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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
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
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Latest News

1
Katherine Ceaser, Lydia Chapdelain and Jessica Armstrong
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Mike and Julie Paige, and Amber and Lenny Larson, pose by an "SRQ Wine" sign.
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My Hometown Fest event raises funds for kids with speech needs
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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.
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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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