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Opinion

Denise Kowal is a New Urbanist, downtown stakeholder of one of Sarasota’s most visible historic buildings and graduate of the SmartCode.
  • By Denise Kowal
  • May 31, 2012
My View: We shall not abandon the plan

In adopting the Downtown Sarasota Master Plan in January 2001, the city of Sarasota embraced the responsibility for civic parking, after hosting over the course of several years an inclusive, informative and transparent process that gained consensus among our entire community for the plan.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
  • By Gil Waters
  • May 31, 2012
My View: Let's demand the best for city manager

The first thing to be said is we need a system balancing local desires with experienced and skilled management.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
  • By Jorge Blanco
  • May 30, 2012
Castaway

Enjoy this week's Castaway cartoon.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 30, 2012
Our View: Don't fall for steelworker's sob

You have to be dreading the next five months. We are.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • May 30, 2012
Observed: My work here is done

Even if they let me have every page of this week's newspaper, I don't think I'd have enough room to write everything I want to say.

  • East County
  • Opinion
  • By Rod Thomson
  • May 24, 2012
My View: Neither racism nor guns is the problem

The media are determined to make a traditional liberal, anti-gun narrative out of the Trayvon Martin shooting and will cobble together any items necessary to keep the flames fanned.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
  • By Steve Queior and Fred Piccolo
  • May 24, 2012
My View: We're back on high ground

We think the chamber's Sarasota Tomorrow has re-ignited the business community's voice in Sarasota's future.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 23, 2012
Letters to the Editor

Larry Bustle deserves benefits; Journalistic effort appreciated

  • East County
  • Opinion
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 23, 2012
Our View: Surely the Villagers see reality

If Whitney Beach Plaza on north Longboat Key is ever to become a property befitting of Longboat Key, the following is the unavoidable reality and truth, which few Longboaters apparently wish to face.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • May 23, 2012
Observed: Outrage over FCAT misplaced

My reaction to the fallout in the wake of shocking failure numbers in Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test writing scores: The state's public-education leaders must be kidding.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Eva Rey is the executive director for Lakewood Ranch Town Hall.
  • By Eva Rey
  • May 23, 2012
My View: Preparedness key to storm survival

June 1 marks the beginning of hurricane season, and it is closer than you think if you do not have a disaster plan.

  • East County
  • Opinion
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 16, 2012
Our View: A good, good, good man

When our editors searched our archives for photos of Al Hogle, Executive Editor Lisa Walsh recalled the portrait of Chief Hogle published in October 2007, when he announced his candidacy for Sarasota County sheriff.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
While most of the kids chose one or two colors, Lyric wanted all of them.
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • May 16, 2012
Observed: Son's creativity knows no bounds

When our 4-year-old son, Lyric, was an infant, my side of the family took great joy in how much he looked like me as a baby.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Julie Aranibar, an East County resident, represents District 3 on the Manatee County School Board.
  • By Julie Aranibar
  • May 16, 2012
My View: My 'Words with Friends' play: P-R-O-M-I-S-E

As we begin the season of graduations and celebrations it is also the time for school boards across the state to prepare for next year's budget and schedules.

  • East County
  • Opinion
  • By Jorge Blanco
  • May 16, 2012
Castaway

Enjoy this week's Castaway cartoon.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
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