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East County | Opinion

The six amendments
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • October 9, 2024
The six amendments

Every four years, Florida voters face a flurry of proposed amendments to the state constitution. This year, six proposed amendments will be on the ballot.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Manatee County citizens should support school property tax referendum
  • By Richard Tatem
  • October 7, 2024
Manatee County citizens should support school property tax referendum

School board member Richard Tatem says passing the referendum is essential to providing a quality education.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Nov. 5: Road to serfdom or the road to liberty?
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • October 2, 2024
Nov. 5: Road to serfdom or the road to liberty?

Democracy leads to the lousy getting on top; subsidizing and producing more bad behavior; and economic fascism. The November election won’t stop all that, but the right choice can be a start.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Premier Sports Campus is one of many Manatee County amenities that the tourist development tax helps fund.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • September 18, 2024
Do your research on Manatee's tourist tax

The 1% increase makes sense to keep our attractions pristine.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Lifestyle investments by SMR brought entertainers such as Sheri Nadelman to Waterside Place in Lakewood Ranch to make life just a little brighter.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • September 12, 2024
SMR takes harder path toward Lakewood Ranch success

Investments in lifestyle and conservation pay off in the long run for SMR.

  • East County
  • Opinion
SMR Senior Vice President Laura Cole talks about Lakewood Ranch's accomplishments over 30 years.
  • By Laura Cole
  • September 12, 2024
Celebrating 30 years

Lakewood Ranch represents our legacy of vision and community building.

  • East County
  • Opinion
This is the latest rendering that shows the aquatics and pickleball complex (top right), the library, a parking garage and a Sheriff's Office substation at Premier Park. Could a events center be next?
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • September 4, 2024
Hopefully, Manatee County is about to rain transparency

Whether it comes to road projects or an indoor facility, the residents need to be better informed.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Janet Reardon was at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall Aug. 20 to show support for Scott Farrington and George Kruse.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 28, 2024
Angry Manatee taxpayers release their wrath by voting

The new commission must embrace smart growth and bring environmental issues to forefront.

  • East County
  • Opinion
George Kruse is the right choice
  • By Letters to the editor
  • August 16, 2024
George Kruse is the right choice

East County Observer's letters to the editor

  • East County
  • Opinion
Manatee County needs to study reasons for Lakewood Ranch flooding
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 14, 2024
Manatee County needs to study reasons for Lakewood Ranch flooding

Summerfield residents say the release of extra water at the Lake Manatee Dam could be responsible.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Correcting your mischaracterization of Manatee County District 5 candidates
  • By Letter to the Editor
  • July 26, 2024
Correcting your mischaracterization of Manatee County District 5 candidates

District 5 candidate Robert McCann sets the record straight.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Source of Manatee's strife
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • July 24, 2024
Source of Manatee's strife

The Manatee County Commission primary races are not elections between liberal and conservative. They are about whether to eliminate antagonizing behavior.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Fireworks are the highlight of Fireworks on the Lake at Nathan Benderson Park.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 11, 2024
Lowering the boom on my love of fireworks

The fuse is lit every year on social media regarding the love/hate of fireworks.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Is a little fear of technology app-propriate?
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 3, 2024
Is a little fear of technology app-propriate?

Columnist tries to overcome anxiety to try two new apps that will benefit Lakewood Ranch community.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Lakewood Ranch's JoAnne and John Lawler bring attention to Flag Day on Lakewood Ranch Boulevard.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 20, 2024
Did you notice Old Glory on Flag Day?

June 14 is always a good time to salute our flag's history.

  • East County
  • Opinion
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Latest in East County

1
Rising senior quarterback Louisen Desinor will start under center for Braden River High football in the fall. This spring was his opportunity to strengthen bonds with the playmakers around him.
  • May 25, 2026
High school coaches defend relevancy of spring football in Florida
2
Though Florida Power & Light employs a variety of advanced technology to avoid power failures, often the basic work of tree trimming goes a long way toward heading off trouble.
  • May 24, 2026
With our deep dependence on power, FPL gears up to keep the lights on
3
A rendering of the 12U baseball/softball fields five-plex that will be built at UMR Sports complex in East County.
  • May 23, 2026
Expansion 'gets real' at UMR Sports of Bradenton
4
Oceane Visa, who says she has waited years to walk across the stage for graduation, is congratulated by Head of School Debra Otey.
  • May 22, 2026
Out-of-Door Academy graduates showed up for the moments that matter most
5
Leighton Paul (right), pictured here during the FHSAA Class 5A-Region 3 final May 14 against Gulf Coast, was Braden River's leadoff hitter this season. She went 0-for-3 in the state semifinals against Niceville.
  • May 22, 2026
Late rally not enough for Braden River High softball in state semifinals

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