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Opinion

    By
  • Adrian Moore
  • November 13, 2019
How to make budgets useful for taxpayers

State and local government budget reporting should shift away from inputs and focus on performance.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Letter writer wants to see road improvements.
    By
  • Guest Author
  • November 11, 2019
Letters to the editor

Letter writer hopes for improvement on dangerous Lakewood Ranch roads.

  • East County
  • Opinion
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • November 7, 2019
Sarasota needs more visionary leaders to get things done

The Selby and school board decisions are convincing evidence Sarasotans deserve much better.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Two Marines have carried this flag to Vietnam, Philippines, Guam, Qatar, Israel, Jordan, Okinawa, South Korea DMZ and Iraq.
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • November 6, 2019
Veterans Day 2019: Thank you for your service

On the eve of Veterans Day, a personal story and gratitude to those who serve.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • November 6, 2019
The antidote for unaffordable housing: Deregulate

The lack of affordable housing in Sarasota County is an increasing problem that has potential to be helped.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Residents of historic Cortez Village are worried that a 65-foot fixed span will destroy the ambiance of the fishing village — in part because of the land the state will require through eminent domain (outlined in red).
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • October 31, 2019
Cortez's 30-year war

Anna Maria die-hards are continuing their battle to stop a fixed-span bridge. From a practical, macro and economic standpoint, the fixed span makes sense. But then there’s that old commitment.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • October 31, 2019
Beware of the vitriol

Don’t let the vitriolic hyperbole about Selby’s restaurant cloud the bigger picture. Every concession weakens Selby’s ability to achieve long-term sustainability.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Residents of Cortez Village are worried the roadway length and size for a 65-foot fixed span will destroy the ambiance of the fishing village — in part because the land the state will require through eminent domain (in red).
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • October 30, 2019
The 30-year war on Cortez Bridge

Anna Maria die-hards are continuing their 30-year war to stop a fixed-span bridge. From a practical, macro and economic standpoint, the fixed span makes sense. But then there’s that old commitment.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
  • By Tom Harmer
  • October 28, 2019
My View: Town debt doesn't rise to $100 million

Editorial's figures generally accurate but misleading.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
  • By Thomas Luzier
  • October 23, 2019
My View: Time for a reality check on Selby

Not in my backyard opposition to master plan has played out to an extreme.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • October 23, 2019
Sarasota County School Board must leave a positive legacy

Superintendent Todd Bowden’s handling of the sexual harassment charges against the district COO demonstrates he is not a good fit, nor fit for the job.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • October 17, 2019
The $15 minimum wage: What does it mean for Florida?

Floridians are likely to be voting in 2020 to mandate a 77% increase in Florida’s minimum wage. Don’t be fooled. It would be destructive to all Floridians — lost jobs, less service, higher prices.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • October 17, 2019
Longboat town debt to top $100 million

That’s a shocking amount for a little town of 7,000 population and an annual budget of $16 million. But when you add in all the ongoing projects, that number is real. Let’s hope there is no recession.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Although the nest had come down in front of Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church, the bald eagles still are there along White Eagle Boulevard.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • October 16, 2019
A land of wonder in Lakewood Ranch ... and a few worries

A land of wonder in Lakewood Ranch ... and a few worries

  • East County
  • Opinion
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • October 10, 2019
Sarasota government, school board bodies are doing a disservice to taxpayers

Every summer and fall, our government bodies produce enormous budget books with every last detail of how they’re spending your money. But it’s an exercise in confusion.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
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Latest News

1
Manatee County staff and key stakeholders toss ceremonial dirt to kick off construction on a half-mile trail segment that will span from the Lake Manatee Water Treatment Plant to Rye Preserver.
  • June 22, 2026
Trail system breaks ground near Lake Manatee
2
Sienna Linn, a rising first grader at Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy, says she has no pets at home but has had a blast with her dog, Mia, at the Little Vet School camp.
  • June 20, 2026
Little Vet School teaches skills at The Out-of-Door Academy's summer camp
3
Palmetto community leaders showed up strong at Longboat Island Chapel's latest charity drive to support Mt. Carmel Resource Center on June 16. From left, Deputy Ken Jewett, Sgt. Joy Jewett, Chief of Police Scott Tyler, City of Palmetto Mayor Daniel West, Shirley Pearson, executive director of Strength in Action, Inc., Rev. Brock Patterson, Pearson's sister Laura Wallace, and Town of Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton.
  • June 20, 2026
From food to furniture, chapel's programs continue to make an impact
4
Eadon Foster, a rising fourth grader at Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary, and Zion Stenzler, a rising fifth grader at Rowlett Elementary Academy, each use microscopes to look at a goldfish scale, dandelion fuzz, pollen, and more.
  • June 19, 2026
Mad Scientist Adventures Camp presents students with scientific challenges
5
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

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