Opinion

Jay Heater
May 21, 2025

A Memorial Day service in Lakewood Ranch would warrant a gold star

Move of Tribute to Heroes Parade to November leaves a void.

East County
Opinion

By Adrian Moore, Eliza Terziev
May 21, 2025

How to boost affordability

There are some simple steps Sarasota city and county can take to relieve the lack of housing that is affordable — and it’s not requiring public subsidies.

Sarasota
Opinion

Matt Walsh
May 21, 2025

How we compare

Living in a capitalistic, competitive society, we all like to know how we compare. Are we best? Worst? First? Last?

Sarasota
Opinion

Matt Walsh
May 14, 2025

Manatee does it again

Learning Manatee commissioners voted to pursue voiding a contract was too much for SMR’s Rex Jensen.

East County
Opinion

By Letter to the Editor
May 13, 2025

County should study traffic before buying admin building

Give animals on University Parkway a brake, one Observer reader says.

East County
Opinion

Matt Walsh
May 8, 2025

There’s no need for search

The idea of enduring the City Commission's search for a city manager could make you cringe. So why do it when the best and right candidate is already here?

Sarasota
Opinion

Jay Heater
May 7, 2025

Manatee's proposed $23.5 million purchase raises transparency issues

While buying a Lakewood Ranch building appears to be positive for East County, residents had little chance to offer input.

East County
Opinion

Matt Walsh
May 7, 2025

LBK survey: What about $?

It's no surprise Longboat Key residents expressed high satisfaction in the town survey. That's great. But maybe they also should be asked about their taxes.

Longboat Key
Opinion

Jay Heater
April 30, 2025

Stillpoint Mission Appeal sets another record for Bob Smith and friends

Time to celebrate charity, and to get some swim lessons, in Lakewood Ranch.

East County
Opinion

Matt Walsh
April 30, 2025

Tyranny of Trump's tariffs

Who is ripping off whom in international trade. How can Donald Trump know more about tariffs than 250 years of economic evidence? Tariffs punish everyone.

Sarasota
Opinion

By Randall G. Holcombe
April 30, 2025

In truth, our trade deficits benefit Americans

While the Trump administration’s economic policies are aimed at least partly toward eliminating the nation’s balance of payments deficits, Americans should understand that they benefit from those deficits.

Sarasota
Opinion

Matt Walsh
April 30, 2025

Noted economists past and present on tariffs and free trade

In any discussion to understand free trade, protectionism and tariffs, there is no debate among credible economists: Free trade: good; protectionism and tariffs: bad.