Rooted in Community: An Evening with WSLR

I recently attended WSLR’s Rooted in Community event in Sarasota. As a board member, it was a meaningful night to recognize the people who helped build something important for this community.

The event celebrated founders David Beaton and Arlene Sweeting, who will be stepping down from leadership roles with WSLR+Fogartyville. Since 2005, WSLR has opened the airwaves to community voices, musicians, artists, and local perspectives that don’t always have a place in mainstream media. Their work helped create a platform that brings people together through conversation and shared experience.

Mark Edgington at WSLR’s Rooted in Community Event

The evening included music by Big Night Out, a vegetarian and vegan buffet from Zildjian Catering, and remarks from special guest Rob Lorei, managing editor of Florida This Week on WEDU and a co-founder of WMNF Community Radio.

One of the biggest highlights was hearing that WSLR has reached its funding goals. That support makes it possible for the station to continue serving the community and preparing for new leadership.

It was a simple reminder that local media still matters when people are willing to support it. I’m grateful to be part of that work and to everyone who showed up to celebrate what’s been built and what comes next.

— Mark Edgington

This article also appears on Medium where you can learn more about Mark Edgington’s ongoing work.