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Opinion

Longboat Key Mayor George Spoll
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • June 6, 2018
Blustery, yes, but right

George Spoll takes it to Bradenton Beach.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
U.S. Marines after the Battle of Belleau Wood in World War I in France
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • June 6, 2018
D-Day and 100 years after Belleau Wood

D-Day and the Battle of Belleau Woods

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Martin Hyde
  • By Martin Hyde | Contributor
  • June 5, 2018
Martin Hyde: Prophetic? City challenges came to fruition

We’ve been hearing empty promises from City Hall for years — from people who can’t, or won’t, fulfill them.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Among the projects facing taxpayers is $250 million, probably more, to build one or two performing arts centers on The Bay site, while preserving the existing Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, which will need refurbishing.
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • May 31, 2018
Vote of no confidence

Given their history, it’s difficult to think Sarasotacommissioners can make the right decisions on the bayfront. They should charge The Bay’s board to present a plan to voters.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • May 30, 2018
Population fuels spending

Florida's growth is good news.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Sandy Loevner and Jan Crudele, with the Florida Winefest & Auction.
    By
  • Kat Wingert
  • May 23, 2018
Follow the money

The Winefest awarded $187,300. Over its 28 years, it has donated more than $8.5 million to charities that help children — and this is just one small organization in Sarasota’s huge philanthropy scene.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • May 23, 2018
They chose liberty over enslavement

Monday is Memorial Day

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
  • By Tom Barwin, Sarasota City Manager
  • May 22, 2018
Tom Barwin: We have listened, tried to be reasonable about Big Pass dredging

The city has insisted, and the permit will require, that we monitor the Big Pass project to be certain it does no harm.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
The city’s pursuit of Big Pass sand continues to raise the question: Why create endless strife and risk unknown effects when other options exist?
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • May 17, 2018
Look elsewhere for Lido Key sand

Sarastoa's pursuit of Big Pass sand continues to raise the question: Why create endless strife and risk unknown effects when other options exist?

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin "Bibi" Netanyahu, right, greets U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
    By
  • Columnist .
  • May 16, 2018
Only one U.N. member has not had the right to choose its capital

US moves its embassy to Jerusalem.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • May 16, 2018
Do not take this lightly

Longboat Key residents need to decide the fate of streetlights.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Emily Walsh
  • May 9, 2018
The opioid crisis here is real — and big

Manatee County has the highest opioid death rate in the state. Even so, local efforts to combat it are making some progress.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Adrian Moore
  • May 3, 2018
Why  Florida’s  Medical  Marijuana  Program  Is  Failing

Here’s a solution to fix implementation woes.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Longboat Key Mayor George Spoll
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • May 2, 2018
Accountability thing

Mayor Spoll should ask his colleagues to set priorities. Taxpayers want to know.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • May 2, 2018
School boards, sheriffs are doing a disservice to local taxpayers

Why can't the in leadership the counties and school boards work together to do the right thing?

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
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Latest News

1
A Goodwill bookstore and donation center will occupy the new outparcel building at 3160 Gulf of Mexico Drive by the end of the year.
  • December 16, 2025
Goodwill to open Dec. 18 on Longboat Key
2
Sixth grader Stella Schechter holds up a finished craft for David Stone.
  • December 16, 2025
Emanu-El students celebrate Hanukkah with Aviva Senior Living residents
3
Bo O'Daniel poses for a photo on Dec. 15 at Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School. The senior had three touchdown catches for the Cougars in the Dec. 10 FHSAA Class 2A state championship.
  • December 16, 2025
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Bo O'Daniel
4
Richard Thomas stars in "Mark Twain Tonight!" at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Dec. 19-20.
  • December 16, 2025
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for Dec. 18-24
5
Kindergartener Santiago Perez checks out the crochet items.
  • December 16, 2025
Holiday House SRQ now serves a fifth school, but holiday shopping costs rise

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