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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
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
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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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