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East County | Opinion

  • By Rod Thomson
  • March 2, 2011
MY VIEW: Anti-growthers reliably wrong

Local governments have wisely been reducing or ditching new home taxes known as impact fees to spur the economy. Opponents are spitting mad.

  • East County
  • Opinion
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 26, 2011
OUR VIEW: It's a great DEAL

Say this about Rex Jensen, chief executive officer of Schroeder-Manatee Ranch: He is a man of action and vision.

  • East County
  • Opinion
  • By Dr. Robert S. Stepleman
  • January 26, 2011
LETTER: Incorporation opposition harbors valid concerns

Michael Griffin's letter attacking Daniel Moriarty's earlier letter as a "personal attack" would be much more persuasive if Griffin's group favoring Lakewood Ranch incorporation had followed its own advice.

  • East County
  • Opinion
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 19, 2011
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 01.20.11

Informed and respectful debate of topics as important as the incorporation of Lakewood Ranch is both inevitable and necessary.

  • East County
  • Opinion
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 12, 2011
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 01.13.11

To send in your letters, please e-mail them to [email protected] or mail them to The East County Observer, 8788 State Road 70 E., Suite 103, Bradenton, FL., 34202.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Regular readers of The East County Observer may remember that Lyric Eng's first two Santa visits did not go so well. I am happy to report Santa's reign of terror over our boy has ended.
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • December 22, 2010
The most wonderful time of the year ...

With a staple gun in one hand and icicle lights dangling from the other, I climb clumsily up the ladder. It wobbles with each step until I reach the roof line. I only am able to trigger two staples in before I have to climb down and reposition the ladder.

  • East County
  • Opinion
No. 36: Holding both kids at the same time.
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • November 23, 2010
A father's list of Thanksgiving gratitude

This Thanksgiving, I offer this list of 50 reasons why I, as a father, am thankful this year.

  • East County
  • Opinion
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 28, 2010
The Observer gives election recommendations

Here is a summary of The Observer's candidate recommendations for the Nov. 2 election.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 27, 2010
OUR VIEW: Elections 2010: We recommend ...

It seems as though as it has been a generation since American voters have become as stoked as they are today about changing political directions.

  • East County
  • Opinion
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • September 29, 2010
LETTERS: Readers respond to 'Epidemic'

Last week, The East County Observer published an article titled "Epidemic." It focused on Justin Lizardi, the 20-year-old who in July was caught burglarizing homes in Heritage Harbour. His family shared details about Lizardi's longtime addiction to drugs, which he began using while a student Lakewood Ranch High School. See inside for readers' responses.

  • East County
  • Opinion
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • September 23, 2010
OUR VIEW: The amendments

Here we are again, on the cusp of another round of voting on amendments to the Florida Constitution.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
  • By George B. Kenworthy
  • September 8, 2010
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: McGonegal proposal just 'sleight of hand'

The new .25 millage tax increase proposed by Superintendent Tim McGonegal is nothing more than sleight of hand.

  • East County
  • Opinion
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 11, 2010
OUR VIEW: Elections 2010: We recommend ...

This is the year. These are the elections to sweep out the status quo and start anew. Stop doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.

  • East County
  • Opinion
  • By Rick Steele
  • July 14, 2010
LETTER TO THE LETTER: Regarding 'The Birth of Spirit of America'

I enjoyed your editorial of July 1, 2010. It is altogether fitting and proper that we honor those who were willing to give all to ensure the birth of our nation.

  • East County
  • Opinion
  • By Barkley Nash
  • July 14, 2010
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: School reductions unfair to substitutes

Great article on Manatee County Public Schools. However, I would like to make a comment and ask that you look into it further. Superintendent Tim McGonegal listed the reduction recommendations, and one in particular caught my eye - as well as one that was missing.

  • East County
  • Opinion
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Latest in East County

1
CEO Mike Bisaha says the new equipment will at least triple Big Top Brewing Co.'s beer production.
  • December 3, 2025
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2
Mill Creek's Ilana Simone, who performs as Ilana Armida, has returned to her roots after living in Los Angeles to pursue her musical career.
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Mill Creek musical artist continues to search for her audience
3
Lakewood Ranch High School graduate Jason Huh has founded a few different companies, including Sodi Pop. Sodi Pop is now available in a healthy vending machine at the school for staff and students to enjoy.
  • December 3, 2025
Sodi Pop, billed as a healthier product, comes to Lakewood Ranch High
4
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Ride service for Manatee County veterans is on the move
5
Commissioners George Kruse and Bob McCann are on opposite sides of the AAA High School vote. Kruse voted in favor of approving the site plan, and McCann voted to deny the site plan.
  • December 3, 2025
Manatee commissioners have final say about new school but no real power

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