Opinion | Longboat Key | Your Observer

Longboat Key | Opinion

Matt Walsh
January 29, 2025

The 50-year decision

The Karins report on the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall brings to the fore many dilemmas. The Van Wezel needs $17 million to keep going . It’s worth $80 million. Should the city be in the theater business?

Sarasota
Opinion

Matt Walsh
January 22, 2025

The Gulf of America: Yes!

Given what Mexico has done to the United States, Mexico doesn’t deserve to have that wonderful body of water named after it.

Longboat Key
Opinion

By Letter to the Editor
January 20, 2025

Celery Fields is for both people and the environment

A housing development on adjacent property would directly impact many programs and activities, a reader says.

Sarasota
Opinion

Adrian Moore
January 15, 2025

Florida shines fiscally

Measured against all states, Florida’s total liabilities per capita are among the lowest, thanks to Gov. DeSantis and the Legislature paying down debt. But local governments’ debt is another story.

Sarasota
Opinion

Matt Walsh
January 8, 2025

Don’t fret; growth slowing

For those who chafe at the so-called ‘out of control’ growth, take a breath. Florida’s and the local growth rates are slowing for good.

Sarasota
Opinion

By Jon Thaxton
January 6, 2025

Our priority: Developers, people?

Former Sarasota County Commissioner Jon Thaxton responds to Matt Walsh's Dec. 24 column regarding the possible development near the Celery Fields.

Sarasota
Opinion

Matt Walsh
January 1, 2025

The Word for 2025: ‘Elon’

Elon Musk is flawed. We all are. Nonetheless, Musk is emblematic of the mood of Americans. He symbolizes the can-do, pioneering spirit that made the United States. Forget the moon; shoot for Mars.

Sarasota
Opinion

Mirabai Holland
December 28, 2024

It's time to hit the reset button with the new year

Health is more than being sick or not. It is about balance and can lead to a smoother lifestyle.

Longboat Key
Opinion

Matt Walsh
December 24, 2024

Our priority: birds, people?

There is a simple solution to the proposed rezoning of the Smith Farm. The Audubon Society and stargazers should buy it.

Sarasota
Opinion

By Vittorio Nastasi
December 24, 2024

Victim-offender dialogues help victims’ healing process

A growing trend known as victim-offender dialogue is showing evidence of addressing many of victims’ needs while at the same time helping prevent recidivism.