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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
Incumbent tax collector addresses budget claims
  • By Letter to the Editor
  • September 11, 2024
Incumbent tax collector addresses budget claims

Barbara Ford-Coates writes to debunk claims about her budget and operations as Sarasota County tax collector.

  • 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
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
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
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
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
Students’ complaints fall on deaf ears
  • By Letter to the Editor
  • August 20, 2024
Students’ complaints fall on deaf ears

Things to consider in voting for Sarasota County School Board.

  • Sarasota
  • 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
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 News

1
Katherine Ceaser, Lydia Chapdelain and Jessica Armstrong
  • March 22, 2026
Art Center Sarasota brings Beaux Arts Ball back to celebrate centennial
2
Mike and Julie Paige, and Amber and Lenny Larson, pose by an "SRQ Wine" sign.
  • March 22, 2026
Festival pours wines from around the world, all at Selby Five Points Park
3
Sarasota's Tracy Tutton and Tania Cook, sisters from Canada, enjoy drinks while listening to Sweet Fleet at My Hometown Fest on March 21.
  • March 21, 2026
My Hometown Fest event raises funds for kids with speech needs
4
Lakewood Ranch's Kathleen Flesch, Sonia Levy, Jane Imperiale and Peri Ann Aptaker dress for the Palm Royale-themed Divas and Dogs fundraiser that will benefit The Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch.
  • March 21, 2026
Divas and Dogs brings together fashion and animal lovers
5
Sarasota Crew's championship-winning Women's U16 Eight boat races past opponents at Nathan Benderson Park in June 2025. The USRowing Youth National Championships are one of the biggest events on the local sports calendar for 2026.
  • March 20, 2026
Watersports events line up at Benderson Park in April

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