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Longboat Key | Opinion

Recommendations explained and local tax ballot questions
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • October 16, 2024
Recommendations explained and local tax ballot questions

Those of you who have slogged through the many long diatribes on this page surely are familiar by now with the predictable slant at election time.

  • Sarasota
  • 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
This was a busy few opening weeks so far
    By
  • Michael Harris
  • October 8, 2024
This was a busy few opening weeks so far

In Michael Harris' first three weeks as managing editor of the Longboat and Sarasota Observers, the area has had two hurricanes.

  • Sarasota
  • 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
The republic that’s failing
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • September 25, 2024
The republic that’s failing

All the talk about ‘threats to democracy’ and ‘destroying democracy’ are totally off the mark. It’s mob-rule democracy that is destroying the republic and destroying Americans’ individual liberty.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Ford-Coates refutes Moran's charges
  • By Letter to the Editor
  • September 23, 2024
Ford-Coates refutes Moran's charges

The Sarasota County Tax Collector answers allegations made by her challenger in the November election.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Observer recommends …
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • September 18, 2024
Observer recommends …

This week begins the Observer’s general election recommendations for a few races and the state amendments.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Incumbent's rhetoric lacks accuracy
  • By Letter to the Editor
  • September 17, 2024
Incumbent's rhetoric lacks accuracy

Candidate Mike Moran responds to Tax Collector Barbara Ford-Coates' letter to the editor.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Extraordinary content
    By
  • Emily Walsh
  • September 11, 2024
Extraordinary content

Winning awards is one thing, but making a difference in our readers’ lives and helping our partners grow is our mission.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Opening of St. Regis is not all good news
  • By Letter to the Editor
  • September 5, 2024
Opening of St. Regis is not all good news

Some Longboaters are disappointed in what the St. Regis development could have been.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Speak now, or forever …
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • September 4, 2024
Speak now, or forever …

Time is running out for taxpayers to let elected officials know what they think of the way they’re spending your money.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Walking has all kinds of cardiac benefits, and it can make you feel younger.
    By
  • Mirabai Holland
  • September 1, 2024
For good health, the answer is simple: Take a walk

Getting your steps in can help keep you feeling younger and protect against multiple maladies.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Backlash and affirmation
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • August 28, 2024
Backlash and affirmation

Negative campaigning backfired in the Manatee primary, while Sarasota voters showed rejection of two incumbents and affirmation for two others.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
In defense of developers
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • August 14, 2024
In defense of developers

It was certainly a cringe moment recently when former Sarasota County Sheriff Tom Knight, who is running for the District 3 Sarasota County Commission seat, made a comment about the region’s most prominent developers.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Final Observer recommendations
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • August 14, 2024
Final Observer recommendations

Here is why U.S. elections should revert to occurring only on election day: Things happen up to the last day that can change voters’ minds. Such is the case this cycle.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
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Latest in Longboat Key

1
Longboat Key Police Deputy Chief Frank Rubino (left) accepts a framed display of medals, patches and pins that demonstrate his 45-year career in law enforcement.
  • December 13, 2025
Longboat deputy chief with 45 years of experience to retire
2
The building at the corner of N. Boulevard of the Presidents and Madison Drive may be the location of a revived Shore Restaurant on St. Armands Circle.
  • December 12, 2025
Shore Restaurant could return to St. Armands
3
Beth Stewart and Christine Parseghian joined in the festive fun of the Frosty Frolic golf tournament on Dec. 9 at Harbourside Golf Course.
  • December 11, 2025
Ladies dress to impress at Frosty Frolic
4
The team including Rick and Josie Bertie and Paul Christenson won second place overall and the award for best "docktail" at the Lighting of the Docks on Dec. 6 at Longboat Harbour.
  • December 11, 2025
Longboat Harbour light competition delights viewers
5
Many holiday events took place the first weekend of December, but there are still plenty of opportunities for festive fun to have on the keys.
  • December 11, 2025
Catch Santa on Longboat Key before Christmas

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