Opinion

By Jeff Brandes
June 2, 2026

This is not how to 'cut' taxes

The governor’s property tax plan won’t eliminate taxes. It will just shift them. Your city will become increasingly dependent on the state.

Sarasota
Opinion

Mirabai Holland
May 29, 2026

It's possible to live with arthritis. Here's how.

Exercise, as counter-intuitive as it might seem, can go a long way toward relief.

Longboat Key
Opinion

Matt Walsh
May 28, 2026

No good deed goes unpunished

St. Regis fight with town is a Longboat Key classic.

Longboat Key
Opinion

Matt Walsh
May 28, 2026

Cash grab in Manatee, too

While the Sarasota County tax collector has drawn ire for taking school district money, the Manatee County tax collector has taken even more and been doing it longer.

Sarasota
Opinion

By Letter to the editor
May 20, 2026

Take a long look at contributions

East County Observer Editor writes fiction

East County
Opinion

Jay Heater
May 20, 2026

Law enforcement officers' calling demands our attention

The Manatee County Law Enforcement Memorial Service is a reminder that men and women place their lives at risk for our safety.

East County
Opinion

By Joel Schleicher
May 15, 2026

It’s time to remove our own regimes

Our local, state and federal governments don’t slaughter citizens as they do in Iran, but there are similarities. We’ve become servants to our regimes.

Sarasota
Opinion

Jay Heater
May 13, 2026

Dog tired of spending money on Manatee County's animal shelters

After $12 million of improvements at the Bishop Animal Shelter, some county residents aren't satisfied with the conditions.

East County
Opinion

Matt Walsh
May 13, 2026

Lessons on how not to do it

The Sarasota tax collector-school board dispute has reached a partial resolution. Taking the high road can bring it to the best ending.

Sarasota
Opinion

By Letter to the Editor
May 12, 2026

Letter to our legislators: Don't turn USFSM over to New College

The fate of USF Sarasota-Manatee depends on the Legislature's special budget session. It will decide whether to shut down the college and transfer the buildings to New College.

Longboat Key
Opinion

Jay Heater
May 6, 2026

Don't judge Manatee County candidates solely on campaign contributions

Developers and builders have every right to contribute to candidates that represent their best interests.

East County
Opinion

By Adrian Moore, Nicole Shekhovtsova
May 6, 2026

Is the only way to protect kids online for all of us to give up our data?

Legislators are passing laws to verify the age of social media users — but does it inadvertently require these sites to keep more data than necessary?