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Opinion

Property tax issue is a big one for Longboaters
  • By Letter to the Editor
  • February 3, 2026
Property tax issue is a big one for Longboaters

If the elimination of property taxes is being discussed, school taxes must also be considered for communities such as Longboat Key, a reader says.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Rather than tackling everything at once, attaining small habit changes can help you meet bigger goals and better health in the new year.
    By
  • Mirabai Holland
  • January 28, 2026
Use your healthy habits to find fabulosity

When considering goals, it's easy to get overwhelmed. But small habits gives us the power to achieve larger — and lasting — change.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Orchestra, SPAC should combine efforts
  • By Letter to the Editor
  • January 28, 2026
Orchestra, SPAC should combine efforts

One reader says rather than take on two projects worth $800 million, the Sarasota Orchestra and Sarasota Performing Arts Center should collaborate on a new center for the arts.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Real cost of public notice
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • January 28, 2026
Real cost of public notice

State lawmakers keep saying public notices are a cost issue that needs fixing. They’re missing the point.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Commissioner George Kruse says adopting a county charter is worth exploring. "Anything we can do to have a say, is a good thing," he says.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 14, 2026
Charter for Manatee County is an interesting prospect

In wake of a $40 million veterans project, residents might want more impact on major financial decisions.

  • East County
  • Opinion
2026 Word: Laissez-faire
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • January 7, 2026
2026 Word: Laissez-faire

That two-word phrase is a reminder — a reminder to politicians and officeholders to let us live our lives the way we want to live, and a reminder that we must teach the next generations of the virtues of capitalism.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Gulf of Mexico Drive isn't just Longboat Key's main street — it is its only street
  • By Letter to the Editor
  • January 6, 2026
Gulf of Mexico Drive isn't just Longboat Key's main street — it is its only street

Keeping the island's only thoroughfare as efficient as possible should be the primary goal of any Complete Streets plan.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Country Club member Bob Smith, Lifestyle Director Tonya Jansson, and General Manager Ryan Glenn show a check for $102,200 raised through Heritage Cares' Lakewood Ranch Cares — Five Days of Giving initiative.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • December 24, 2025
Lakewood Ranch comes forward as a community of giving

A lot of good done by area nonprofits and organizations goes unnoticed.

  • East County
  • Opinion
SMR's new coffee table book, "Lakewood Ranch — A Legacy of Living with the Land" is available locally and on Amazon.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • December 10, 2025
'Lakewood Ranch — A Legacy of Living with the Land' is a fun history lesson

The coffee table book, written by Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, documents the development of a successful, southwest Florida community.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Will some of us say goodbye to property taxes?
    By
  • Adrian Moore
  • December 10, 2025
Will some of us say goodbye to property taxes?

A proposed cut to property taxes sounds like a good idea, but, as always, it comes with unintended consequences.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Why should e-bikes be forced into danger?
  • By Letter to the Editor
  • December 9, 2025
Why should e-bikes be forced into danger?

The road is a dangerous place for bikes, be it regular or electric. Create rules for all cyclists that keep everyone safe on the multiuse path.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Holiday stress can take away from the joy of the season.
    By
  • Mirabai Holland
  • December 9, 2025
How to stress less during the holidays

This can be a time of limited time and lofty expectations. How to make sure you're taking care of yourself to stay healthy and enjoy the season.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
The Athletics and Aquatics Center at Premier Sports Campus North is pictured Oct. 17 under construction. Soon to offer the only long-course pool in Lakewood Ranch, it figures to be the main destination for the area's top swimming talents.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • December 3, 2025
Hey Santa, how about a finished Premier park for Lakewood Ranch?

The wish is for the long overdue park project to be finished in the next couple years.

  • East County
  • Opinion
The runners all reach for their watches as the 2024 Florida Turkey Trot begins at Nathan Benderson Park.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 24, 2025
Pass the turkey, and the thanks during a special holiday

Lakewood Ranch has so much contributors who make our home a great place to live.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Food for thought at Thanksgiving
  • By Greg Campbell
  • November 22, 2025
Food for thought at Thanksgiving

Local Chef Greg Campbell talks about the impact of food trucks.

  • East County
  • Opinion
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Latest News

1
St. Lucie County Administrator George Landry has been recommended by Howard Tipton to replace him as town manager as Tipton prepares to retire.
  • June 19, 2026
New town manager recommended for Longboat Key
2
Attendees were impressed by the fireworks across Sarasota Bay.
  • June 19, 2026
Fourth of July 2026 events in Sarasota, Longboat Key and Lakewood Ranch
3
Woman charged in three high-profile Sarasota burglaries
  • June 18, 2026
Woman charged in three high-profile Sarasota burglaries
4
Tony Barrett speaks at a candidate forum in April at the Lakewood Ranch Country Club.
  • June 18, 2026
Manatee County Commission candidate charged with domestic battery
5
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.
  • June 18, 2026
Driver dies of injuries in blowout-triggered crash in Sarasota

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