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Opinion

    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • July 22, 2021
Governments as developers

The strategy is to build a venue for farmers markets, concerts and art festivals, with the hope donors and taxpayers eventually will support a cultural and community center. Hope is never a good strategy.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • July 22, 2021
Why should voting be easy?

The easier it is to vote, the less it is valued.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • July 15, 2021
Wrong time for new tax

It makes little sense for the Sarasota County Commission to adopt a new tax for mental health services — especially when living costs are rising rapidly and the county is awash in federal cash.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • July 15, 2021
Kill the noise with kindness

When things go wrong, we call for government intervention. Perhaps some neighborly kindness can squelch the boisterous noise near Jewfish Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • July 15, 2021
St. Armands master plan called for hotel 13 years ago

It goes without saying in Florida that any major development will spark vocal opposition.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Jack Zimmerman is attempting to recruit more Lakewood Ranch seniors to his Sarasota Senior Softball Association leagues.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 9, 2021
Lakewood Ranch senior softball players forced to travel to compete

Sarasota Senior Softball Association gives Lakewood Ranch players an option.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Bill and Tina Gardner (center) celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with their children, Jennifer Shimkonis, Doug Gardner, Julie Warren and Billy Gardner.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 8, 2021
Lakewood Ranch couple celebrates 60th anniversary at the Country Club

Lakewood Ranch octogenarians celebrate their 60-year marriage at the Country Club.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Adrian Moore
  • July 6, 2021
Attempt to silence social media clearly unconstitutional

Legislation to control social media flies in the face of Gov. Desantis' and the GOP's free-market values.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • July 1, 2021
How will this end?

No one knows how the current strife in America will end. But we’ve been resilient for 245 years. And we know this, too: An essential ingredient to pursuing happiness is you must be free.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • June 24, 2021
Florida: A cradle of liberty!

Gannett Co.’s editors besmirched Florida and its 22.6 million people as ‘a cradle’ of hate, delusion and extremism — ignoring the hate, death and destruction wrought by the ‘peaceful’ protesters.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • June 16, 2021
Sarasota EDC: Take it private

Mike Moran sealed the deal by proposing to defund the economic development organization. The private sector should be in charge.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • June 10, 2021
A response to a response

Letter writer’s thoughtful letter raised questions that challenged whether our objections to CRT were hypocritical, given our laissez-faire, free-market leanings. We felt compelled to respond.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Cynthia Saunders, the superintendent of the School District of Manatee County, thanks the community for its support during a difficult school year.
    By
  • Guest Author
  • June 9, 2021
School District of Manatee County Superintendent gives thanks to community for support

School District of Manatee County Superintendent Cynthia Saunders applauds teachers, students, staff members and the community for a successful school year.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Since January, the average age of patients hospitalized at SMH with COVID-19 has dropped from the 70s to the mid-50s, and the average age of those dying has dropped more than 20 years.
  • By David Verinder
  • June 3, 2021
My View: Make the right call on getting a vaccine

Everyone who can should step up and help protect themselves, their families and the community.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
    By
  • Adrian Moore
  • June 3, 2021
The replacement for gas taxes

Mileage-based user fees offer multiple benefits to consumers and governments compared to gas taxes, but a big concern is making them replace gas taxes, not become just another new tax.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
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Latest News

1
Lockwood Ridge Road was closed near Gocio Road early Monday morning after a fatal incident between a vehicle and a pedestrian.
  • March 23, 2026
Pedestrian killed crossing Lockwood Ridge Road
2
The Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Board at a November meeting. Nick Gladding, third from the right, is stepping down as he prepares to take his oath of office for Town Commission on March 23.
  • March 23, 2026
Town to host meet and greet with board applicants
3
Manatee County staffers flew DJI drones in 2021 to help the town of Longboat Key monitor red tide blooms in the gulf.
  • March 23, 2026
Drone replacement costs add to Manatee County expenses
4
Katherine Ceaser, Lydia Chapdelain and Jessica Armstrong
  • March 22, 2026
Art Center Sarasota brings Beaux Arts Ball back to celebrate centennial
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Mike and Julie Paige, and Amber and Lenny Larson, pose by an "SRQ Wine" sign.
  • March 22, 2026
Festival pours wines from around the world, all at Selby Five Points Park

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