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East County | Opinion

    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 17, 2011
Our View: County is one for two

Manatee County commissioners got one of the toughest decisions right in the budget for next year. They kept the property tax rate flat. Or so it appears. That will not be official until the final rate is approved in September.

  • East County
  • Opinion
  • By Jorge Blanco
  • August 10, 2011
The Castaway

This week's Castaway cartoon.

  • Sarasota
  • News
  • By Rod Thomson
  • August 10, 2011
My View: Government debt is a moral failure

The moral compass for the majority of our political leadership in both parties is what is right for re-election, not the country's future.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 10, 2011
Our View: Three portraits in courage

It can be all too easy to get bottled up in policies, politics and personalities and miss the amazing ways in which everyday people accomplish greatness.

  • East County
  • Opinion
  • By Rod Thomson
  • August 3, 2011
My View: Give school boards more control

The nearly 40-year-old, school-funding program de-links those who set tax rates with those who spend the money. This erases accountability.

  • East County
  • Opinion
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 3, 2011
Our View: 'Yes' on straw poll

After two years of discussion and debate, a huge step is being taken to turn Lakewood Ranch into its own city.

  • East County
  • Opinion
  • By Rod Thomson
  • July 27, 2011
My View: The good news on jobs

In the relentless trashing by the mainstream media of everything Gov. Rick Scott does, there has been some pretty great news ignored lately.

  • East County
  • Opinion
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 27, 2011
Our View: IDA surplus won't last

Every level of government is on forced austerity as the economic recovery stumbles under the frightening federal debt load and regulatory uncertainty.

  • East County
  • Opinion
  • By Bob Hendel
  • July 27, 2011
My View: Incorporation reporting is unbalanced

In the June 22 East County Observer, the editors announced that the newspaper would launch a summer-long incorporation series. The goal was to provide residents with enough balanced information for residents to be more educated about the pros and cons of becoming a city. Our group, the Friends of Lakewood Ranch, welcomed that effort with enthusiasm.

  • East County
  • Opinion
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 20, 2011
Our View: District needs finance help

Manatee schools may need a financial intervention.

  • East County
  • Opinion
  • By Rod Thomson
  • July 20, 2011
My View: It's not a 'drain,' it's a wash

A recent news story reveals a misunderstanding of how the economics work. Employees contributing to their pensions doesn't lessen the economy.

  • East County
  • Opinion
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 13, 2011
Our View: What about the taxpayer?

As is all too common, an important party has not been at the table in the negotiations between the Manatee County School District and the Manatee Education Association.

  • East County
  • Opinion
  • By Rod Thomson
  • July 13, 2011
My View: Teacher lawsuit instructive

There is much to be learned from the lawsuit filed by the statewide teachers union and joined by others, including an entitlement mentality.

  • East County
  • Opinion
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 6, 2011
Our View: Re-think new house taxes

Building a new house in Manatee County will get a little more expensive beginning Oct. 1, thanks to the County Commission breezily approving a new impact fee schedule with nary a peep.

  • East County
  • Opinion
  • By Rod Thomson
  • July 6, 2011
My View: Sarasota County got Benderson right

The Sarasota County Commission was right to eliminate the Benderson's affordable housing provision. But there is a bigger issue involved.

  • East County
  • Opinion
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Latest in East County

1
Three comedians including Bradenton's Tim Boyd will perform at the “Hearts of Hope: A Valentine’s Comedy Night” fundraiser to benefit Harbor 58, Foster the Family, and Bring on the Ministry on Feb. 13.
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Nonprofits to host Valentine's comedy fundraiser in Lakewood Ranch
2
The Lakewood Ranch Garden Club Butterfly Symposium will take place at 9 a.m. on Feb. 7 at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall.
  • February 4, 2026
Butterfly symposium lands at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall
3
Braden River boys basketball has clinched its first 20-win season since 2011-12, and won eight games in a row to close out the regular season.
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Sisterhood for Good members Nikki Pelier-Simon, Samina Morrow and Allison Adams show off some fashions that will be in the spotlight at Tropical Escape July 27 at the Sarasota Polo Club.
  • February 4, 2026
Lakewood Ranch fundraiser is a hula for moolah
5
Thundercloud Ranch is one of two conservation easements Manatee County purchased Jan. 27.
  • February 4, 2026
Manatee County purchases two easements, conserves nearly 1,500 acres

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