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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
A plea for community engagement: Sarasota's attainable housing plan
  • By David Lough
  • August 31, 2023
A plea for community engagement: Sarasota's attainable housing plan

As the city embarks on increasing density to create lower-cost housing, neighbors should still have a venue to give feedback on future developments.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Our Lady of the Angels' Pat Martino joins Catholic Charities' Gloria Romero and Eddie Gloria as they collect items for the Boots and Bandanas' silent auction.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 31, 2023
Our Lady of the Angels event brings out the best in the community

Lakewood Ranch's generosity is on display as Catholic Charities' Boots and Bandanas event approaches.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Idalia cannot be ignored
    By
  • Emily Walsh
  • August 29, 2023
Idalia cannot be ignored

For native Floridians, it’s easy to get jaded and to brush off another hurricane as "no big deal." But coming off last year’s devastating Hurricane Ian, it’s no time to be complacent.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Manatee County Commissioners Raymond Turner, James Satcher, Kevin Van Ostenbridge, Jason Bearden and George Kruse celebrated the opening of the 44th Avenue Bridge over the Braden River on Aug. 7. Commissioners Amanda Ballard and Mike Rahn were not in attendance.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 24, 2023
Manatee County commissioners record new highs and lows

The decision to cut wetland protections sparks anger while the 44th Avenue extension generates joy.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Disheartening demise
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • August 23, 2023
Disheartening demise

The St. Armands BID did a lot of good. But now that it’s gone, new leaders needs to fill the void.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • August 17, 2023
Cities, counties throw a bone

As their revenues and spending will be rising at double-digit rates, your tax rates will be falling a pittance.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
AG Moody tries to snuff weed
  • By Adrian Moore, Geoffrey Lawrence, Madison Carlino
  • August 16, 2023
AG Moody tries to snuff weed

Florida’s attorney general is trying to prevent voters from deciding whether the state should legalize recreational marijuana for adults.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
About time they give back
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • August 16, 2023
About time they give back

Sarasota County officials say they’ll use county money to build a public library on Longboat. They also should fund a community center.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Lakewood Ranch's Adrian Olivo brings his canoe to shore after competing in the Men's Masters B 200 meters of the ACA Sprint Canoe National Championships at Nathan Benderson Park. He finished third in 57.911.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 13, 2023
Nathan Benderson Park exec says local rowing/paddling talent will surface

The Sarasota park will continue to host world class events with a new staff in place.

  • East County
  • Opinion
What is the benefit to us?
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • August 9, 2023
What is the benefit to us?

Last week, we urged Republicans to think whether a second Trump presidency would be any different or better than the first. This week: Tell us, Joe Biden, how persecuting Trump will improve our lives.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Trump II? Think about it
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • August 2, 2023
Trump II? Think about it

Humpty Dumpty would be better than what we have. But for all of the diehard Trump supporters, here’s a thought: What makes you think a Trump II will be any different and better for the U.S. than Trump I?

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
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Santa (Steven Trudell of St. Petersburg) gets the runners fired up just before the start of the 2025 Jingle 5K Dec. 12 in Lakewood Ranch.
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  • December 12, 2025
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