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Opinion

Lorraine Road/Players Drive roundabout makes no sense
  • By Rex E. Jensen
  • September 27, 2023
Lorraine Road/Players Drive roundabout makes no sense

SMR's Rex Jensen gives his view of the Manatee County roundabout project scheduled for Lorraine Road and Players Drive.

  • East County
  • Opinion
The social service brouhaha
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • September 27, 2023
The social service brouhaha

Should county tax dollars be used to fund social service organizations? Where do you draw the line?

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
General Manager Steve Dietz shows off the pristine conditions at Waterlefe Golf & River Club.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • September 21, 2023
The grass is greener after $5M renovation at Waterlefe Golf & River Club

The Bradenton upscale community is improving the golf course and expanding its clubhouse.

  • East County
  • Opinion
How capitalism is starting to fill an unmet need
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • September 21, 2023
How capitalism is starting to fill an unmet need

Neal Communities plans to build hundreds of attainable homes. But the economic reality is they must be built out in the suburbs.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
The case for hiring more
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • September 20, 2023
The case for hiring more

Longboat Town Manager Tipton wasn’t exactly convincing that the town needs to expand its employee count. Come next year, we’ll need to know.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
  • By Mirabai Holland
  • September 17, 2023
How old do you want to be?

A confluence of health issues can lead to metabolic syndrome, but lifestyle changes can reduce the risk factors.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
How to avoid a cookie-cutter downtown
  • By Letter to the Editor
  • September 14, 2023
How to avoid a cookie-cutter downtown

A reader writes that Sarasota's appeal depends on its mixture of building heights downtown.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Waterside of Lakewood Ranch's Bob Smith was honored as Humanitarian of the Year by the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund in 2022.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • September 14, 2023
Lakewood Ranch Community Fund's Humanitarian of the Year nominations due

A new Junior Humanitarian of the Year will be awarded a $1,000 scholarship.

  • East County
  • Opinion
  • By Adrian Moore, Baruch Feigenbaum
  • September 13, 2023
A new path for local public transit

Despite population growth, county bus systems have seen a decline in riders.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Housing affordability crisis
  • By Matt Walsh
  • September 7, 2023
Housing affordability crisis

Sarasota commissioners took a good step that will help. But they and the county need to be bolder.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
How long will our streak last?
  • By Matt Walsh
  • September 7, 2023
How long will our streak last?

The area has been fortunate to avoid a direct hit from a hurricane. Will we always be this lucky?

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Compare your tax burden to that of other cities
  • By Matt Walsh
  • September 7, 2023
Compare your tax burden to that of other cities

See for yourself how your local government stacks up with it comes to managing its money wisely.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
The playground at the Greenbrook Adventure Park in Lakewood Ranch is designed to flood during huge weather events, but Hurricane Idalia left only puddles.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • September 6, 2023
I shudder to think of the consequences of not putting up shutters

Residents of Lakewood Ranch area mostly were confident of not having to put up shutters for Hurricane Idalia.

  • East County
  • Opinion
‘Investments’ vs. increased operating costs
  • By Bob and Shannon Gault
  • September 2, 2023
‘Investments’ vs. increased operating costs

A reader writes to question the town of Longboat Key's spending.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Among the proposed changes to the city's parking program is metered spaces on Ben Franklin Drive along Lido Beach. Those spaces are currently free of charge.
  • By Letter to the Editor
  • August 31, 2023
What separates Sarasota from other Florida cities

A reader writes that free parking contributes to Sarasota's inclusiveness and quality-of-life appeal.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
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Latest News

1
Jennifer Rominiecki brought the living museum concept to Marie Selby Botanical Gardens when she was named president and CEO in 2015.
  • February 5, 2026
Botanical gardens' potential lured Rominiecki family to Sarasota
2
Capt. A.J. Grande operates a "six pack" fishing charter business who often picks up and drops off customers at Nora Patterson Park.
  • February 5, 2026
Permits will be required for charter boat operators using county parks
3
The home at 3851 Tangier Terrace was built in 2024 and has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,379 square feet of living area.
  • February 5, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for Jan. 19-23 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis
4
District 2 Commissioner Penny Gold walks in a parade in 2021.
  • February 5, 2026
Longboat commissioner appointed to National League of Cities committee
5
Sarasota residents Erma and Dave Miller were drawn into the world of bicycle motocross because of their son, Doug Miller, and have spent decades in the sport.
  • February 5, 2026
Sarasota couple stand side by side with BMX

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