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Opinion

A united effort is needed
  • By Letter to the Editor
  • April 29, 2025
A united effort is needed

There's a short time left to raise the necessary funds for Longboat Key's new civic space and library.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Weight-loss drugs still require lifestyle changes
    By
  • Mirabai Holland
  • April 28, 2025
Weight-loss drugs still require lifestyle changes

If you have to use the semaglutide medicines for weight loss, you still need exercise and a balanced diet.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
A legacy for us to carry on
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • April 23, 2025
A legacy for us to carry on

Modest, likable, trusted, respected, Charlie Stottlemyer is a testament to a life well-lived — and to which we should aspire.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Sarasota's downtown Mira Mar faces an important compromise
    By
  • Michael Harris
  • April 21, 2025
Sarasota's downtown Mira Mar faces an important compromise

The historic Mira Mar was built in 60 days but has withstood time. Now crumbling, it needs to be saved.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Ringling, Selby serve as models for SPAC
  • By Letters to the Editor
  • April 21, 2025
Ringling, Selby serve as models for SPAC

Both were created during challenging times and both show how an investment can pay off.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
LWRCF's Mark Clark and Kate Mulligan stand with former humanitarians of the year Philip Reber (representing Lakewood Ranch Medical Center's selection in 2021), Bob Smith (2022) and Heather Hackett (2024) in front of the now up-to-date plaque.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 16, 2025
LWR Community Foundation makes a statement by taking care of little problem

Its plaque to honor the humanitarian of the year is once again up-to-date.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Let kids be independent
  • By Adrian Moore, Zachary Christensen
  • April 16, 2025
Let kids be independent

Florida lawmakers are on the verge of giving parents more leeway in deciding how much independence to give to their children and not be charged with neglect.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Which is greater: Christ’s birth, resurrection?
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • April 16, 2025
Which is greater: Christ’s birth, resurrection?

Which is the greater: Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ, or Easter, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ?

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Longboat is far different than it was in 1955
  • By Letters to the Editor
  • April 15, 2025
Longboat is far different than it was in 1955

Many things like gas and operating expenses cost more now than back then.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
AI: The next new frontier?
    By
  • Kat Wingert
  • April 9, 2025
AI: The next new frontier?

While some media organizations are clamoring to be leaders in artificial intelligence, the Observer is following a different approach.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
The other side of Hi Hat
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • April 3, 2025
The other side of Hi Hat

Who is trying to rip off whom? Tom Knight fueled outrage with incorrect statements. Follow the history. It’s a totally different story.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
SpaceX plans to open a launch site as part of a new expansion at the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ).
    By
  • Michael Harris
  • April 2, 2025
It's annual, it's fun, and we gotcha with the Observer's April Fool's editions

SRQ's Rick Piccolo had to dispel a "rumor" that SpaceX is building a spaceport at the airport.

  • April Fools
Round and about on LBK
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • April 2, 2025
Round and about on LBK

Longboaters sent $102 million across the bay in 2024. Susan Phillips will be missed. Mayor Schneier is setting records.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
New College-USF: Hey, someone make the case
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • April 2, 2025
New College-USF: Hey, someone make the case

Ah, yes, the never-ending debate: What to do about New College of Florida and the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
'Quite appalling' to call Dr. Fauci 'dishonest'
  • By Letter to the Editor
  • March 26, 2025
'Quite appalling' to call Dr. Fauci 'dishonest'

The scientific community regards COVID vaccines as not perfect, but they save lives.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
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Latest News

1
Santa greets visitors from the window of 9605 Governor's Club Place in The River Club.
  • December 20, 2025
Christmas decorating isn't just for kids
2
The Family Church caroling crew from left to right is Melody Johnson, Laurie Houston, Nancy Pilato, Pastor Phil Derstine and Terrial Robinson.
  • December 20, 2025
East Manatee church members will go through bars to spread Christmas joy
3
Evidence discovered in the home of 33-year-old Demond L. Smith who was arrested by Sarasota police on multiple charges.
  • December 20, 2025
Repeat felon faces charges in Sarasota drug bust
4
Keera Herbst, Donn Githens, Kim Verreault and Alexa Olivas help celebrate the opening of the new Longboat Key Goodwill bookstore and donation site on Dec. 18.
  • December 20, 2025
Longboat Goodwill officially celebrates grand opening
5
Traffic cleared after fire, bridge malfunction in Sarasota, Longboat
  • December 19, 2025
Traffic cleared after fire, bridge malfunction in Sarasota, Longboat

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