For the past several years, Sarasota County has experienced an influx of new residents that has resulted in a 6% increase in the population overall, and the trend is expected to continue. Once again, Sarasota has made U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Places to Live in the U.S” list, this time ranked as No. 11 of the top 150 selected cities. 

There are plenty of benefits to living in such a sought-after city, of course, and advantages, too, of an influx of younger professionals and families moving into an area that had for years maintained a reputation as a quiet retirement haven. 

But the population boom is placing a strain on the stock of affordable housing that is putting a squeeze on many residents. In fact, a report by the Florida Housing Coalition – which was sponsored in part by our foundation, along with partners at Gulf Coast Community Foundation, the Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation and The Patterson Foundation  –   finds that only two of the top 10 most common occupations pay enough to afford a one-bedroom rental at the fair market rate, and none of the 10 most common occupations pay enough to afford a median priced single-family home in Sarasota County.

The report, presented at the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce’s Affordable Housing Summit 2.0 on Nov. 22, indicated that nearly 14,000 affordable homes for low-income households will need to be built by 2035 just to keep pace with expected household growth.

As home values rise, so too is the cost of renting. Yet, while the median household income for homeowners is also on the rise, incomes for renters remain stagnant, leaving them largely unable to keep up with escalating rents. In 2024, one-third of all households in Sarasota County were housing-cost burdened, meaning they spend more than 30% of their annual income on housing expenses. For many, this is a burden too large to bear. Over the past year, our foundation’s Season of Sharing, a community safety net in place to help people avoid homelessness, allocated 92% of all funding, or $3.4 million, to housing for people in need of assistance.

It’s unsustainable—and unconscionable—for people whose labor is largely to thank for the incredible quality of life enjoyed here to be priced out of living here. According to the Florida Chamber of Commerce, individuals between the ages of 25-35 are leaving the state and taking their children with them, a trend that threatens a key sector of the workforce. 

With these sobering figures in mind, a coalition of funders, nonprofits, business leaders and government agencies have come together to find solutions for this pressing challenge. As I always say, “all of us are smarter than one of us.”

This is a crisis that must be addressed to circumvent numerous consequences, among them major labor disruptions across sectors, including healthcare, construction and hospitality and tourism, to name a few. While that was a clear message of the summit, so too was another reality: this will require a coordinated effort. This is not a challenge that can be overcome with a patchwork of isolated efforts—the collaboration of the public, private and independent sectors will be key to discovering and activating solutions. 

We now have the data required to determine a path forward and we must. All available data project that, over the next 10 years, more families with more wealth will move into our county, and the time to act is now. 

This data, like all numbers, is only meaningful if it incites action. We know of a number that continues to inspire action—that annual ranking of our county among the nation’s best to live in, which year-after-year draws new residents. Let’s see if we can respond with an equal measure that ensures that our valuable workforce is not driven out by yet another significant number: the cost of rent.

Roxie Jerde is president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. 

Image courtesy Pixabay..

These days, artificial intelligence is a frequent topic of discussion. While AI is not new—it has been around for more than 60 years—it was used by relatively few until recently. In the last two decades, with the introduction of smartphones, smart TVs, smart cars and more, AI has become a part of everyday life. If we think we aren’t reliant on it, consider how lost we feel without GPS or how frustrated we get when voice-to-text features don’t decipher our words accurately. AI is here to stay, and it is evolving at rocket speed. Literally.

In education, it’s been fascinating to learn how AI is being used to enhance personalized learning for students. Through my reading, research and a lively discussion in a recent podcast with a professor who was an early adopter of AI, I’ve discovered both expected and unexpected uses for AI in the classroom.

Dr. Rebecca Hines, an associate professor at the University of Central Florida, has been integrating AI into her teaching since the 1990s, with a focus on its use in special education.

“AI to me means access and, more specifically, customization,” she said. Historically, additional support has been reserved for students needing extra assistance. Her perspective is broader: “Access doesn’t mean you’re giving your highest flyers less; it means you’re giving everyone more. Customization means giving everyone what they need.”

Renowned educator and founder of Khan Academy, Sal Kahn views AI as a personal tutor for students in all subjects at all levels, especially as AI becomes more adept at didactic human conversation and intuitive responses. AI can ask them questions to pique their curiosity and to encourage independent and critical thinking.

About his own generative AI tool Kahn says, “You can imagine this unlocks learning literature, you can talk to historical figures, we’re probably going to add an activity where you can talk to, like the Mississippi River. It brings things to life in ways that were really were science fiction even six months or a year ago.” Engaging students on a personalized level such as this will forever change the way students learn. 

AI can also empower teachers in a variety of ways, including handling task-driven activities for them, such as taking attendance, grading tests, and creating lesson plans, allowing teachers more time with their students. This extra time could be spent working one-on-one with students who need help or creating extension lessons for those eager to learn more. Important guardrails are built in, allowing teachers to retain control, setting the filters and parameters specific to their students and lessons.

The full scope of AI’s benefits will surely unfold, and right now it can enhance education by allowing access to all students. As Dr. Hines reminds her colleagues, “Let’s not leave our kids behind by not embracing something with so much potential.” 

The future of teaching is here. I’ll be curious to learn how it continues to be shaped by powerful tools like AI.

Jennifer Vigne is president and CEO of the Education Foundation of Sarasota County. 

Image courtesy Pixabay..

We are incredibly grateful to our Sarasota County community for their overwhelming support of the recent millage referendum, which received an impressive 84% approval rating—the highest in Florida. Your trust and investment demonstrate our shared commitment to educational excellence. This remarkable endorsement is crucial in helping us provide competitive compensation packages that attract and retain top-quality educators. 

Few factors influence student outcomes as significantly as the quality of teachers in the classroom. Sarasota County Schools has substantially increased starting teacher salaries through a historic contract settlement and launched a comprehensive two-year compensation plan. This landmark agreement places our district at the forefront of teacher compensation, with starting salaries set to reach $60,000 beginning next school year. This highlights the critical role educators play in shaping the future of our students and community.

Recruiting and retaining exceptional teachers and staff is central to any school district's success. Elevating teacher compensation makes our schools more competitive and affirms our commitment to valuing and investing in our educators. The new contract, which includes an average annual raise of 5%, will provide a significant increase of over $7,500 for our teachers over two years. This reflects our dedication to fair and competitive pay that rewards the expertise and commitment of our instructional staff.

Quality teaching is one of the most influential factors in student achievement and engagement. By investing in our educators, we are investing in the future success of every student. The enhanced compensation package will help attract and retain talented educators while supporting ongoing professional development and fostering a culture of excellence throughout our district.

This milestone has only been possible through the collective efforts of our educators, union leadership, administrators, and community stakeholders. By investing in our teachers, we are laying a strong foundation for a vibrant educational system that prepares students for success in an ever-evolving world.

Looking ahead, Sarasota County Schools remains committed to continuous improvement and innovation. Continuing the millage referendum and contract settlement represents a significant step forward and a catalyst for future growth and success. By nurturing a supportive environment where teachers can thrive, we are positioning our district as a model of educational excellence.

The success of our schools is rooted in the strength of our community. We thank you for your support and belief in investing in high-quality teachers. Together, we are building a brighter future for Sarasota County Schools—one where every student can reach their full potential. Let us continue to champion our educators and celebrate their transformative impact on our students and community.

Terry Connor is the superintendent of Sarasota County Schools. 

Image courtesy Pixabay.