Episode 406: WSLR News Wed., Jan. 7: Sarasota school makeover; Newtown's historic schools; big development in Venice; public housing near downtown; a Venezuela skeptic

A makeover of Sarasota’s elementary and middle schools is moving at a fast pace, taking on a dynamic way beyond the original intent of repelling for-profit schools’ takeover of buildings.Then: Enrollment at two historic schools in Sarasota’s historic African American neighborhood has dipped, while enrollment at a new charter school has gone up. We have a report why - despite this - there’s excitement in Newtown about the future of those schools.Next: A big commercial development in Venice is winding its way through the approval process, and we have the details. Then: More affordable housing for seniors in walking distance to downtown took a step towards construction in the Sarasota City Commission - but not without controversy.Finally: Many Venezuelans in Florida are elated about the U.S. intervention in their country. We interviewed one who is not.