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Opinion

New College plan makes no sense for taxpayers
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • March 7, 2024
New College plan makes no sense for taxpayers

New College of Florida’s new president, Richard Corcoran, and the DeSantis board appointees have an ambitious plan. But when you analyze the economics, you can’t justify the $400 million-plus cost to taxpayers.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Here is what LBK needs
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • March 6, 2024
Here is what LBK needs

Sure, Longboat residents would like all three venues — a community center, a dedicated education center and a library branch. The county has the cash for all three.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Scott Gutschewski holds up the 2023 LECOM Suncoast Classic trophy.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 29, 2024
Director gears up for 2024 LECOM Suncoast Classic

Justin Kristich says increasing the seating is a priority for the Lakewood Ranch event.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Start spreading the news
    By
  • Emily Walsh
  • February 28, 2024
Start spreading the news

Out with the old, in the with the new. The Observer may be the only newspaper company in the country installing new news racks.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
The 25,000-square-foot Lakewood Ranch Library is the only project that has been completed at Premier Park.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 22, 2024
No money, but Manatee County plans for new Palmetto park?

Premier project drags, but $30 million will be spent on a veterans' memorial park.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Don’t stop. Complete Longboat Key library project now.
  • By Letter to the Editor
  • February 21, 2024
Don’t stop. Complete Longboat Key library project now.

Longboat's mayor writes to urge on progress for the library project at the Town Center Green.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Clash of merit vs. politics
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • February 21, 2024
Clash of merit vs. politics

After 11 years as Manatee’s supervisor of elections, Mike Bennett is retiring March 1. He has recommended an obvious choice: his chief of staff. But a surprise candidate has also applied: Commissioner James Satcher.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Yes, don’t derail the town project, but get control of it
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • February 21, 2024
Yes, don’t derail the town project, but get control of it

We are in agreement with Mayor Ken Schneier. We don’t want Phase 3 of the town center project to be derailed.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Braden River Library is one of seven locations in the Manatee County Public Library System.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 15, 2024
Don't be a knucklehead. Take an eBay class at the Braden River Library.

Mike Ivankovich, an eBay guru, offers free seminar about how to buy and sell online.

  • East County
  • Opinion
The answer: Urban villages
  • By Edward J. Pinto
  • February 15, 2024
The answer: Urban villages

Mid-priced, working-class housing would expand with light-touch density in the city’s urban mixed-use areas.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Florida needs to do more to attract doctors
  • By Letter to the Editor
  • February 14, 2024
Florida needs to do more to attract doctors

An area doctor writes that Florida has several hurdles to clear in order to draw more medical professionals.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
This is what LBK wants
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • February 14, 2024
This is what LBK wants

Longboaters want a community center and education center. A library branch is tertiary. Commissioners: Take control of the process.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Berries are high in flavonoids, which makes them a great addition to a heart healthy diet.
    By
  • Mirabai Holland
  • February 12, 2024
A simple formula for a happy heart

Easy lifestyle modifications can make a big difference in your heart's health.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Keith Green is making a run for the District 7 at-large Manatee County Commission seat.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 8, 2024
District 7 candidate hits Lakewood Ranch streets

Keith Green explains why he hopes to unseat incumbent George Kruse.

  • East County
  • Opinion
What’s in it for neighbors?
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • February 8, 2024
What’s in it for neighbors?

Surely, Ride Entertainment knows what kind of storms it is about to encounter in its dream to add commercial amusements at City Island. You know the saying: Know your audience. Same applies: Know your neighbors.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
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1
Sarasota Military Academy is at 801 N. Orange Ave. in Sarasota.
  • August 5, 2026
Sarasota Military Academy's downtown campus listed for sale
2
Country Club East's Mark Allen Baker shows off his newest book, "Willian A. Brady — The Life of a Boxing and Broadway Impresario."
  • August 5, 2026
Classroom assignment can launch a career
3
The $2.6 million tax refund to the School District of Manatee County was voted by the county commissioners on July 28.
  • August 5, 2026
County sends $2.6 million back to Manatee schools
4
The Hermitage Artist Retreat programming includes free sunset concerts on the beach at its Manasota Key campus.
  • August 5, 2026
Arts incubator receives $450,000 in grants
5
Kids arrive by bus at Southside Elementary. School begins Monday in Sarasota County.
  • August 5, 2026
School zones will be active as kids return to school on Monday

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