Public awareness and education is considered a critical element of hurricane preparedness, especially given the state's vulnerability to storms and rapidly growing population, with a constant influx of people from areas that don't regularly experience tropical weather. Knowing how and when to prepare, what type of evacuation zone you're in, whether you're in a flood zone and other information can be life and death information. But the event was scrapped early this year as President Donald Trump's administration implemented budget cuts. Jennifer Hubbard, a warning coordination meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Tampa, cited NOAA's implemented 'travel restrictions' as a reason for the cancelation in an email to the Herald-Tribune. She declined to comment further. The event was set toward the end of Sarasota County's hurricane preparedness week, which has already seen a host of events aimed at educating the community on how to get ready for storm season. The county has emphasized a different component of hurricane preparedness each day this week: Sunday, May 4: Know Your Risk: Water & Wind Monday, May 5: Prepare Before Hurricane Season Tuesday, May 6: Understand Forecast Information Wednesday, May 7: Get Moving When a Storm Threatens Thursday, May 8: Stay Protected During Storms Friday, May 9: Use Caution After Storms Saturday, May 10: Take Action Today NOAA is a comprehensive federal organization that studies Earth's atmosphere, oceans and climate. NOAA includes components like the National Weather Service, which provides forecasts and warnings from regional offices across the country, and it typically releases a forecast for hurricane season — which runs June 1 to Nov. 30 — on May 15. The Trump administration laid off an estimated 650 NOAA employees — including two Hurricane Hunter flight directors and an electronic engineer — in February in the name of cutting government spending. NOAA employees have been told to expect a 50% reduction in its staff of almost 12,000. The cuts, NOAA scientists say, could impede NOAA's forecasting ability, hindering a key element of public safety. Last year's seasonal forecast predicted eight to 13 hurricanes and four to seven major hurricanes — in line with the 11 hurricanes and five major hurricanes that formed in 2024, including the three that struck Sarasota-Manatee. More: Plan to merge New College and USF Sarasota-Manatee halted at legislative session Other organizations like the Climate Adaptation Center (CAC) — a nonprofit organization comprised of climate scientists, executives and entrepreneurs — supplement NOAA services with activities of their own. The CAC issued its prediction of 17 named storms, 10 hurricanes and five major hurricanes last month: an above-average season similar to last year's historic parade of storms. Bob Bunting, the center's CEO, said forecasting services from organizations like NOAA and the CAC are essential to the Sarasota area. In a region that saw three hurricanes in 65 days, Bunting said residents should know what to expect as quickly and accurately as possible to properly prepare. 'Our community is so vulnerable,' Bunting said. 'Early preparation here has a different meaning.' More: Sarasota City Commission reboots city manager search, decides to hire new firm to help No component of preparation — securing your home, stocking up on supplies and making an evacuation plan — is possible without knowing when or where a hurricane is set to hit, Bunting said. Cutting-edge research and technology from organizations like NOAA have allowed millions of people in vulnerable areas, including the more-than 65,000 Sarasota County residents who live in Flood Zone A, to weather an increasingly severe onslaught of storms. 'They then can evacuate, prepare, get their houses ready,' Bunting said, 'the million little things that communities do to survive these climate impacts.' Contact Herald-Tribune Reporter Heather Bushman at hbushman@ Follow her on Twitter @hmb_1013. This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Federal NOAA cuts hit hurricane awareness, possibly season forecasting
