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Opinion

There's something rotten in the city of Sarasota
  • By Letters to the Editor
  • August 6, 2026
There's something rotten in the city of Sarasota

An Observer reader says politics in the city of Sarasota has taken on some of the ugly aspects of much larger cities.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Country Club East's Mark Allen Baker shows off his newest book, "Willian A. Brady — The Life of a Boxing and Broadway Impresario."
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 5, 2026
Classroom assignment can launch a career

Lakewood Ranch's Mark Allen Baker says one teacher's assignment launched his successful writing career.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Observer recommends: Federal, state races
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • August 5, 2026
Observer recommends: Federal, state races

Florida has had a good run with 16 years of GOP governors and legislators. Let’s hope voters keep the ‘Free State’ on track.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Conductor Joe Martinez leads the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble with Waterside Place in the background. Could the ensemble be playing at the new Rangeland High theater?
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 30, 2026
Manatee County should take a starring role with theater project

Helping the school district expand its Rangeland High theater is common sense.

  • East County
  • Opinion
How about constructive discourse?
  • By Bruce E. Franklin
  • July 29, 2026
How about constructive discourse?

The negative "us versus them" attitude is pervading the dialogue in Sarasota, overlooking so much of the good that has occurred.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Where are the statesmen?
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • July 29, 2026
Where are the statesmen?

Too many county commission candidates can make old-timers nostalgic for past public servants. And how sad: The drumbeat to stop development and vilify developers is myopic and dangerous rhetoric.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Observer recommends: Local races
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • July 29, 2026
Observer recommends: Local races

The Observer’s recommendations for primary races for Manatee County Commission and Manatee School Board; Sarasota County Commission, Sarasota City Commission, Sarasota School Board, Sarasota Hospital Board and Charter Review Board.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Carol Ricks, principal at Myakka City Elementary, says the point of the Jump a Bucket event was to motivate the students and take the anxiety out of the equation while test taking.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 22, 2026
Manatee School District teachers deserve our thanks

Fifteen schools in East County are awarded an A rating by the state.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Why the worst rise to top
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • July 15, 2026
Why the worst rise to top

By comparison to other U.S. locales, we are so fortunate in Manatee and Sarasota counties and in Florida.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Work has either started or will begin soon on four roundabouts on University Parkway, east of Lakewood Ranch Boulevard. University Parkway also is being widened from Lorraine Road to Bourneside Boulevard.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 8, 2026
Necessary construction will snarl University Parkway in Lakewood Ranch

Motorists should avoid as much of the congestion as possible by planning their trips ahead.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Lots of loopholes in Florida's laws on fines
  • By Adrian Moor, Vittorio Nastasi
  • July 8, 2026
Lots of loopholes in Florida's laws on fines

With a potential hit to general fund revenue coming, municipalities may have more incentive to supplement their income from fines.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
The 56 who signed for us
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • July 1, 2026
The 56 who signed for us

As many people have often said: Being an American is winning life’s lottery. Nowhere in the world are people as free as we are.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
DeSantis versus DeSantis
  • By Jeff Brandes, contributor
  • June 24, 2026
DeSantis versus DeSantis

One DeSantis encouraged starter homes. The other may have just made them fiscally impossible to approve.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Boston's Simeon John of Community Rowing celebrates his title in the USRowing Junior National Championships Sunday at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota. Would Nathan Benderson Park be around if Sarasota County didn't have access to property taxes?
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 17, 2026
Will Sarasota, Manatee counties lose their luxury living with reduced property taxes?

Both counties' signature amenities could be affected if amendment passes.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Another travesty of power
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • June 17, 2026
Another travesty of power

Everyone knows we need more affordable housing. But Sarasota County commissioners are more concerned about losing their home rule power.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
1 2 3 4 5 »
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Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport Fire Department Chief Jason Hackley and one of the agency's three trucks with onboard tanks that hold 400 gallons of firefighting foam.
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