An internal audit of Booker High School found that former head football coach Carlos Woods made 55 unapproved Avis car rentals charged to the school’s account, totaling more than $15,000. The district’s termination letter accused him of using school funds for personal, unauthorized purposes and misconduct in office. Woods and the school parted ways in July, and the fallout hit the field hard: dozens of players transferred, and the 2026 varsity season was canceled.
This week brought the first public response from Woods’ side. His attorney says the district’s findings represent one version of events, that his office is conducting its own independent investigation, and that Woods will not do interviews while a separate Sarasota Police criminal investigation is underway. No charges have been filed, and the district is standing by its decision to terminate.
The whole situation leaves the Booker community in limbo. A program that was riding high is now without a coach and without a season, and the legal questions remain unresolved. Whatever comes next, the players and families who invested in that team are the ones feeling it most.
What do you think the district should do next for the Booker High football community?
