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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
Eric Nuxol, the championship director for the Senior PGA Championship, says community involvement will be a huge key to success for the tourney.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 19, 2025
Sarasota, Manatee community involvement key to Senior PGA Championship success

Championship Director Eric Nuxol stimulates interest as ticket sales and volunteer registration has begun.

  • East County
  • Opinion
During Thanksgiving dinner, we could end up having triple the amount of daily intake of sugar. A workout in the morning can help keep your glucose levels low.
    By
  • Mirabai Holland
  • November 17, 2025
Avoid that sugar rush at your Thanksgiving dinner

Before dinner eat lightly, during dinner have moderate portions and save room for a small sample of dessert.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Florida lawmakers need to be aware of long-term pension strategy
  • By Zachary Christensen, Adrian Moore, Steven Vu
  • November 12, 2025
Florida lawmakers need to be aware of long-term pension strategy

The state pension fund is still in a deficit and policymakers should avoid financial risks.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
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Latest News

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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