Published by the Florida Center for Government Accountability
Michael Barfield
Director of Public Access & Lead Investigative Reporter
Michael Barfield is an investigative reporter and FLCGA’s director of public access. He regularly assists journalists across the country with collecting information and publishing news reports obtained from public records and other sources. He is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists and Investigative Reporters & Editors.
Delayed ID, missed arrest, downgraded charge: How Piccolo avoided jail for months
Fred Piccolo Jr., the former New College communications director accused multiple times of indecent exposure, avoided arrest for months due to identification delays, a missed …
Celebratory photo fuels scrutiny over $7.5M grant
UPDATE: April 22 2025 at 3:13 p.m. — After the publication of our original article below, the Sarasota County Commission voted 3-1 this morning to …
Sarasota City Manager Search Descends Into Chaos
What started as a routine city manager search unraveled into a public spectacle recently at Sarasota’s City Commission. The breakdown on Friday, April 11, played …
Developers Pulling Rank: How Power Plays Shape Sarasota County Decisions
Mega-developer Rex Jensen of Lakewood Ranch has built a reputation for getting his way—and pushing back hard when he doesn’t. Jensen, the CEO of Schroeder-Manatee …
New details emerge as Manatee families demand action on Debby flooding
For months, Manatee County officials have been sitting on key information — unknown to the public — that could answer questions about the severe flooding …
Sarasota County halts massive Hi Hat Ranch land deal
The Sarasota County Commission voted unanimously Tuesday morning to stop work on a proposed agreement with Hi Hat Ranch, directing staff to cease further drafts …
Behind Closed Doors: Sarasota County’s contentious negotiations with a developer
Hi Hat Ranch, Sarasota County’s largest development project that will add over 13,000 homes east of I-75, recently moved forward with a controversial plan allowing …
Deadly Justice: How a preventable tragedy unfolded
Sarasota, FL — In the early hours of Saturday, May 18, 2024, a cascade of failures within the Florida criminal justice system led to a …
Lawsuit alleges former St. Lucie sheriff illegally spied on own commander with hidden cameras
A former commander at the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office claims in a lawsuit he was illegally surveilled in his office and then retaliated against …
Voters issue stunning rebuke to DeSantis and developers in Manatee and Sarasota races
The most notable losers in Tuesday’s primary elections in Manatee and Sarasota counties weren’t even on the ballot. Governor Ron DeSantis, GOP political consultant Anthony …
Residents uninformed of Lake Manatee dam risk before storm
As Tropical Storm Debby moved across Cuba Friday, Aug. 2, the National Hurricane Center warned of heavy rain and flooding along Florida’s west coast. “The …
Public official Moran spent $36,000 in taxpayers’ money on lavish travel, steak dinners, and booze
Sarasota County Commission chair Mike Moran has slashed funding for early learning and childcare programs, calling them “socialism.” Now running for county tax collector, his …